ABOUT THE 2026 EVENT
Join the Sixth Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee in partnership with the Champaign County Bar Association for a happy hour to commemorate Pro Bono Week and recognize the commitment of our committee members and local pro bono volunteers. The Sixth Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee’s Community Legal Services Award will be presented at this event. to see past awards recipients, click here.
PILI will provide appetizers and the Champaign County Bar Association will cover the cost of drinks for their members.
If you have any questions about this event, please contact PILI Managing Attorney Abigail Causer at 217-693-6017 or by email.
View all of PILI’s Pro Bono Week 2026 Events »
About the 2025 Award Recipient
John LaFond was a highly spiritual man with a strong need to help others. He completed his undergraduate degree and JD at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He spent his entire career as a lawyer working for the Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, providing representation in civil matters for people who would otherwise not be able to afford a lawyer. He was particularly interested in helping the elderly and people with developmental disabilities and their families. His own experience with financial hardship and with his daughter Colleen’s Down Syndrome deepened his understanding and compassion. John was lovingly nominated by the Sixth Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee for, “All of the pro bono he did behind Susan’s back.” (quote attributed to Judge Ramona Sullivan). The committee recognized that he lived his life in a way that embodied the spirit of the Community Legal Services Award.
Can’t see the form? Click here »
REGISTER HERE FOR THE Happy Hour
Prior Sixth Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee Community Legal Service Award Recipients:
- Lauren Aronson (2024)
- Marie Casteel (2024)
- Mia Hernandez (2024)
- Ellyn Bullock (2023)
- Donna Davis (2023)
- Anne Martinkus (2022)
- Andrew Bequette (2021)
- John T. Phipps (2020)
- Cristina Manuel (2019)
- Ruth Wyman (2018)
- Rob Jacobson (2017)
- Ellyn Bullock (2016)
- Marvin Gerstein (2015)
- Kurt P. Froehlich (2014)
- Amber Drew (2013)