On Wednesday, June 7th, the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee brought together a cross-section of pro bono stakeholders for their inaugural event: The Illinois Forum on Pro Bono. At this program, attendees explored the need for free legal assistance for individuals and families living in poverty locally, ways in which the community is pulling together to try to address that need, rules of professional conduct that are relevant to pro bono practice, and strategies for making a difference.
This event was cosponsored by the DuPage County Bar Association, DuPage Legal Aid and Prairie State Legal Services.
Michael G. Bergmann of PILI, the Honorable Robert Gibson of the Eighteenth Circuit, Cecilia Najera of DuPage Bar Legal Aid Service and Marisa Wiesman of Prairie State Legal Services presented a panel titled “The Future of Pro Bono and How You Can Help.” Then, attendees participated in small group discussions focused on identifying barriers and obstacles to pro bono, sharing best practices, and developing strategies to enhance and expand pro bono.
Participants were then invited to a networking reception to celebrate the significant pro bono being done in DuPage County, and the launch of the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee.
Attendees received 2.0 hours of Illinois MCLE professional responsibility credit for this free program, which was part of PILI’s Forum on Pro Bono Series.
Learn more about the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee »
Learn more about the Illinois Forum on Pro Bono »