PILI has established several new working groups to advance its efforts through its Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committees. Members of the eleven Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committees now in existence across the state have been invited to join these working groups that will be convening over the next year to help plan virtual CLE programming, develop strategies to recruit new pro bono volunteers across the state, and address issues of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion through the work of PILI and its Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committees.
The committees will be staffed by PILI’s Managing Attorneys for the Northern and Southern Regions and their purposes are described below:
Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Working Group (JEDI): In support of PILI’s broader commitment to justice, equity, diversity and inclusion, this working group seeks to promote JED&I through PILI’s Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee membership and activities in order to increase access to justice for persons in need throughout Illinois.
Virtual Pro Bono CLE Series Working Group: This working group develops ideas for professional development topics and specifically PILI’s Virtual Pro Bono CLE Series based on participant interest and pro bono needs throughout the state. The goal of the CLE programming is to better equip those taking pro bono cases while also promoting volunteer engagement.
Volunteer Recruitment Working Group: This working group develops and implements strategies for recruiting pro bono volunteers at the local, circuit, and statewide level to increase access to justice. Efforts may include advertising, outreach, CLE programming and recognition of pro bono work.
To learn more about these working groups or our Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committees, contact Managing Attorney Jessica Schneider (Northern Region) at 312-832-5125 or by email or Managing Attorney Abigail Causer (Southern Region) at 217-693-6017 or by email.