The Third Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Service Award will be presented to one or more lawyers or law firms practicing in the Third Judicial Circuit who have provided outstanding pro bono services to low-income individuals and charitable organizations in the last year.

The Committee will also present the Judge Barbara Crowder Pro Bono Champion Award to a courthouse staff person or member of the Judiciary who demonstrate their support for pro bono in the courthouse on a regular basis. Although this awardee may not provide direct pro bono legal services, their support is vital in promoting access to justice in the Third Judicial Circuit.

You may submit a self-nomination or nominate a colleague, and you may also submit multiple nominations. The awards are intended to recognize pro bono legal services rendered in the last twelve months. The pro bono work may be performed through a legal aid agency or on your own so long as it meets the definition provided for in Illinois Supreme Court Rule 756*. It only takes 5-10 minutes to complete the nomination form.

Award recipients will be chosen by the Third Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee and announced in September. The winners will be honored at the Celebrate Pro Bono Luncheon on Tuesday, October 20, 2026 in Edwardsville.

The nominations deadline is Friday, September 4th. If you have any questions, please reach out to Andrea Schrader by email or at 217-606-7644.

To see past award recipients, scroll to the bottom of the page. 

Can’t see the nomination form? Click here »

*Illinois Supreme Court Rule 756(f) defines pro bono as: legal services without charge or expectation of a fee to persons of limited means; legal services to charitable, religious, civic, community, governmental or educational organizations in matters designed to address the needs of persons of limited means; legal services to charitable, religious, civic or community organizations in furtherance of their organizational purpose; or training intended to benefit legal aid organizations or lawyers who provide pro bono services. According to Rule 756(f), "persons of limited means" are not only those persons with household incomes below the federal poverty standard but also those persons frequently referred to as the “working poor.”

Past Award Recipients:

2025 PRO BONO SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENT: Brittany Elliott

Brittany Elliott, of Embrich & Elliott Law, is one of the Third Circuit’s most consistent Legal Advice Clinic volunteers, often serving monthly and taking on complex or sensitive matters referred by PILI. Known for her compassion and professionalism, Brittany ensures that self-represented litigants feel supported and heard. She also serves on the Third Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee, extending her impact beyond individual case

2025 JUDGE BARBARA CROWDER PRO BONO CHAMPION AWARD RECIPIENT: Sarah Wallace

Sarah Wallace, clerk with the Madison County Circuit Clerk’s Office, goes above and beyond to assist those seeking expungement. She guides individuals with warmth and understanding, connecting them to the Law Library and ensuring they take confident next steps. Her empathy and dedication exemplify the spirit of access to justice.

2024 Pro Bono Service Award Recipient: Deanna Litzenburg
2024 Judge Barbara Crowder Pro Bono Champion Award Recipient: Stephanie McSparin
2023 Judge Barbara Crowder Pro Bono Champion Award: Brianna Pierson
2023 Pro Bono Service Award: MillerKing LLC
2022 Pro Bono Service Award: Christopher Hunter
2021 Pro Bono Service Award: Janel Freeman 
2020 Pro Bono Service Award: Deborah Crouse Cobb
2019 Pro Bono Service Award: Dave Fahrenkamp
2019 Rising Pro Bono Star Award: Rebecca Hausman
2018 Pro Bono Attorney of the Year Award: Leonard F. Berg
2018 Pro Bono Community Award: Ted N. Gianaris
2017 Pro Bono Firm of the Year Award: HeplerBroom LLC
2017 Pro Bono Attorney of the Year Award: Terrence O’Leary
2017 Rising Pro Bono Star Award: Zachary Pashea
2016 Pro Bono Firm of the Year Award: Simmons Hanly Conroy
2016 Pro Bono Attorney of the Year Award: Leslie Wood
2015 Pro Bono Attorney of the Year Award: Jennifer Shaw
2015 Rising Pro Bono Star Award: Trent Cameron
2014 Pro Bono Attorney of the Year Award: Tanja M. Cook
2013 Pro Bono Attorney of the Year Award: Judge Ralph Mendelsohn (Ret.)
2012 Pro Bono Attorney of the Year Award: Elizabeth "Nikki" Carrion
2011 Pro Bono Attorney of the Year Award: Judge Lola Maddox (Ret.)
2010 Pro Bono Attorneys of the Year Award: Michael Meehan & Deborah Crouse Cobb
2009 Pro Bono Attorney of the Year Award: Gail Donnelly Bader
2008 Pro Bono Attorney of the Year Award: Erin Reilly