The Illinois Supreme Court has announced amendments to Supreme Court Rule 795(d)(14) that will allow newly-admitted attorneys to participate in Illinois’ MCLE for Pro Bono Pilot Program beginning July 1, 2026.
The amendment expands access to the pilot program by permitting newly-admitted attorneys who have not yet entered their first two-year Minimum Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) reporting period to earn MCLE credit through qualifying pro bono service.
The MCLE for Pro Bono Pilot Program launched on July 1, 2025, and allows attorneys to earn one hour of MCLE credit for every two hours of pro bono service completed through Illinois Free Legal Answers, up to five MCLE credit hours per reporting period.
Illinois Free Legal Answers, administered by PILI, is a virtual legal advice portal that connects income-eligible Illinois residents with volunteer attorneys who provide brief legal guidance on civil legal matters at no cost.
The amendment was proposed by the Illinois Supreme Court Executive Committee on the Practice of Law, which was formed in 2023 to make recommendations on issues impacting the practice of law and unmet legal needs across Illinois. By expanding eligibility to newly-admitted attorneys, the Court aims to help address the state’s ongoing access to justice gap while encouraging a lifelong commitment to pro bono service early in attorneys’ careers.
“We are thrilled to see newly-admitted attorneys included in the MCLE for Pro Bono Pilot Program,” says PILI Executive Director, Michael G. Bergmann. “This amendment creates an additional pathway for new lawyers to gain meaningful experience while helping expand access to legal assistance for Illinois residents in need.”
Through Illinois Free Legal Answers, volunteer attorneys can answer civil legal questions remotely and on their own schedule, making pro bono participation more flexible and accessible for attorneys across the state.
More information about the MCLE for Pro Bono Pilot Program is available here.
For additional information about Illinois Free Legal Answers or how to volunteer, visit PILI’s Pro Bono Program page.