At the Illinois Forum on Pro Bono, the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee brought together a cross-section of pro bono stakeholders from our legal community to discuss timely pro bono issues and share pro bono best practices.
Download notes from the 2016 Forum on Pro Bono in Rock Island »
2016 Forum Agenda
3:00 p.m. – Panel Discussion: The Future of Pro Bono & How You Can Help
Almost 33% of Illinois’ citizens are low-income, with 6.8% of the total population living in extreme poverty. This panel discussion explored the need for free legal assistance for individuals and families living in poverty in the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit, 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.
Presenters:
- Michael G. Bergmann, Executive Director, Public Interest Law Initiative (PILI)
- Honorable Carol M. Pentuic, Circuit Court of Rock Island County
- Marisa Wiesman, Director of Volunteer Services, Prairie State Legal Services, Inc.
4:00 p.m. – Small Group Discussion
Following the panel discussion, attendees participated 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.
5:00 p.m. – Networking Reception
Attendees received 2.0 hours of Illinois MCLE professional responsibility credit, and/or 2.0 hours of Iowa credit was granted, including 2.0 hours of ethics credit, for this free program. This program is part of PILI’s Forum on Pro Bono Series.
Learn more about the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee »