For many years now, PILI has been an accredited CLE provider, producing and co-sponsoring CLE programming across the state to help pro bono volunteers in their work and to expand and enhance pro bono legal services. A cornerstone of PILI’s programming each year has always been our Pro Bono Roundtables and Illinois Forum on Pro Bono. Additionally, PILI has provided CLE programming through our Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committees across the state. And, as PILI has expanded its offering of pro bono opportunities, CLE trainings are an important component of the resources we offer to our volunteers.
Prior to the pandemic, these programs were offered in person across the state. As so much of the world did as a result of the pandemic, PILI pivoted to virtual programming and launched our Virtual Pro Bono CLE Series. After initially offering some virtual CLE programs in 2020, the response was very positive and we expanded the Series in 2021. Aside from the educational value in the programming, the virtual nature has enabled us to bring together people, perspectives and experience from across Illinois.
In 2021, PILI had 235 attendees at its seven Virtual Pro Bono CLE Series sessions. The topics covered during the Series included: Remote Representation, Mediation – Focus on Eviction, Healthy Habits for Working From Home This Summer and Beyond, Advocating for Pro Bono and Legal Aid LGBTQ+ Clients, Orders of Protection – Meeting the Need, Limited Scope Representation, Helping Self-Represented Litigants With Housing Questions. Each of these programs were recorded and are now available in PILI’s CLE library. CLE credit is still available for PILI’s pro bono volunteers who watch the archived CLE programs.
The PILI team is currently working on the 2022 Virtual Pro Bono CLE Series and will soon be announcing its upcoming CLE programming. In the meantime contact PILI, if you have questions about PILI’s CLE programming, or if you are a PILI volunteer and need the password to access our Resources for Pro Bono Volunteers.