PILI again joined the national celebration of Pro Bono Week, held this year from October 19–25, to recognize and inspire the legal community’s commitment to service. Organized nationally by the American Bar Association’s Standing Committee on Pro Bono and Public Service, Pro Bono Week is designed to highlight the difference lawyers make through volunteer service and to encourage even greater participation in pro bono work across the country.
PILI Young Professionals Board (YPB) member Yona Isaacs (L) and PILI Alumni Council member Jasman Sidhu (R) at Faegre Drinker for an Illinois Free Legal Answers clinic.
Starting in mid-October and running through mid-November, PILI and its Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committees are hosting and supporting events statewide that celebrate the spirit of service, honor pro bono volunteers, and provide new opportunities for engagement. And we did not just celebrate pro bono, we also did pro bono with several partners by holding Illinois Free Legal Answers Clinics, including DePaul University College of Law, State Farm, Wilkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP and Northern Illinois University College of Law.
While the official week of celebration has come to a close, PILI’s commitment to pro bono continues year-round through our committees, clinics, and ongoing volunteer opportunities. Learn more about how you can get involved in pro bono service here.
Third Judicial Circuit: Pro Bono Reception Honors Local Leaders in Service
Thank you to our co-sponsors: Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, Madison County Bar Association, and Walton Telken Bragge, LLC. We are also grateful to Judge Barbara Crowder (Ret.) for being our special guest speaker and to Chief Judge Christopher Threlkeld for his support and participation.
L to R: Third Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee Chair Judge Maureen Schuette, award recipients Sarah Wallace and Brittany Elliott, Judge Barbara Crowder (Ret.) & Third Circuit Chief Judge Threkeld
Pro Bono Service Award – Brittany Elliott
Brittany Elliott, of Embrich & Elliott Law, is one of the Third Circuit’s most consistent Legal Advice Clinic volunteers, often serving monthly and taking on complex or sensitive matters referred by PILI. Known for her compassion and professionalism, Brittany ensures that self-represented litigants feel supported and heard. She also serves on the Third Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee, extending her impact beyond individual cases.
Judge Barbara Crowder Pro Bono Champion Award – Sarah Wallace
Sarah Wallace, clerk with the Madison County Circuit Clerk’s Office, goes above and beyond to assist those seeking expungement. She guides individuals with warmth and understanding, connecting them to the Law Library and ensuring they take confident next steps. Her empathy and dedication exemplify the spirit of access to justice.
Fifth Judicial Circuit: Celebrating Service and Commitment Across the Circuit
L to R: This year’s award recipient Paul Wieck, with Fifth Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee Chair Angel Wawrzynek
Thank you to our co-sponsors: Huber & Mudd, LLC and Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, and to Erika Harold, Executive Director of the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism, for her inspiring remarks.
Pro Bono Service Award – Paul E. Wieck
Paul Wieck has demonstrated a careerlong dedication to service, currently serving as Treasurer of the Clark County Bar Association and an active member of the Illinois State Bar. This year, Paul was recognized for organizing the inaugural Coles County Expungement and Sealing Clinic and leading the Coles County Illinois Free Legal Answers Clinic, both of which expanded access to justice for those most in need.
Sixth Judicial Circuit: Honoring the Late John LaFond
The Sixth Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee in partnership with the Champaign County Bar Association will host a Celebrate Pro Bono Happy Hour to commemorate Pro Bono Week on October 30th.
Community Legal Services Award – John LaFond
A lifelong advocate for equal justice, John LaFond spent his career at Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, representing those unable to afford counsel, particularly older adults and people with developmental disabilities. Deeply compassionate and humble, John exemplified the spirit of service that defines this award. As Judge Ramona Sullivan noted, he was recognized for “all of the pro bono he did behind Susan’s back,” capturing his quiet, steadfast dedication to helping others.
Tenth Judicial Circuit: Recognizing Leadership in Access to Justice
L to R: Tenth Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee Chair Judge Wilson with this year’s award recipient Yolanda Riley
Thank you to our co-sponsors: Janssen Law Center, Peoria Bar Association, Prairie State Legal Services, and Tazewell County Bar Association. Special thanks to guest speakers Chief Judge Katherine Gorman of the Tenth Judicial Circuit and Illinois Supreme Court Justice Lisa Holder White.
Joseph A. Dailing Pro Bono Service Award – Yolanda Riley
A passionate advocate from Peoria, Yolanda Riley offers free legal workshops and counsel through Peoria Public Schools’ Wrap-Around Center, focusing on family law and expungement to help clients access better opportunities. She also volunteers through the Peoria and Tazewell Help Desks, legal clinics, and the Conflict of Interest Pro Bono Referral Panel. Her work continues the legacy of service embodied by the award’s namesake, Joseph A. Dailing, a pioneer for access to justice in Illinois.
Eighteenth Judicial Circuit: Celebrating Pro Bono
L to R: PILI Senior Managing Attorney Jessica Schneider with award recipient David Clark, Illinois Supreme Court Justice Mary Kay O’Brien, and Eighteenth Judicial Pro Bono Committee Chair Judge Bryan Chapman
The Eighteenth Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee hosted this event as part of the DuPage County Bar Association’s monthly Unwind Happy Hour to commemorate Pro Bono Week and recognize the commitment of local pro bono volunteers.
Pro Bono Service Award – David Clark
David Clark has long been a driving force for pro bono service in DuPage County and beyond. Founder of the DuPage County Bar Association’s Ask a Lawyer Program, he also helped launch the Eviction Task Force Mediation Program and revitalized courthouse Help Desks after the pandemic. Over the past year, David has contributed more than 25 hours of pro bono service through Illinois Free Legal Answers and local clinics, while mentoring others to engage in service and strengthening the culture of pro bono throughout his community.
L to R: Twenty-Third Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee Co-Chair Judge Joseph Pedersen with award recipient Jack Slingerland
Twenty-Third Judicial Circuit: Celebrating Dedication and Service to Community
Thank you to our co-sponsors: Prairie State Legal Services, DeKalb County Bar Association, and Kendall County Bar Association, with support from the judges of the Twenty-Third Judicial Circuit. We are also grateful to guest speakers Chief Judge Bradley J. Waller of the Twenty-Third Judicial Circuit and Illinois Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth Rochford.
Pro Bono Service Award – Jack C. Slingerland
Co-owner of Slingerland & Clark, P.C., Jack Slingerland has devoted more than 100 hours this year to pro bono service through CASA, Lawyer in the Lobby, and local legal clinics. He also mentors NIU law students, inspiring the next generation of public service lawyers. With over 30 years of experience, his compassion and leadership make a lasting difference in the lives of clients and colleagues alike.
L to R: Twenty-Third Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee Co-Chair Judge John McAdams with award recipient Daniel Transier
Pro Bono Service Award – Daniel Transier
Daniel Transier, of the Law Office of Daniel Transier, volunteers regularly with the Kendall County Courthouse’s Lawyer in the Lobby Program, providing more than 25 hours of service this year. In addition to his pro bono work, he serves as a Guardian ad Litem, conflict public defender, and Administrative Hearing Officer for the United City of Yorkville. His dedication to justice extends beyond the courtroom through mentorship, civic engagement, and community service.
Pro Bono Week may have come to an end, but our work continues.
Each event, award, and volunteer story represents a collective commitment to advancing justice and strengthening communities across Illinois. Thank you to everyone who celebrated with us—and to those who continue to make pro bono service a cornerstone of our shared mission. Learn more about PILI’s pro bono programs and how to get involved here.