“Although I have only been an attorney for a few months, I have prioritized making pro bono service a consistent component of my practice.”
Mark P. Rotatori Elected to Public Interest Law Initiative Board Of Directors
“As a director on PILI board, I hope to be able to make a difference in the lives of those in need by making access to legal services a priority.”
Encouraging Pro Bono Throughout the Firm: Highlights from the 2019 Law Firm Pro Bono Roundtable
On February 13th, representatives from Illinois law firms met at the offices of Baker McKenzie for PILI’s Law Firm Pro Bono Roundtable where they discussed ways to encourage pro bono volunteerism throughout their firms. Topics included harnessing momentum for pro bono, onboarding for pro bono, making the case for pro bono to partners, and exploring innovative pro bono models.
Chapman and Cutler Adopt February Legal Prep Community Law Clinic
Thank you to the volunteers from Chapman and Cutler who volunteered together at the Legal Prep Community Law Clinic in February! They assisted two clients with legal issues such as adult guardianship and adoption.
Increased Grant from LAGBAC Funds Three New Internships
PILI is extremely grateful to the Lesbian and Gay Bar Association Foundation (LAGBAC) for new funding that will allow PILI to open three new summer Internship allocations in Summer 2019.
Report on PILI’s Fall 2018 Interns
This is a report on the Fall 2018 Interns including the type of work they did, the clients they served and their impact. It also includes evaluation data on their experience with PILI.
PILI Alumni Spotlight: Sean Morales-Doyle
“I knew when I went to law school that I wanted to get involved in public interest work. I wasn’t sure what that meant or what I wanted to do. PILI gave me an opportunity to explore different opportunities.”
2018 Distinguished Intern Alumni Award: Adam Gross
“It’s Adam’s deep personal commitment to justice that powers his incredible work as an advocate, leader, organizer, and mentor. His contributions in police accountability, affordable housing, and justice reform are making a real difference in the lives of people across Chicago and the region.”
2018 Pro Bono Initiative Award: Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP
“Katten has been a long-standing and reliable partner of LAF, and their dedication to pro bono has increased our capacity to serve some of the most vulnerable members of our community. The breadth of their pro bono commitments is truly astounding.”
2018 Distinguished PILI Fellow Alumni Award: Reena Bajowala
“I have known Reena since she interned for us in 2003. While the work she did for us that summer was very different from the powerful pro bono litigation she handled later, her dedication to helping low income clients, her strength as a person and an attorney and her commitment to equal justice, were on display back then as they are now.”