As part of our 2023 Annual Pro Bono Reception, we celebrated those named to PILI’s Pro Bono Volunteer Honor Roll. Those recognized through our Honor Roll have been chosen by PILI staff for their volunteer contributions through the pro bono opportunities available through PILI’s Pro Bono Program. We are so grateful to these extraordinary volunteers whom we regularly rely on to help individuals, families and communities in need.
The five volunteers named to PILI’s 2023 Pro Bono Volunteer Honor Roll are:
Drew Hickey
Self-Represented Litigant Help Desk
What motivates you to do pro bono?
It’s important to use my legal knowledge and skill to help others who do not have that knowledge. What seems like a small, trivial detail to me could help someone win their case.
Why do you think other people should do pro bono?
We have a duty as practitioners to use our legal skills to help those less fortunate. Practicing law comes with many privileges and grants us knowledge and power. We should use those skills to help individuals who may not have the same leverage.
Why do you like to do pro bono through PILI and why is it important for you to have a pro bono role with PILI?
PILI is an amazing organization that tirelessly helps provide access to justice through pro bono legal work. It is motivating and rewarding to contribute to PILI using the skill set I have and through donating time.
Deanna Litzenburg
Conflict of Interest Pro Bono Referral Panel
What motivates me to do pro bono?
I have been very fortunate in my adult life. Things were not easy for my family when I was young. My parents worked very hard to provide for me and my siblings and to give us every opportunity. As a result, I feel that it is very important to pay it forward and give others every opportunity possible.
Why do I think other people should do pro bono?
I never feel more fulfilled than when I am helping others on a pro bono basis. My pro bono clients are so appreciative. You can really make a difference in someone’s life.
Why do you like to do pro bono through PILI and why is it important for you to have a pro bono role with PILI?
I have only been working with PILI for about a year. PILI screens all of the clients and makes the introductions. PILI also provides great CLE courses for its pro bono attorneys. I have learned so much from PILI!!
David Waterman
Illinois Armed Forces Legal Aid Network (IL-AFLAN)
What motivates me to do pro bono?
Previously, as an Assistant United States Attorney, I devoted over four years of my legal career to public service. Much of my work in that role served people who were disadvantaged, including those who were victims of violent, drug, and gun crimes. Similar to the reasons I pursued a career in public service, the impetus behind my pro bono work as a private practitioner is to support disadvantaged members of the community, who do not have the resources to hire an attorney; to ensure those clients are empowered; and to provide access to the court system and justice.
Why do you think other people should do pro bono?
In addition to the reasons already stated in my answer to question number one, by doing pro bono work, attorneys are provided an incredible opportunity to develop their skillsets in civil matters outside their specific practice areas.
Why do you like to do pro bono through PILI and why is it important for you to have a pro bono role with PILI?
Lane & Waterman is the largest and longest serving law firm in eastern Iowa and western Illinois since 1854. The firm is committed to continuing to serve the Iowa and Illinois communities. PILI’s Pro Bono Program serves as a hub for pro bono within the Illinois legal community, and it ensures pro bono legal help for those who cannot afford an attorney in Illinois, including veterans who are involved in life-changing issues, such as a divorce, through the IL-AFLAN program.
Anthony Frank
Illinois Free Legal Answers
What motivates you to do pro bono?
I care deeply about the economic inequality in our country. Though it’s a fact of life that those with more money get better results from the legal system, I see this as fundamentally unfair and think it’s important for me to do my part to try to restore some level of balance.
Why do you think other people should do pro bono?
Pro bono work is not only good for others but also good for those who do it. It helps us stay grounded, find some inner motivation to do some work that matters to people, and to feel good about ourselves. It also gives us opportunities to learn and gain experience.
Why do you like to do pro bono through PILI and why is it important for you to have a pro bono role with PILI?
I volunteer through Illinois Free Legal Answers, which allows me the flexibility to help at my leisure, which is much appreciated. It’s important for me to work with PILI because it keeps me engaged with constant access to pro bono clients through the online portal.
Karen Mills
Pro Bono Clinics
What motivate you to do pro bono?
Giving back to others has always been a big part of who I am and originates from the way my parents raised me. Pro bono is a reminder to me that the intention of practicing law is to help others.
Why do you think other people should do pro bono?
As lawyers, we are dedicated to helping people. Contributing to one’s community by providing legal services to someone who cannot afford a lawyer will not only make a positive difference in someone’s life, but will offer the lawyer the opportunity to gain new skills, make new friends and contacts, and feel a tremendous sense of satisfaction from helping others. One of my favorite quotes is from Winston Churchill, “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.”
Why do you like to do pro bono work through PILI and why is it important for you to have a pro bono role with PILI?
I was initially drawn to PILI through the Illinois Armed Forces Legal Aid Network as my son, Ryan Mills, is a Lt. Colonel in the United States Air Force. The Armed Forces Network through PILI has reached out to us several times to assist with pro bono work for Veterans and we have been honored to assist. The networking and collaboration with PILI has been personally very rewarding and has facilitated new professional relationships.
You can learn more about all of PILI’s pro bono opportunities and sign up to volunteer here. Or, you can email us to get connected with the right opportunity for you.