Michael Bergmann, PILI Executive Director
Since 2010, Michael has served as the Executive Director of the Public Interest Law Initiative (PILI), providing strategic oversight and direction to guide the organization’s mission of engaging, inspiring, and empowering those advancing equal access to justice. Under his leadership, PILI has significantly expanded its reach and impact, building on a 49-year legacy to become a statewide organization. Michael has overseen the growth of PILI’s Law Student Internship Program, increasing both the number of funded Interns and the stipends they receive. He has also led efforts to establish innovative pro bono committees at the judicial circuit level across Illinois and expanded PILI’s direct services through a statewide network of pro bono volunteers. During his tenure, PILI has seen a significant rise in financial support from diverse funding sources. Michael initially joined PILI in 2006, and served as Director of Programs before being appointed Executive Director.
Michael is a frequent speaker on issues related to legal aid, pro bono work, and public interest law, regularly participating in conferences such as the Illinois Legal Advocates Conference, ABA/NLADA Equal Justice Conference, the ABA Young Lawyers Division, the National Legal Aid and Defender Association Annual Conference, the Equal Justice Works Conference & Career Fair, the NALP Annual Education Conference, and the National Pro Bono Conference of Canada.
In addition to his work at PILI, Michael was appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court to serve on the Illinois Judicial Conference, a multi-disciplinary body charged with strategic planning for the Illinois Judicial Branch. He has served as a special advisor to the Illinois Judges Association’s Pro Bono Committee since its inception. Michael also serves on the Dean's Council for DePaul University College of Law, where he has also taught as an adjunct professor. He is on the Advisory Board of the Chicago Lawyer Chapter of the American Constitution Society. Michael is also currently serving as Chair of the Board of Directors of the McGaw YMCA in Evanston. He previously served on the Advisory Board for the Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management at North Park University and as a Commissioner on the City of Evanston’s Human Relations Commission. Throughout his career, Michael has also handled pro bono matters for Chicago Volunteer Legal Services, the Law Center for Better Housing, and the National Immigrant Justice Center.
An active member of the American Bar Association (ABA), Michael currently serves on its Board of Governors. Michael has previously chaired several ABA entities, including the Standing Committee on Membership, the Section Officers Conference (SOC), the Judicial Division, the Lawyers Conference of the Judicial Division, and the Young Lawyers Division. Additionally, he is an active member and leader within the Illinois State Bar Association’s (ISBA) and currently also serves on its Board of Governors. He is also a member of the Chicago Bar Association.
Recognized for his dedication to the legal profession and public service, Michael has received numerous accolades, most recently the Russell K. Scott Equal Justice Award from Land of Lincoln Legal Aid and the Amicus Award from the Illinois Judges Association. In 2013, he was named one of "40 Under 40 Illinois Attorneys to Watch" by the Law Bulletin Publishing Company. He has also received the 2011 Young Alumni Merit Award from The Catholic University of America and the 2007 Outstanding Young Alumnus Award from DePaul University College of Law, as well as the Illinois State Bar Association’s Young Lawyer of the Year Award. Michael was honored with the 2005 Kimball and Karen Anderson Public Interest Law Fellowship from The Chicago Bar Foundation.
Michael holds a Bachelor of Arts in Politics from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., and a Juris Doctor from DePaul University College of Law. Prior to joining PILI, he was the Guardian Ad Litem Program Director for Chicago Volunteer Legal Services and a consultant with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. He is admitted to the practice of law in Illinois, before the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, and the Supreme Court of the United States.