Every year, PILI presents several awards to acknowledge lawyers and legal programs whose dedication to service, fairness, and justice inspires us and makes us proud.

PILI's Annual Awards

• The Distinguished Public Service Award honors an individual whose commitment to public interest work has shaped a career dedicated to service.
• The Distinguished Alumni Awards recognize one former PILI Intern and one former PILI Fellow for outstanding contributions of public interest and/or pro bono work. Not sure if someone is PILI Alum? Email us to confirm.
• The Pro Bono Initiative Award acknowledges a single entity for its significant pro bono work in the community.

Awardees will be recognized at the 2023 Annual Awards Luncheon on Wednesday, December 6th. The deadline for nominations is Wednesday, September 13, 2023.

Submit a Nomination

See a list of past annual award recipients »

If you have questions about any of these awards or the Annual Awards Luncheon, contact Michael Bergmann at 312-832-5129 or by email.