The Pro Bono Recognition Roster honors law firms and corporations that have made significant commitments and contributions to pro bono throughout the state of Illinois. These firms and corporations are helping ensure that individuals, families and communities who are in need receive legal services.

Law firms, corporations and legal industry corporate partners must meet at least two of the following criteria based on pro bono services rendered by their Illinois offices in 2022, or the most recently closed fiscal year.

The self-certification process for 2023 has now closed. This year’s honorees will be announced at the Annual Pro Bono Reception on June 21st.

Law Firms:

• An average of 35 pro bono hours per legal professional in Illinois per year.
• A 5% increase in Illinois office(s) pro bono hours from the previous year.
• 60% or more of the firm’s Illinois attorneys participate in pro bono work.
• Participation in the Chicago Bar Foundation’s Law Firm Leadership Circle, or signing one of PILI’s Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee Pro Bono Pledges.
• Adoption of innovative steps to involve more Illinois office(s) legal department staff in pro bono work or to expand the law firm’s pro bono program. (Description required)

Corporate Legal Departments:

• Participation by at least 10% of Illinois office(s) legal department staff in pro bono work.
• A 5% increase in Illinois office(s) pro bono hours from the previous year.
• Participation in the Chicago Bar Foundation’s Corporate Leadership Circle, or signing one of PILI’s Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee Pro Bono Pledges.
• Adoption of innovative steps to involve more Illinois office(s) legal department staff in pro bono work or to expand the corporation’s pro bono program. (Description required)

Legal Industry Corporate Partners:

• A significant degree of services or resources are provided on a pro bono basis in relation to overall business.
• A significant degree of support is provided to nonprofit organizations that provide legal services to underrepresented or low-income people in relation to overall business.
• Participation in the Chicago Bar Foundation’s Partner Leadership Circle.
• Adoption of innovative steps to provide support and assistance for the benefit of the low-income or underrepresented populations and/or nonprofit organizations serving that population in Illinois. (Description required)