Alumni Spotlights

2016 Distinguished PILI Fellow Alumni Award: Kristen E. Hudson
“Kristen has a heart of gold and the tenacity of a tiger. A true believer in pro bono, she clearly has a lifetime commitment to it.”

PILI Alumni Spotlight: Lindsey Schmeidler, 2016 Law Student Intern
“PILI has truly been a saving grace in giving me the financial ability to continue my lifelong commitment to public service.”

PILI Alumni Spotlight: John Adams, 2016 Graduate Fellow
“Above all, PILI gives my legal practice a sense of purpose – to ensure equal access to justice and equitable outcomes to all.”

PILI Alumni Spotlight: Laurie Mikva, 1982 Law Student Intern
“I have found that my passions are working on justice gap issues. I feel very lucky to have been able to spend my legal career in various public service endeavors.”

PILI Alumni Spotlight: Shawna Boothe, 2013 Graduate Fellow
“My commitment to service is at the center of my legal practice. I find my community service and pro bono work to be deeply rewarding, and a way to give my time and skills to improve the court system, the legal profession and the lives of the people we serve.”

PILI Alumni Spotlight: Cristina Headley, 2009 Law Student Intern
“PILI has provided me with an invaluable network of individuals who are committed to public service work and to fostering the commitment in the next generation of attorneys.”

PILI Alumni Spotlight: Kristen Hudson, 2003 Graduate Fellow
“My experience as a PILI Fellow has created my lasting belief that lawyers have the responsibility and duty to provide pro bono legal services to support the community’s needs.”

PILI Alumni Spotlight: Alberto M. Benítez, 1985 Law Student Intern
“To me, lawyers exist to help people who need help. The ‘haves’ are always going to do okay, but there are a lot of people who are in need. In our society, lawyers can play a critical role.”

PILI Alumni Spotlight: Lorie Chaiten, 1985 Graduate Fellow
“My experience as a PILI Fellow gave me the opportunity to see impact litigation in a legal services setting first hand. Most importantly, it introduced me to some of the leading social justice litigators in Chicago.”

PILI Alumni Spotlight: Jenna Silver, 2015 Law Student Intern
“I loved being surrounded by so many people who care deeply about the greater good.”