As part of our Annual Pro Bono Reception on June 24, 2026, PILI is proud to recognize five outstanding volunteers as members of the 2026 PILI’s Pro Bono Volunteer Honor Roll. Selected by PILI staff, these honorees have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to expanding access to justice through PILI’s Pro Bono Program. Whether assisting veterans, supporting individuals seeking expungement, answering legal questions online, or serving through local pro bono projects, each volunteer has made a meaningful difference in the lives of Illinois residents.
Kristin E. Arriaga of Quinn Johnson is being recognized for her volunteer service through PILI’s Pro Bono Program’s Conflict of Interest Referral Panel. Kristin’s commitment to pro bono work is rooted in her own experience receiving legal assistance before becoming an attorney. That support ultimately inspired her to pursue a legal career and now motivates her to help others facing legal challenges.
“I know firsthand how life-changing access to legal help can be,” Kristin shared. “I feel a deep responsibility to give that same support back to others.”
Through her volunteer service, Kristin demonstrates the power of the legal profession to protect individuals, strengthen families, and create new opportunities for those in need.
Jonathan R. Cantrell of Hart Cantrell & Thompson LLC is being honored for his service through the Illinois Armed Forces for Legal Aid Network (IL-AFLAN) and PILI’s Second Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee. Practicing in a rural community where legal resources are often limited, Jonathan understands the importance of ensuring legal services are available to everyone, regardless of their financial circumstances.
“There are not enough attorneys in my rural community to serve all individuals who need legal services,” Jonathan said. “Those of us in the legal community who have the ability to provide some pro bono work should do so in order to give back to our communities.”
Jonathan views pro bono service as both a professional responsibility and a form of charitable giving, helping strengthen the communities he serves while supporting a more accessible justice system.
Anne K. Knight, Professor and Program Chair of Paralegal Studies at College of DuPage, is recognized for her work with the DuPage Expungement Clinic. Throughout her career, Anne has been driven by a desire to make a meaningful difference through the law. Her experiences working with self-represented litigants revealed just how overwhelming the legal system can be for those navigating it alone.
“Being able to give someone the support they need to navigate the system feels like a true exercise in equity and justice,” Anne said.
Today, Anne combines her commitment to access to justice with her passion for educating future legal professionals, helping students see firsthand the positive impact they can have in their communities through pro bono service.
Jason (Seong Min) Son of Mayer Brown LLP is being recognized for his volunteer service through Illinois Free Legal Answers. Having personally benefited from legal assistance earlier in life, Jason has remained committed to giving back whenever possible. Through his volunteer work, he helps individuals find answers to important civil legal questions and better understand their options.
“What I think is the simplest answer to a question might be the final piece of someone else’s puzzle,” Jason reflected.
His service demonstrates how even a brief legal consultation can provide clarity, confidence, and meaningful support to individuals facing legal challenges.
Rikyah A. Wright, a J.D. candidate at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, is being honored for her work with the Champaign Expungement Clinic. Rikyah is motivated by a belief that everyone deserves access to quality legal support, regardless of their ability to pay.
“My entire life I have witnessed firsthand how a criminal record can limit opportunities and trap people in a continuous cycle of hardship,” Rikyah said.
Through her volunteer service, Rikyah has helped individuals take meaningful steps toward new opportunities and greater stability. Her work reflects a deep commitment to ensuring underserved communities have access to the legal support they need to move forward.