“Emily is part of the next generation of lawyers who are not just talking about problems with our courts, but who is working to bring about systemic reform.”
2016 Distinguished PILI Fellow Alumni Award: Kristen E. Hudson
“Kristen has a heart of gold and the tenacity of a tiger. A true believer in pro bono, she clearly has a lifetime commitment to it.”
2015 Distinguished PILI Intern Alumni Award: Cynthia Cornelius
“Cynthia is making a significant contribution to developing a new generation of future lawyers who understand their responsibility to extend legal services to some of our most vulnerable members of society and to do so with a generous heart.”
2015 Distinguished PILI Fellow Alumni Award: Jordan Heinz
“Jordan treats each pro bono client as special. He connects with his clients and does his very best for them. Jordan is, without a doubt, the kindest, most sincere, dedicated PILl Alumnus doing pro bono work today.”
2015 Pro Bono Initiative Award: United Airlines
“The needs and rewards from giving back to the community and helping those in need are so great that everyone should be given the opportunity and resources to make it a priority.”
2015 Distinguished Public Service Award: Chief Justice Rita B. Garman
“She has opened doors for other women lawyers, encouraged judges to improve their skills, and led efforts to make the justice system in our state more fair. “
2014 Distinguished Public Service Award: Diana C. White, LAF
Diana is the Executive Director of LAF, the largest and most comprehensive provider of free legal aid to low-income Cook County residents in civil matters. Her commitment to providing high-quality legal services comes during a time of tightening budgets and exploding need.
2014 Fellow Alumni Award: Andrew Vail
Andrew co-chairs Jenner & Block’s Pro Bono Committee, and has dedicated more than 5,000 hours to pro bono matters, including work on several high-profile wrongful conviction cases.
2014 PILI Intern Alumni Award: Matthew Jenkins
Matt handles and tries complex, significant and high-profile cases, and he is proud of the work he does on behalf of those clients. He is equally as proud of his cases that don’t make headlines, involving those often without a voice and without access to quality legal representation.
2014 Pro Bono Initiative Award: Dentons US LLP
Dentons has a long and proud tradition of serving the community. With approximately 2,600 lawyers and professionals in more than 75 locations in over 50 countries across the globe, Dentons serves the public interest through pro bono legal services, partnerships with nonprofit organizations, community volunteerism, environmental sustainability projects and diversity and inclusion initiatives.