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Illinois Judges Association Educational Program

Ethics & Pro Bono: How Judges and Retired Judges Can Help

While there are many wonderful legal aid organizations across the state, there are no where near enough legal aid attorneys to meet the demand for civil legal services from low-income Illinoisans. Pro bono is a critical component to the delivery of legal services. While sitting judges cannot provide legal assistance, there are ways in which they can encourage and support pro bono. Retired judges can do pro bono work and there are a variety of ways to help. Participants will learn more about the ways in which they can help and various ethical rules that apply to judges and retired judges.

This program was offered live on Tuesday, June 22, 2021. A recording of the program is available on this page and attendees can receive credit for viewing the program in its entirety and completing the program evaluation form. You must also have previously registered for the program and you can do so here if you have not already.

Program Agenda:

  • Welcome: Justice Thomas Kilbride (Ret.) & Judge Julie Katz
  • Overview of IJA Pro Bono Efforts: Judge Barbara Crowder (Ret.)
  • Examples of Judges Supporting Pro Bono & Ethical Considerations: Judge Alison Conlon, Circuit Court of Cook County and Judge Amanda Gott, First Judicial Circuit
  • Examples of Retired Judges Doing Pro Bono & Ethical Considerations: Judge Michael Brandt (Ret.) and Judge Ellar Duff (Ret.)
  • Overview of Pro Bono Opportunities & Introduction to Illinois Free Legal Answers: Michael Bergmann
  • Question & Answer
  • Conclusion: Justice Thomas Kilbride (Ret.) & Judge Julie Katz

The Supreme Court of Illinois Judicial College has approved this course for 1.0 hour of Professional Responsibility continuing education credit for participating Illinois judges. This program has also been approved for 1.0 hour of MCLE Professional Responsibility credit. To request judicial or MCLE credit for viewing the recorded prorgam, you must watch the program in its entirety and fill out the prorgam evaluation form found below.

Materials

Program Materials Packet

Illinois Free Legal Answers Presentation