Illinois Forum on Pro Bono – DeWitt & Logan Counties

The Future of Pro Bono and How You Can Help

PILI’s Illinois Forum on Pro Bono brings together a cross-section of pro bono stakeholders from corporations, law firms, law schools and public interest law agencies to discuss ideas and strategies to expand and enhance pro bono in Illinois.

Agenda

3:00 p.m. – Panel Discussion

Almost 37% of Illinois’ citizens are low-income, with 6.3% of the total population living in extreme poverty. This panel discussion will explore the need for free legal assistance for individuals and families living in poverty in DeWitt and Logan Counties, ways in which the community is pulling together to try to address that need, rules of professional conduct that are relevant to pro bono practice, and strategies for making a difference.

Welcome Remarks: Justice Thomas Harris, Fourth District Appellate Court

Presenters:

  • Michael G. Bergmann, Public Interest Law Initiative (PILI)
  • Judge Karle Koritz, Sixth Judicial Circuit
  • Judge William Workman, Eleventh Judicial Circuit
  • Susan Zielke, Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance Foundation

4:00 p.m. – Roundtable Discussion

Following the panel discussion, attendees will participate in small group discussions focused on identifying barriers and obstacles to pro bono, sharing best practices, and developing strategies to enhance and expand pro bono.

PILI is applying for 2.0 hours of Illinois MCLE professional responsibility credit for this free program. This program is co-sponsored by the DeWitt County Bar Association, Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance Foundation, and the Logan County Bar Association.

Advance registration is required by Friday, September 14th. If you have any questions or problems with the form, please contact Belinda Bing by email or at  312-832-5127.