Each year, PILI presents several annual awards to recipients that embody the ideals of its mission. The nominations process for these awards are open each year in July.

Distinguished Public Service Award Recipients

The Distinguished Public Service Award honors an individual whose commitment to public interest legal work has shaped a career dedicated to service.

Jose Rivero (2022) •  Michael O'Connor (2021) • Mary Meg McCarthy (2020) • Allen C. Schwartz (2019) • Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan (2018) • Bernard H. Shapiro (2017) • Harold C. Hirshman (2016) • Chief Justice Rita B. Garman (2015) • Diana C. White (2014) • Ann Hilton Fisher (2013) • Harvey Grossman (2012) • Honorable Thomas L. Kilbride (2011) • Johnathan K. Baum (2010) • Thomas F. Geraghty (2009) • Honorable Mary Ann G. McMorrow (2008) • Edward Grossman (2007) • Randolph N. Stone (2006) • Howard A. Learner (2005) • Wallace C. Winter (2004) • Honorable Abner J. Mikva (2003) • Eleanor P. Petersen (2002) • Leon Despres (2001) • Rita Aliese Fry (2000) • Aurie A. Pennick (1999) • John E. Clay (1998) • John S. Elson (1997) • Lawrence C. Marshall, Thomas M. Breen, Matthew F. Kennelly, and Nan R. Nolan (1996) • Diane C. Geraghty (1995) • Douglass W. Cassel, Jr (1994) • M. Lee Witte (1993) Sheldon H. Roodman (1992) • Alex Elson (1991) • Ruth Ann Schmitt (1990) • George W. Overton (1989) • Edwin A. Rothschild (1988) • Alexander Polikoff (1987) • Walter T. Fisher (1986) • Kenneth F. Montgomery (1985)

Pro Bono Initiative Award Recipients

The Pro Bono Initiative Award acknowledges a single entity for its significant pro bono legal work in the community.

Sidley Austin LLP (2022) •  Abbott (2021) • Ropes & Gray (2020) • State Farm Law Department (2019) • Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP (2018) • McDermott Will & Emery (2017) • Pro Bono Network (2016) • United Airlines (2015) • Dentons US LLP (2014) • DLA Piper (US) LLP (2013) • Deere & Company (2012) • Mayer Brown LLP (2011) • Accenture Legal Group (2010) • Kirkland & Ellis LLP (2009) • Caterpillar, Inc. (2008) • JPMorgan Chase & Co. (2007) • Jenner & Block LLP (2006) • Winston & Strawn LLP (2005) • Exelon (2004) • Baker & McKenzie LLP (2003) • Sears, Roebuck and Co. (2002) • Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione (2001) • McDonald’s Corporation (2000) • Thomas H. Morsch (1999)

Alumni Award Recipients

The PILI Alumni Awards recognize one former PILI Law Student Intern and one former PILI Graduate Fellow as a rising star or for a noteworthy career in the public interest law sector or for their impactful pro bono work.

Sabreena El-Amin & Ruth Lopez-McCarthy (2022) •  James Brady & Precious Jacobs-Perry (2021) •  Jonathan Adair & Hilda Bahena (2020) • Candace Moore & Kyle Palazzolo (2019) • Adam Gross & Reena Bajowala (2018) • Susan DeCostanza & Brij B. Patnaik (2017) • Kristen E. Hudson & Emily L. Seymore (2016) • Cynthia Cornelius & Jordan Heinz (2015) • Matthew T. Jenkins & Andrew W. Vail (2014) • Max Stein & Marjie Nielsen (2013) • Judge Edmond E. Chang & Amy Zimmerman (2012) • Kathleen K. Clark & Justin Lee Heather (2011) • Laurie I. Mikva & Jay S. Readey (2010) • Jesus Perez & Elizabeth Gibbons Lewis (2009) • Charles Perez Golbert & Laurie A. Wardell (2008) • Joseph Margulies & LaShonda Hunt (2007) • Eric J. Gorman & Jean Choi (2006) • Jody R. Adler & Douglas A. Graham (2005) • Tejal Vakharia & Sarah Vanderwicken (2004) • Paul J. Gaynor & Anita Weinberg (2003) • 25 Years of PILI Interns & Fellows (2002) • Siobhan Albiol & Kendy M. Hess (2001) • Richard F. Klawiter & Jean Maclean Snyder (2000) • Michael A. Parks & Susan Wishnick (1999) • Daniel J. Hurtado & Mary Wilkening (1998) • Scott G. Golinkin & Rosemary Shiels (1997) • Daniel W. Sherman & Maria Woltjen (1996) • Lorie Chaiten & Ellen Holden Clark (1995) • Karen Reardon & Janet Wukas Ahern (1994) • Robert L. Jones, Jr., Roy A. Petty, Elizabeth Shuman-Moore & James D. Wascher (1993) • Cheryl M. Graves, John R. Hammell, Marjorie Press Lindblom & Christina M. Tchen (1992)