PILI is proud to share our 2025 Impact Brief, a snapshot of the people, programs, and partnerships that advanced equal access to justice across Illinois this year. The brief highlights key data, program accomplishments, and the collective efforts of our statewide community.
“Our milestones remind us that progress toward equal access to justice is not achieved alone—it’s the shared work of a community dedicated to service,” said Executive Director Michael G. Bergmann.
Strengthening the Pathways to Justice
Guided by PILI’s mission, vision, and values, our four core programs continue to expand legal aid capacity, empower future and current legal professionals, and deepen the culture of pro bono service statewide.
Law Student Internship Program
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80 Law Student Interns
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27,800 hours of service
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2,523 clients served
Through placements at legal aid organizations, Interns helped meet urgent legal needs while gaining hands-on public interest experience.
Graduate Fellowship Program
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53 Graduate Fellows
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15,900 hours worked
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811 clients served
Fellows provided critical support to legal aid partners before beginning their legal careers, establishing early commitments to service and pro bono engagement.
PILI Alumni Network
With over 5,000 Alumni since 1977, PILI’s Alumni Network remains a powerful force for advancing justice. Alumni stay involved through leadership councils, volunteer opportunities, mentoring, and community initiatives statewide.
Pro Bono Program
PILI’s Pro Bono Program continues to close gaps in legal aid capacity by mobilizing volunteers across Illinois.
- 3,293 civil legal questions answered through Illinois Free Legal Answers
- 639 attorneys attended PILI CLE programs
- 11 Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committees supporting regional needs
Volunteer attorneys, law students, and legal professionals provided critical assistance through clinics, help desks, conflict-of-interest referral panels, and more.
Service in Action
The brief features powerful reflections from clients and volunteers alike—testimonies that speak to the real-world impact of public interest and pro bono service.
One Intern shared how their work provided clients “a stronger voice in the legal process” and deepened their own commitment to housing justice. An Illinois Free Legal Answers client expressed gratitude for receiving guidance when “it’s very hard for the average person to find help with legal matters.”
Looking Ahead
As we work to strengthen access to justice in 2026, PILI remains committed to bringing the legal community together in service of people, families, and communities across Illinois. The full 2025 Impact Report will be released in February 2026 and will include additional stories, data, and statewide outcomes.