As part of National Volunteer Month, we want to express our gratitude to the many volunteers who help make equal access to justice a reality in Illinois! Thank you to all of those who serve on our Board of Directors, Young Professionals Board, Alumni Leadership, Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committees and all of our pro bono volunteers across the state.
As one example of the impact of our volunteers, our pro bono volunteers have helped PILI to serve thousands of low-income Illinois residents in need of legal assistance through pro bono. In 2021, 196 clients received pro bono assistance from 85 PILI pro bono volunteers through one of PILI’s PILI’s Pro Bono Opportunities. And, 214 attorneys answered 3,587 civil legal questions through Illinois Free Legal Answers for which PILI is the state administrator. Each of these individuals contribute to a legal community with a deeply rooted culture of service to best help people, families and communities in need.
We have so many awesome volunteers but wanted to recognize two who recently received rave reviews from the client they helped:
Reuben Bernick
Reuben is a frequent volunteer with PILI through Illinois Free Legal Answers. He answered over 1,000 questions on Illinois Free Legal Answers in just the past year. Recently, Reuben helped a client on the site with questions about filing an appeal due to lack of notice. The client recently reported: “Based on guidelines from your attorney, I was able to win the appeal.”
Jencie Richtman
Jencie volunteers with PILI by taking cases with veterans through the Illinois Armed Forces Legal Aid Network. Jencie recently assisted a client with an adoption matter. After the case was finalized, the client was very appreciative, saying “Communication was always clear and professional and she was easy to work with. She did a great job.” The client also said, “An amazing service for those who need it. Thanks for this service!”
Thank you to Jencie, Reuben and all of our volunteers! We couldn’t do it without you!!