Justice isn’t abstract—it’s lived and experienced. It’s the family who finds stability after avoiding eviction, the veteran securing benefits, the neighbor who finally feels seen and heard.
Every day, PILI engages, inspires, and empowers those advancing equal access to justice so these stories can become realities.
This year, our theme Stand for Justice asks us a simple question: What does it mean to stand for something greater than ourselves?
For PILI, it means bringing together law students, recent law school graduates, and legal professionals at all stages of their careers who believe that public interest law and pro bono service are the foundation of ensuring equal access to justice. For our supporters, it means funding opportunities that transform passion into purpose—whether through Law Student Interns, Graduate Fellows, or pro bono volunteers—all of which can fundamentally change a person’s life.
Because of supporters like you, last year:
- Our Interns and Fellows provided more than 36,000 hours of service, meeting urgent legal needs in communities statewide.
- Our statewide network of pro bono attorneys answered thousands of questions through Illinois Free Legal Answers, guiding people who had nowhere else to turn.
- Our growing Alumni Network of 5,000+continued to lead and mentor the next generation of advocates, while also serving their own communities in meaningful ways.
Yet the work ahead is even greater. Legal problems continue to threaten housing, safety, and well-being for too many Illinoisans. When you give to PILI, you stand for justice with us. You ensure that access to legal help is not left to chance, or just out of reach, but extended to everyone who needs it.
With your help, we can do more—and we must. Please make your gift today to support our work. Thank you for standing for justice with us.
With gratitude,
Michael G. Bergmann
Executive Director
What to learn about other ways to get involved with and support PILI?
- Read more about ways to support PILI and be part of our work
- Learn about our pro bono opportunities
- Attend one of our upcoming programs or events
PILI is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and contributions are tax-deductible as allowable by law. All contributions to PILI also qualify under the Illinois Supreme Court’s Pro Bono Reporting Rule.