Each year, PILI hosts a daylong orientation for our Law Student Interns and Graduate Fellows to kick-off your summer of service and learning. This program serves as an introduction to the Illinois legal aid community and some of the struggles your clients face as well as the impact you can have. We also focus on developing practical skills that will be useful this summer and throughout your career. The day will also provide networking opportunities with your those Interns and Fellows serving with you this summer, leaders in the Illinois legal and public interest law communities, and members of the PILI Alumni Network.
Continental breakfast will be available during event registration from 9:00 to 9:30 a.m. with programming starting promptly at 9:30. Lunch will be provided and the event will conclude with a networking reception from 4:15 to 5:30 p.m. Though much of the programming will also be offered virtually, not all sessions will be available virtually as noted in the agenda below. Advance registration is required and will be available from this page in the coming weeks
PILI Interns and Fellows are strongly encouraged to attend in person. In-person attendees find business casual attire appropriate. This program is also open to all interns serving at Illinois public interest law agencies in Illinois to attend virtually.
The agenda with times and program titles will be listed below. Click here to see the 2026 agenda with full program descriptions and speakers»
If you have any questions about the Intern & Fellow Orientation, please contact Alex Schumacher by email.
AGENDA
- 9:00 – 9:30 a.m. Registration & Continental Breakfast
- 9:30 – 10:00 a.m. Welcome to PILI & Overview
- 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Concurrent Sessions
Breakout 1: A View from the Bench: Being an Effective Advocate
A panel of distinguished judges will offer their perspectives on how new attorneys can be effective advocates in the courtroom. This panel will share practical advice on developing strong advocacy skills, understanding courtroom dynamics, and building credibility. They will also discuss the unique challenges faced by self-represented litigants and individuals from underserved communities. This session will equip you with the tools and mindset necessary to advocate with compassion, effectiveness, and integrity in pursuit of justice for all.
Breakout 2: Best Practices for Inclusive Client Interaction
This session will cover essential topics, including respectful disability language and etiquette, strategies for ensuring accessible meetings and environments, best practices for website accessibility, and tips for accommodating individuals who are deaf, blind, or living with mental health challenges. Learn how to create a more inclusive and supportive environment, fostering better communication and collaboration with all clients and colleagues.
Breakout3: Getting the Most from a Hybrid Work Experience
An Internship and Fellowship experience is a great opportunity to forge professional contacts and learn legal skills. But in an increasingly hybrid and remote workplace, the way Interns and Fellows go about gaining these experiences is changing. Hear former PILI Interns and Fellows, as well as Supervisors, about how to make sure you are harnessing the new opportunities afforded by hybrid/remote work.
- 11:00 – 11:15 a.m. Break
- 11:15 – 12:15 p.m. Elevating Legal Writing: Strategies for Clarity and Impact
In the legal field, the ability to communicate effectively through writing is crucial. This program is designed to provide you with practical strategies for writing clear, concise, and compelling legal documents. You will learn how to eliminate common writing weaknesses while honing the skills to best organize your ideas. Hands-on exercises and expert guidance will give you the tools to ensure your legal documents meet standards and have an impact.
- 12:15 – 1:00 p.m. Lunch
- 1:00 – 2:15 p.m. Navigating Conflict: Strategies for Managing Disputes in Legal Practice and the Workplace
Conflict is inevitable legal practice and the workplace, but how you handle it makes all the difference for achieving meaningful resolutions. Gain insights, tools, and techniques for managing disputes and turning conflict into a constructive dialogue. Whether facing adversarial situations in your legal practice or navigating challenges in a professional settings, this session will equip you with the practical skills necessary to maintain professionalism and foster collaboration.
- 2:15 – 2:30 p.m. Break
- 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. Self-Represented Litigant Simulation and Access to Justice in Illinois
This is an interactive session that will challenge problem solving abilities and simulate the experiences a self-represented litigant (SRL) may have when trying to navigate their court case while balancing economic hardships. Participants will identify challenges faced by low-income litigants in their daily lives. After the Simulation there will be a discussion and presentation on access to justice in the state of Illinois, the factors that contribute to underrepresentation, and systemic inequality affecting over a million people in Illinois.
- 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. Networking Reception
We end our day with a special reception to celebrate the start of your Internship or Fellowship. Members of PILI’s Board of Directors and Alumni Network, including those participating in the Advising Program, will be in attendance to welcome you to the PILI community.