The Sixth Judicial Circuit Community Legal Services Award will be presented to one or more lawyers practicing in the Sixth Judicial Circuit who have provided outstanding pro bono services to low-income individuals or charitable organizations in the last year. Nominations for these awards are now open.

You may submit a self-nomination or nominate a colleague, and you may also submit multiple nominations. The award is 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 recipient will be chosen by the Sixth Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee and announced in September. This year's recipient will be recognized at the Committee's Pro Bono Week event in October. Event details and registration will be available in the coming weeks.

The nominations deadline is Friday, September 4th. If you have any questions, please reach out to Abigail Causer by email or at 217-693-6017.

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:

 John LaFond (2025)

A lifelong advocate for equal justice, John LaFond spent his career at Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, representing those unable to afford counsel, particularly older adults and people with developmental disabilities. Deeply compassionate and humble, John exemplified the spirit of service that defines this award. As Judge Ramona Sullivan noted, he was recognized for “all of the pro bono he did behind Susan’s back,” capturing his quiet, steadfast dedication to helping others.

Lauren Aronson (2024)
Marie Casteel (2024)
Mia Hernandez (2024)
Ellyn Bullock (2023)
Donna Davis (2023)
Anne Martinkus (2022)
Andrew Bequette (2021)
John T. Phipps (2020)
Cristina M. Manuel (2019)
Ramona Sullivan (2018)
Ruth E. Wyman (2018)
Robert E. Jacobson, Jr. (2017)
Ellyn Bullock (2016)
James Jankowicz (2016)
Marvin Gerstein (2015)
Kurt Froehlich (2014)
J. Amber Drew (2013)