2026-2027 Chair of PILI’s Alumni Network Leadership Council Chair Casey Nelson of McGuireWoods
PILI’s Alumni Network, consisting of thousands of former Law Student Interns and Graduate Fellows, is led by the Alumni Network Leadership Council. The Council is composed of PILI Alumni committed to remaining connected to PILI and public interest law while giving back through service, leadership and philanthropy.
With the start of PILI’s new fiscal year on September 1st, Casey J. Nelson of McGuireWoods assumed leadership of the Alumni Network Leadership Council as Chair. Casey previously served as Chair-Elect and has been a member of the Council since 2016.
“I’m honored to serve as the new Chair of the Alumni Network Leadership Council,” Casey said. “This year, I look forward to building upon the strong foundation established by my predecessors by expanding opportunities for Alumni engagement and by welcoming the newest PILI Alumni into this incredible community. PILI has a unique ability to rally lawyers from all areas of the legal profession around a shared commitment to public service, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to help advance that mission and strengthen the community that makes it possible.”
Casey is a Partner in the Chicago office of McGuireWoods, where she concentrates her practice in middle-market finance transactions, with a particular focus on senior secured acquisition financings. She also serves as co-chair of the firm’s Chicago office Pro Bono Committee and Women Lawyers Network and is an active member of its Recruiting Committee.
Casey began her involvement with PILI in 2015 as a Graduate Fellow at Legal Aid Chicago. She has remained deeply engaged in pro bono service throughout her career, including through Chicago Volunteer Legal Services, Wills for Heroes and Illinois Free Legal Answers.
As Chair, Casey will lead the Council’s efforts to strengthen connections among PILI Alumni, expand opportunities for engagement and service, and welcome the newest generations of Intern and Fellow Alumni into PILI’s growing network.