Law firm and corporate support plays a critical role in funding the work of PILI to cultivate a lifelong commitment to public interest law and pro bono service within the Illinois legal community to expand the availability of legal services for people, families and communities in need. There are a number of ways for law firms and corporations to support our work.

General Charitable Gifts:

General charitable gifts provide much needed support for PILI's general operations. Many law firms and corporations provide general funding to PILI to fund our work. PILI takes your trust in us to use your financial support very seriously. In fact, 88% of the funds PILI raised in PILI’s most recently completed fiscal year were used to support its programs.

Event Sponsorship:

PILI hosts two major fundraising events each year and offers a variety of sponsorship levels and benefits packages for firms and corporations. Our sponsors receive recognition in all print and online material related to the event. Our Annual Pro Bono Reception is typically held in June and our Annual Awards Luncheon is typically held in December.

Upcoming Events:

• Annual Pro Bono Reception

  • Jun 21st, 2023 - 5:30:pm, at Ivy Room at Tree Studios

  PILI's Annual Pro Bono Reception celebrates the inspiring and life-changing pro bono work being done in Illinois through effective pro bono programs, innovative partnerships, and the unwavering dedication of individual attorneys and legal professionals. This event also supports the work of PILI's Pro Bono Program.

• Annual Awards Luncheon

  • Dec 6th, 2023 - 11:30:am, at Palmer House Hilton

  PILI's Annual Awards Luncheon brings together nearly 500 members of the Illinois legal community every year to celebrate the very best aspects of the legal profession: the generosity, expertise and commitment of the countless lawyers, law students, legal professionals, law firms and corporations who dedicate themselves to providing legal assistance to those in need.

Sponsor a PILI Named Internship:

Named and Honorary Internships are a special way to make a difference in the life of a law student while also adding critical capacity to public interest law agencies seeking to better meet the needs of their clients. The Intern can be named after the law firm or corporation, or it can be named in honor of a member of the law firm or corporation. Learn about our Named & Honorary Interns and sponsors »

Law Firms Can Sponsor PILI Fellows:

Firms can benefit from their Fellows’ experience and training in law as well as their connections to public interest law agencies once they start at the firm. Participation also serves as an excellent recruitment tool, demonstrating your firm’s commitment to pro bono. Learn more about sponsoring PILI Fellows and see a list of our current Graduate Fellow sponsors.

Cy Pres and Residual Fund Awards:

PILI is eligible to receive cy pres and residual fund awards. If you would like to designate PILI as recipient of cy pres or residual funds in class action settlement or judgment with which you are involved.

To discuss any of these options, contact PILI Executive Director Michael Bergmann by email or by phone at 312-832-5129.