In December 2019, we launched our theme for the year, “Defining Justice.” The concept of justice has always been at the corps of our work since our founding in 1977. And having just adopted a new mission state – PILI engages, inspires and empowers those advancing equal access to justice – it seemed a fitting them for the coming year. Little did we know what 2020 would have in store for all of us, and how much the notion of justice would be both emphasized and challenged in the coming year. Check out the video below, which is how this theme all started.
Over the course of the week of June 15-19, 2020, PILI celebrated its Annual Pro Bono Reception – virtually, for the first time ever. PILI’s Annual Pro Bono Reception celebrates the inspiring and life-changing pro bono work being done in Illinois through effective pro bono programs, innovative partnerships, and the unwavering dedication of individual attorneys and legal professionals. While the COVID-19 pandemic prevented us from gathering together in celebration, we firmly believed that even in these challenging times, there was much to celebrate in terms of the life-changing pro bono work being performed across Illinois. We premiered a new video feature each day in which we talked about notions of justice, especially how justice can be achieved through pro bono work, and celebrated the work of PILI through its Pro Bono Program and all of those who contribute their time and talent to helping individuals, families and communities in need through pro bono work.
Schedule of Events: 2020 Virtual Annual Pro Bono Reception
Day One: The celebration kicked-off with PILI Board President Sarah Bernstein and Executive Director Michael Bergmann. Watch Monday’s video on our YouTube channel »
Day Two: Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice Anne M. Burke joined us to deliver remarks and to congratulate the law firms and corporations named to PILI’s 2020 Pro Bono Recognition Roster. Watch Tuesday’s video on our YouTube channel »
Day Three: PILI Executive Director sat down with ABA President Judy Perry Martinez for a discussion about how lawyers can help during this time through pro bono service and legal aid. Watch Wednesday’s video on our YouTube channel »
Day Four: Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul joined us to deliver remarks and to congratulate those individuals named to PILI’s inaugural Pro Bono Volunteer Honor Roll. Watch Thursday’s video on our YouTube channel »
Day Five: We wrapped up the celebration. Watch Friday’s video on our YouTube channel »
In addition to being a celebration, PILI’s Annual Pro Bono Reception is also an inportant fundraiser that supports our work. Like many nonprofits, we are facing financial uncertainty due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, including falling short of our budget goal for this year’s event. Your support will ensure that we can maintain and grow our Pro Bono Program to help more people in need obtain access to justice. Won’t you make a donation today to help support our work and our mission to engage, inspire and empower those advancing equal access to justice? You can make a gift through our secure website at www.pili.org/donate or by texting “PILI” to 243-725. Any amount will help support our work and we are grateful for the support! There are also many other ways to get involved with our work.
We hope you will join us in defining justice!