Pro Bono Volunteer Opportunities for
Attorneys in the Chicago Area
PHOTO CREDIT: CHARLIE SIMOKAITIS
Table of Contents
1 Finding Pro Bono Opportunities in the Chicago Area
2 Pro Bono Opportunities by Subject Area
4 Pro Bono Opportunities by Type
6 Pro Bono Opportunities by Organization
28 Federal Court-Based Pro Bono Opportunities
29 Volunteer Opportunities Chart
30 Additional Considerations for Volunteers
32 Time, Money, and Influence: Fulfilling Your Role as A Trustee of the Justice System
33 About The Chicago Bar Foundation and The Chicago Bar Foundation Pro Bono Program
1
FINDING PRO BONO
OPPORTUNITIES
This Guide is an introductory resource for
attorneys who are interested in performing pro
bono service in the Chicago area. This guide
identies opportunities by legal subject area
(e.g., adoption, eviction), type of representation
(e.g., litigation, transactional), client group
(e.g., children, elderly), evening and weekend
availability, shorter time commitment, and
appropriateness for group work. These lists are
available on pages 2–5. Specic information and
sample opportunities from each organization
are listed on pages 6–27.
The Chicago Bar Foundation (CBF) Pro Bono
Support Program
is your person-to-person
resource for pro bono. CBF staff have extensive
knowledge about many great pro bono opportuni
-
ties, and we are available to help you identify
those opportunities that are a good t for your
schedule, interests, and goals. We also welcome
your feedback about your experience with pro
bono, gaps in our system, or things we can do
better. Contact Angela Inzano at 312.554.4952
or ainzano@chicagobar.org.
Online Resources: This Guide is also available in
an online format at www.chicagobarfoundation.org.
Additional opportunities or more information may
be available on each organization’s website or
by contacting the organization directly. In addition,
most organizations welcome full-time in-house
volunteers, experienced attorney mentors, and
law student interns. If you are interested in one of
these opportunities, visit the website of the
organization in which you are interested.
Illinois Legal Aid Online (ILAO) also provides
up-to-date and detailed information about
pro bono opportunities in Chicago and throughout
the state. The CBF partners with ILAO to ensure
high-quality, accurate, and timely postings of
opportunities in Chicago and the surrounding
area. In addition, the website includes a calendar
of upcoming training programs and events, as
well as other resources for pro bono attorneys.
Visit www.Illinoislegalaid.org for more information
about ILAO’s work.
PRO BONO IN THE
CHICAGO AREA
A network of nearly 40 pro bono and legal aid
organizations provides critical legal assistance to
thousands of low-income and disadvantaged
people in the Chicago area. These organizations
range in size from several larger organizations that
collectively serve tens of thousands of people on
a wide range of issues throughout Cook County to
a number of smaller organizations that target their
services to particular legal issues or communities.
About 700,000 low-income people in the
Chicago area are expected to encounter a legal
problem this year, yet fewer than half of them
will be able to access legal help because there
aren’t enough pro bono and legal aid resources
to go around. In addition, a growing number of
moderate-income people in our community are
unable to nd affordable legal help. The net result
is many thousands of people are left without
the assistance they need to fairly and effectively
resolve their legal problems.
Each year, thousands of attorneys in the Chicago
area volunteer their time and talents to help
many people in need in our community get
necessary legal help on a range of legal issues.
As you look for the right opportunity, keep in
mind that pro bono and legal aid programs are
working to meet a high level of need with
extremely limited resources. As discussed more
fully on pages 30–31 of this guide, strong
pro bono programs screen cases, provide training,
and give ongoing support for their volunteers.
Volunteers should expect that support and
also recognize the important role that organiza-
tions play in making pro bono opportunities
available. The ultimate goal for everyone
concerned is to ensure that clients receive
high-quality legal assistance.
NOTE
If you are looking for free legal help,
please note that this guide is not intended
to help you nd a pro bono lawyer. To
nd out if you are eligible for free legal
services, call CARPLS, Cook County’s legal
aid hotline, at 312.738.9200. CARPLS
attorneys may give you brief legal advice
or may try to refer you to an appropriate
legal aid program. You can also nd general
legal information online at www.
IllinoisLegalAid.org. To nd other lawyers
who charge fees, you can contact The
Chicago Bar Association Lawyer Referral
Service at www.chicagobar.org or
312.554.2001. You also can nd lawyers
who are dedicated to providing quality,
affordable legal services by contacting
the CBF Justice Entrepreneurs Project at
www.jepchicago.org or 312.546.3282.
2
Pro Bono Opportunities by Legal Subject Area
Below is a list of organizations classied by the general legal areas in which they
offer pro bono opportunities. Many organizations have pro bono opportunities
in more than one subject area. There are some organizations, such as CARPLS
(pg. 8), Illinois Legal Aid Online (pg. 19), and Pro Bono Network (pg. 26) which
offer pro bono opportunities that span a wide range of legal subject areas,
opportunity types, and client populations.
Adoption
– Chicago Legal Clinic
– Chicago Volunteer Legal Services
Bankruptcy Law/Debt Collection
– CARPLS
– Chicago Legal Clinic
– Chicago Volunteer Legal Services
– LAF
Chancery Issues
– Chicago Legal Clinic
– Chicago Volunteer Legal Services
– LAF
Child Custody, Support,
and Visitation
– Cabrini Green Legal Aid
– CARPLS
– Chicago Legal Clinic
– Chicago Volunteer Legal Services
– Legal Aid Society
Civil Rights
– Access Living
– Chicago Coalition for the Homeless-Law Project
– Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for
Civil Rights Under Law
– Equip for Equality
– Family Defense Center
– LAF
– Legal Council for Health Justice
– Uptown People’s Law Center
Consumer
– CARPLS
– Catholic Charities Legal Assistance
– Center for Disability & Elder Law
– Chicago Legal Clinic
– Chicago Volunteer Legal Services
– LAF
– Legal Council for Health Justice
Corporate Law: Nonprofit/
Small Business
– Community Law Project
– Lawyers for the Creative Arts
Visit www.chicagobarfoundation.org for more information about the pro bono and legal aid system in Chicago and how you can make a difference.
3
Criminal Defense, Expungement
and Sealing
– Cabrini Green Legal Aid
– Chicago Legal Clinic
– First Defense Legal Aid
– James B. Moran Center for Youth Advocacy
– Lawndale Christian Legal Center
Disability Discrimination
– Access Living
– Equip for Equality
– LAF
Divorce
– Cabrini Green Legal Aid
– CARPLS
– Chicago Legal Clinic
– Chicago Volunteer Legal Services
– LAF
– Legal Aid Society
Domestic Violence
– Cabrini Green Legal Aid
– Catholic Charities Legal Assistance
– Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation
– Chicago Legal Clinic
– Domestic Violence Legal Clinic
– Family Defense Center
– LAF
– Legal Aid Society
– National Immigrant Justice Center
Education Law
– Access Living
– Chicago Coalition for the Homeless —
Law Project
– Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for
Civil Rights Under Law
– Equip for Equality
– James B. Moran Center for Youth Advocacy
– LAF
– Legal Council for Health Justice
Elder Abuse
– Center for Disability & Elder Law
– LAF
Employment Law
– Access Living
– Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for
Civil Rights Under Law
– Community Law Project (transactional)
– Equip for Equality
– LAF
– Legal Council for Health Justice
Estates, Wills and Probate
– Center for Disability & Elder Law
– Chicago Legal Clinic
– Chicago Volunteer Legal Services
– Legal Council for Health Justice
Guardianship (Child and Adult)
– Cabrini Green Legal Aid (child)
– Center for Disability & Elder Law (adult)
– Chicago Legal Clinic (adult)
– Chicago Volunteer Legal Services
(child and adult)
– Equip for Equality (adult)
– Legal Council for Health Justice (child)
Housing
– Access Living
– Cabrini Green Legal Aid
– CARPLS
– Catholic Charities Legal Assistance
– Center for Disability & Elder Law
– Chicago Coalition for the Homeless —
Law Project
– Chicago Legal Clinic
– Chicago Volunteer Legal Services
– LAF
– Lawyers’ Committee for Better Housing
– Legal Council for Health Justice
– Uptown People’s Law Center
Immigration
– Chicago Legal Clinic
– LAF
– National Immigrant Justice Center
Insurance Benefits
– Chicago Volunteer Legal Services
– Legal Council for Health Justice
Intellectual Property
– Community Law Project
– Lawyers for the Creative Arts
Juvenile: Abuse and Neglect
– Family Defense Center
Juvenile: Delinquency
– James B. Moran Center for Youth Advocacy
– Lawndale Christian Legal Center
Public Benefits
– Access Living
– Chicago Legal Clinic
– Chicago Volunteer Legal Services
– Equip for Equality
– LAF
– Legal Council for Health Justice
Real Estate Closing
– Chicago Legal Clinic
– Community Law Project
Tax Law
– Center for Economic Progress — Tax Clinic
– Community Law Project
Tort and Insurance Defense
– Chicago Legal Clinic
– Chicago Volunteer Legal Services
– Municipal Court Pro Bono Panel
4
Non-Litigation/Non-Representation
Opportunities
Pro bono and legal aid organizations offer
Chicago-area attorneys a wide variety
of non-litigation pro bono opportunities.
Opportunities include: transactional
work, providing brief advice and counsel to
clients, giving community legal education
presentations, drafting advance directives,
interviewing clients and assessing their legal
needs, and providing mediation services.
Transactional
The organizations listed below offer transactional
pro bono opportunities, which include work
in the areas of corporate law, tax, intellectual
property, and real estate. Examples of some of
the projects include helping a community
organization draft bylaws, drafting a contract
between an artist and a gallery, and advising an
artist on intellectual property matters.
– Center for Economic Progress — Tax Clinic
– Community Law Project
– Lawyers for the Creative Arts
Research
The organizations listed below offer research
pro bono opportunities, which include researching
criminal records and discrete legal issues
relevant to cases being worked on by that legal
aid organization.
– Cabrini Green Legal Aid
– Lawndale Christian Legal Center
Pro Bono Opportunities by Type
A wide variety of non-litigation and litigation pro bono opportunities are available
in Cook County. Volunteers can nd opportunities to t their skills, interests,
schedules, and other goals.
Clinics
Volunteer your time to provide legal information
or brief advice to clients on a variety of matters
through clinics located in a multitude of Chicago-
area neighborhoods. You may also take clinic
cases for full representation.
– Cabrini Green Legal Aid
– Catholic Charities Legal Assistance
– Center for Disability & Elder Law
– Center for Economic Progress — Tax Clinic
– Chicago Coalition for the Homeless —
Law Project
– Chicago Legal Clinic
– Chicago Volunteer Legal Services
Community Legal Education
Materials and Presentations
The organizations below offer volunteers the
opportunity to share their legal knowledge
and experience with low-income clients on a
variety of civil and criminal matters.
– Catholic Charities Legal Assistance
– Center for Disability & Elder Law
– Chicago Legal Clinic
– Community Law Project
– Equip for Equality
– First Defense Legal Aid
– Illinois Legal Aid Online
Hotlines/Advice Desks
The organizations listed below offer opportunities
for volunteers to provide clients with brief
advice and counsel through a hotline or an advice
desk located in the court or the community.
– Cabrini Green Legal Aid
– CARPLS
– Catholic Charities Legal Assistance
– Center for Disability & Elder Law
– Chicago Legal Clinic
– Chicago Volunteer Legal Services
– Equip for Equality
– First Defense Legal Aid
– Illinois Legal Aid Online
– James B. Moran Center for Youth Advocacy
– LAF
Intake
Assist one of the organizations below with
interviewing clients and assessing their legal
needs. This is an ideal t for a volunteer
interested in a dened time commitment with
client contact.
– Cabrini Green Legal Aid
– Center for Disability & Elder Law
– Chicago Legal Clinic
– Equip for Equality
Mediation
Volunteer your time to help individuals manage
and resolve conicts by acting as a volunteer
mediator or representing individuals in mediation.
– Center for Conict Resolution
– Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for
Civil Rights Under Law
– Chicago Volunteer Legal Services
Visit www.chicagobarfoundation.org for more information about the pro bono and legal aid system in Chicago and how you can make a difference.
5
Litigation Opportunities
The organizations below assign volunteer
attorneys to client representation in court,
administrative hearings, and other contested
situations that require direct representation.
For example, an attorney might represent
a refugee in an asylum case in immigration
court, help an incarcerated mother transfer
guardianship of her child, or speak for
an individual with a disability in a hearing
to maintain benets.
– Access Living
– Cabrini Green Legal Aid
– Catholic Charities Legal Assistance
– Center for Disability & Elder Law
– Center for Economic Progress — Tax Clinic
– Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation
– Chicago Coalition for the Homeless —
Law Project
– Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for
Civil Rights Under Law
– Chicago Legal Clinic
– Chicago Volunteer Legal Services
– Domestic Violence Legal Clinic
– Equip for Equality
– Family Defense Center
– LAF
– Lawndale Christian Legal Center
– Lawyers’ Committee for Better Housing
– Lawyers for the Creative Arts
– Legal Aid Society
– Legal Council for Health Justice
– Municipal Court Pro Bono Panel
– National Immigrant Justice Center
– Statutory Summary Suspension Program
– Uptown People’s Law Center
Weekend or Evening Opportunities
For volunteers who don’t have exible daytime
schedules or who prefer to perform pro bono
work outside of regular business hours, the
organizations listed below offer evening and
weekend pro bono opportunities.
– Cabrini Green Legal Aid
– CARPLS
– Catholic Charities Legal Assistance
– Center for Economic Progress — Tax Clinic
– Chicago Volunteer Legal Services
– First Defense Legal Aid
– Illinois Legal Aid Online
Shorter Time Commitment
Opportunities
For attorneys who would like to volunteer for
brief periods of time — usually at hotlines/help
desks, a one-time court appearance, or at a
community legal education presentation — the
groups below have projects to accommodate
individuals with xed time slots.
– Cabrini Green Legal Aid
– CARPLS
– Catholic Charities Legal Assistance
– Center for Disability & Elder Law
– Center for Economic Progress — Tax Clinic
– Chicago Coalition for the Homeless —
Law Project
– Chicago Legal Clinic
– Chicago Volunteer Legal Services
– Community Law Project
– Equip for Equality
– First Defense Legal Aid
– Illinois Legal Aid Online
– LAF
– Statutory Summary Suspension Program
Pro Bono Opportunities
Appropriate for Group Work
The following organizations are among those
that provide opportunities well suited for
groups of people who want to work on a pro
bono project together.
– Cabrini Green Legal Aid
– CARPLS
– Center for Disability & Elder Law
– Community Law Project
– Equip for Equality
– National Immigrant Justice Center
Pro Bono Opportunities Identified
by Client Groups
This listing is not exhaustive, but identies
organizations offering pro bono opportunities
serving specic groups.
Artists and Organizations
– Lawyers for the Creative Arts
Children
– Chicago Coalition for the Homeless —
Law Project
– Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for
Civil Rights Under Law
– Chicago Volunteer Legal Services
– Equip for Equality
– James B. Moran Center for Youth Advocacy
– LAF
– Lawndale Christian Legal Center
– National Immigrant Justice Center
Persons with Disabilities
– Access Living
– Center for Disability & Elder Law
– Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for
Civil Rights Under Law
– Chicago Volunteer Legal Services
– Equip for Equality
Elderly
– Chicago Legal Clinic
– Chicago Volunteer Legal Services
– Center for Disability & Elder Law
– Equip for Equality
– LAF
HIV Positive Population
– Legal Council for Health Justice
Immigrants
– LAF
– National Immigrant Justice Center
Nonprot Organizations and
Small Businesses
– Community Law Project
– Lawyers for the Creative Arts
6
Pro Bono Opportunities by Organization
Below is a brief description of each legal aid provider mentioned elsewhere in
this guide along with sample opportunities offered by the organization. For further
information, you can contact the organization directly or call the CBF Pro Bono
Support Program at 312.554.4952.
ACCESS LIVING
115 West Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL 60654
Phone: 312.640.2100
Web: www.accessliving.org
TTY: 312.640.2102
Brief Description & Client Impact:
Access
Living is a cross-disability organization governed
and staffed by a majority of persons with
disabilities. The organization strives to enhance
the opportunities of persons with disabilities
to live individualized and satisfying lives. To this
end, Access Living undertakes advocacy and
service programs that reach the entire spectrum
of disability. Access Living’s legal staff provides
direct representation, educates persons with
disabilities about their legal rights, engages
in public policy advocacy aimed at afrmatively
furthering fair housing, and utilizes systemic
impact litigation to protect the rights of low-in
-
come Chicagoans with disabilities. Attorneys
counsel persons with disabilities about their civil
rights and provide representation in cases
implicating important disability rights issues.
Volunteer attorneys will provide legal services to
people with disabilities to enable them to attain,
maintain, and/or maximize their integration into
the community and independence.
How to get started: Contact Ken Walden at
[email protected] or 312.640.2100.
Does the organization offer malpractice
insurance coverage to volunteers?
Yes
Sample Opportunity
CO-COUNSEL DISCRIMINATION CASES
Volunteer attorneys co-counsel discrimination
cases under the Americans with Disabilities Act,
the Fair Housing Act, or other relevant statutes
with Access Living attorneys.
Practice areas: Civil rights, disability
Opportunity type: Litigation
Skills acquired: Client counseling, motion
practice, negotiating, trial skills, writing/drafting
Skills required: This opportunity relies on
attorneys with signicant experience in the
subject matter and/or litigation.
Time commitment: Varies depending on
case complexity.
Contact: Ken Walden at kwalden@accessliving.
org or 312.640.2100
Training and support: Access Living does not
have a formal training program. Licensed
attorneys provide support and guidance as
agreed upon and needed.
CABRINI GREEN LEGAL AID
740 North Milwaukee Avenue
Chicago, IL 60642
Phone: 312.738.2452
Web: www.cgla.net
Brief Description & Client Impact:
Cabrini
Green Legal Aid (CGLA) has been providing legal
services to the community since 1973, and
while our reach has expanded beyond the Cabrini
Green neighborhood, our focus has narrowed
to working for and alongside individuals, families,
and communities impacted by the direct and
collateral consequences of the criminal justice
system. Each year, over 6,000 people access
CGLA’s services to remove or prevent barriers to
employment and education caused by criminal
records, strengthen families impacted by
incarceration, and to stabilize housing threatened
by arrest or conviction. We use an interdisciplinary
approach teaming lawyers and social workers
to work with clients to not just achieve their
legal goals, but strengthen their overall lives. Our
collaborative work with partner organizations,
system stakeholders and the broader legal
community strengthens our impact across the
State of Illinois.
Through zealous legal services, social supports,
and systemic advocacy, CGLA seeks to strengthen
individual lives, protect families, and mobilize
communities impacted by arrest and
incarceration.
How to get started: Contact Eve Kleinerman at
[email protected] or 312.374.6191.
Does the organization offer malpractice
insurance coverage to volunteer attorney?
Yes
Visit www.chicagobarfoundation.org for more information about the pro bono and legal aid system in Chicago and how you can make a difference.
7
Sample Opportunity
ATTORNEY AND LAW STUDENT INTAKE PROGRAM
Volunteer attorneys and law students interview
potential clients at CGLA ofces and partner
organizations in Chicago. Following intake
interviews, volunteers attend the weekly intake
meeting at CGLA’s ofce to present the potential
client’s information to staff, volunteers, and
interns.
At the intake meeting, all staff and volunteers vote
on which cases to accept, refer to other sources,
or provide advice.
Practice areas: General civil practice
Opportunity type: Non-representation, client
intake/interview
Skills acquired: Client/witness interviewing
Skills required: All attorneys are competent to
handle this matter after the training provided.
Time commitment: Each intake requires 4 hours,
including the interview and intake meeting.
After training, volunteers are asked to commit to
completing 3 intakes on their own.
Contact: Eve Kleinerman at [email protected] or
312.374.6191
Training and support: Volunteers attend a 2-hour
orientation session at CGLA’s ofce and then
observe three intake sessions and the corre
-
sponding intake meeting before conducting intake
interviews independently. CGLA’s volunteer
coordinator and staff attorneys provide support
to volunteers.
Sample Opportunity
EXPUNGEMENT AND SEALING HELP DESKS
Volunteers conduct criminal history research and
provide consultations to individuals seeking to
clear their criminal records through expungement
and sealing. Volunteers meet with clients, read
their criminal history or RAP sheets, determine
their eligibility for relief, and help them le the
necessary paperwork. The desk at the Daley
Center is open Monday through Thursday from
9:00 am to 12:30 pm and Thursday from 1:00 pm
to 4:00 pm. The desk at the Markham Courthouse
is open on Wednesdays from 10:00 am to
2:00 pm.
Practice areas: Expungement, sealing, and other
forms of criminal records relief
Opportunity type: Non-litigation, self-help desks
Skills acquired: Client counseling, client/
witness interviewing
Skills required: All attorneys are competent to
handle this matter after the training provided.
Time commitment: Completion of required
training (4 hrs). Volunteers are then asked to
commit to completing a minimum of six 3.5-hour
sessions working at a Help Desk over 6 months,
which can be scheduled at the volunteer’s
convenience.
Contact: Eve Kleinerman at [email protected]
or 312.374.6191
Training and support: Volunteers are required
to complete a two-part training orientation at
CGLA’s ofce (each training part is two hours for
a total of four hours over two evenings) prior to
volunteering. The volunteer coordinator and staff
attorneys support volunteers.
Sample Opportunity
REPRESENTATION IN LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Volunteer attorneys with some experience in the
subject matter handle all aspects of cases in
areas of housing law, family law, criminal defense
law, and criminal records on an as needed basis.
Practice areas: Housing, family, expungement,
sealing, criminal law
Opportunity type: Litigation
Skills acquired: Case management, client
counseling, client/witness interviewing, motion
practice, trial skills, writing/drafting, court
appearances, and negotiating settlements
Skills required: This opportunity relies on
attorneys with subject matter experience or law
rm support.
Time commitment: The time commitment varies
by case and type.
Contact: Eve Kleinerman at [email protected]
or 312.374.6191
Training and support: Volunteers in housing,
criminal defense, or criminal records representa
-
tion rst participate in CGLA’s Client Intake
Program. Volunteers in family law cases may
receive additional training, which is determined
on a case-by-case basis.
Sample Opportunity
CRIMINAL RECORDS RESEARCH —
EVENING VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY
CGLA’s evening volunteers assist individuals who
are experiencing collateral consequences stemming
from their involvement with the criminal justice
system by researching their criminal histories,
documenting available options, and preparing
petitions when applicable. All work is performed
at CGLA’s ofce between the hours of 5:00 pm
and 8:00 pm on designated evenings.
Practice areas: Expungement, sealing,
alternative forms of relief
Opportunity type: Advice
Skills acquired: Subject matter experience
Skills required: All attorneys are competent to
handle this matter after the training provided.
Time commitment: Completion of 4-hour
training. Volunteers are then asked to commit to a
minimum of six 3-hour evening shifts.
Contact: Eve Kleinerman at [email protected] or
312.374.6191
Training and support: Volunteers are required
to complete a two-part training orientation at
CGLA’s ofce (each training part is two hours for
a total of four hours over two evenings) prior to
volunteering. The volunteer coordinator and staff
attorneys support volunteers.
Sample Opportunity
CLEMENCY FIRM-BASED PROGRAM
CGLA partners with law rms to prepare and
present executive clemency petitions to the
Prisoner Review Board to clear clients of their
criminal records. CGLA screens cases for
income-eligibility and merit and refers cases it
believes will be received favorably. Volunteer
attorneys interview the client, work with the client
to develop the theory, and draft the petition.
Volunteer attorneys also present the matter at the
Prisoner Review Board’s semi-annual hearing.
Practice areas: Criminal law
Opportunity type: Non-litigation, administrative
hearing
Skills acquired: Client counseling, client/witness
interviewing, writing/drafting skills
Skills required: This opportunity relies on
attorneys with law rm support.
Time commitment: Completion of required
training (2 hrs). The time commitment then
varies depending on the case, but is typically
15–30 hours over several months.
Contact: Eve Kleinerman at [email protected]
or 312.374.6191
Training and support: A 2-hour orientation is
required. The volunteer coordinator and CGLA
staff attorneys support volunteers.
Sample Opportunity
JAIL FAMILY LAW CLINIC
The Jail Family Law Clinic provides legal advice
for mothers in Cook County Jail and various
transitional settings including halfway homes,
work release programs, shelters, and pretrial
detention facilities. Volunteers conduct an
in-person intake session with clients and then
provide advice in the form of a closeout letter.
In addition, volunteers often assist clients with
executing short term guardianship paperwork,
researching foster care cases, and drafting
short motions or responses.
8
Practice areas: Family law, guardianship, juvenile
(abuse and neglect)
Opportunity type: Non-litigation and litigation,
client intake/interviewing/advice, motion
drafting, research
Skills acquired: Client counseling, client/witness
interviewing, writing/drafting, legal research, court
experience, and familiarity with Cook County
Department of Corrections
Skills required: All attorneys are competent to
handle this matter after the training provided.
Time commitment: 3–5 hours per month. The Jail
is open to attorneys seven days a week from
8:00 am to 8:00 pm. Volunteers go to the Jail
when they have availability during the day,
evenings, weekends, and even on holidays.
Contact: Eve Kleinerman at [email protected] or
312.374.6191
Training and support: Volunteers attend training
either in person or by watching a recorded
program and receive extensive resources.
Volunteers also shadow another volunteer prior to
conducting independent appointments and
have access to a supervising attorney as well as a
network of experienced Jail Clinic volunteers.
CARPLS
17 North State Street, Suite 1850
Chicago, IL 60602
Legal Hotline: 312.738.9200
Volunteer Coordinator: 312.421.4427
Web: www.carpls.org
Brief Description & Client Impact:
CARPLS is
an innovative legal aid service that offers an
immediate response to the everyday legal
problems confronting impoverished families
throughout Cook County. CARPLS’ legal aid hotline
and court-based advice desks give clients direct
access to experienced attorneys who are trained
to quickly assess and respond to a wide range
of civil legal problems. CARPLS attorneys resolve
over 85% of all cases in-house by providing
information, advice, and brief services, including
the preparation and review of legal documents.
Clients with more complex needs are referred
by CARPLS to a network of specialized legal and
social service providers.
CARPLS helps people with limited means with
their everyday legal problems by providing brief
legal services, resources, and education. Our
“legal triage” process dramatically increases
access to justice by guiding pro se litigants
through the confusing and stressful legal system.
How to get started: Contact Leslie Wallin,
at [email protected] or 312.421.4427, to
register for a training program.
Does the organization offer malpractice
insurance coverage to volunteers?
Yes
Sample Opportunity
ADVICE AND REFERRAL HOTLINE
Volunteer attorneys answer calls on our legal
hotline located in the CARPLS ofces. Volunteers
counsel clients, prepare documents, and make
referrals to network organizations in the areas
of landlord/tenant, consumer debt, and domestic
relations law. Daily shifts: Monday – Friday from
9:00 am to 1:00 pm or 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
Evening shifts: Monday or Wednesday from
5:30 pm to 7:30 pm.
Practice areas: Divorce/separation/annulment,
landlord/tenant, consumer law
Opportunity type: Non-litigation, client intake/
interview, advice, brief services
Skills acquired: Client counseling, client/witness
interviewing, subject matter experience
Skills required: All attorneys are competent to
handle this matter after the training provided.
Time commitment: 36-hour volunteer commit-
ment requested after training.
Contact: Leslie Wallin at v[email protected]
or 312.421.4427
Training and support: CARPLS provides extensive
training and support to volunteers in the form of
online course work and hands-on training.
CARPLS supervisors support volunteers during
volunteer shifts and are always available to
answer questions. Trainings are offered 10 times
each year.
CATHOLIC CHARITIES
LEGAL ASSISTANCE
721 North LaSalle Street
Chicago, IL 60654
Phone: 312.948.6821
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.catholiccharities.net/ccla
Brief Description & Client Impact:
Catholic
Charities Legal Assistance (CCLA) is a compre
-
hensive legal service department providing
services to low income individuals, regardless of
religious afliation or citizenship status. CCLA
services include in-depth legal consultations over
its legal advice telephone line, presentation of
legal education seminars, advice desk and legal
clinics. CCLA uses a holistic and empowerment
driven legal service approach to deliver its
services including language interpretation and
access to over 150 social services offered by
Catholic Charities.
CCLA staff provide representation in the areas
of family law, housing, consumer law, and
the expungement and sealing of eligible criminal
records. For cases that do not fall within our
areas of practice, CCLA place cases for represen-
tation with private attorneys who are part of
our “Pro Bono Network.”
How to get started: Contact Melissa Picciola at
[email protected] or 312.948.6821.
Does the organization offer malpractice
insurance coverage to volunteers?
Yes
Sample Opportunity
PRO BONO NETWORK VOLUNTEER ATTORNEY
CCLA’s Pro Bono Network consists of attorneys
who wish to serve CCLA clients by accepting
cases in their area of legal specialty on a pro
bono basis. Once an attorney joins CCLA’s Pro
Bono Network, attorneys are contacted via email
periodically with a brief summary of an available
case in the attorney’s specialty area. The attorney
is always free to accept or decline any referral.
Practice areas: All practice areas, including civil
and criminal litigation and transactional
Opportunity type: litigation and transactional
Skills required: This opportunity relies on
attorneys with subject matter experience or law
rm support.
Time commitment: The time commitment varies
by case and type.
Contact: Melissa Picciola at ccla@catholicchari-
ties.net or 312.948.6821
Training and support: CCLA’s model relies on
pro bono attorneys to accept cases in areas of
law in which they have experience.
Sample Opportunity
AFTER-HOURS LEGAL ADVICE DESK
CCLA hosts a legal advice desk on the second
Tuesday evening of each month at the CCLA
ofces. Additional legal advice desks that focus
on trending legal issues are held at various
locations in Cook and Lake County. Each of these
advice desks are approximately 1.5 hours,
providing attorneys with a pre-set, time limited
volunteer opportunity. Volunteer attorneys
meet with clients, discuss their concerns, and
provide legal advice with the support of
CCLA staff attorneys. This opportunity is particu-
larly well-suited for attorneys who speak a
second language.
Practice areas: All practice areas, including civil
and criminal litigation and transactional
Opportunity type: Non-litigation, client intake/
interviewing/advice, self-help desks
Skills acquired: Client counseling and inter-
viewing skills, subject matter experience
Skills required: All attorneys and 711 licensed
students are competent to handle this matter
after the training provided.
Visit www.chicagobarfoundation.org for more information about the pro bono and legal aid system in Chicago and how you can make a difference.
9
Time commitment: 2 hours per legal advice desk
Contact: Melissa Picciola at ccla@catholicchari-
ties.net or 312.948.6821
Training and support: CCLA provides training and
informational materials and CCLA staff attorneys
are present to supervise and support attorneys at
legal advice desks.
Sample Opportunity
LEGAL ADVICE LINE VOLUNTEER
CCLA operates a telephone legal advice line
which helps callers identify and understand their
legal issues, their legal rights and responsibilities,
how to navigate the legal process, and possible
resolutions. Volunteer attorneys speak to
pre-screened clients during a scheduled client
consultation and provide advice or brief services
such as document review and, when appropriate,
make referrals or identify cases for CCLA’s “Pro
Bono Network” for fuller representation.
Practice areas: All practice areas
Opportunity type: Non-litigation, client intake/
interviewing/advice
Skills acquired: Client counseling and inter-
viewing skills, subject matter experience
Skills required: All attorneys are competent to
handle this matter after the training provided.
Time commitment: Time commitment is exible
after completion of the required CLE volunteer
training. Legal consultations are conducted during
business hours at CCLA’s ofce.
Contact: Melissa Picciola at ccla@catholicchari-
ties.net or 312.948.6821
Training and support: CCLA provides a 6-hour
CLE training (offered in two sessions) twice
per year on the topics in the areas of law most
commonly requested by clients. CCLA staff
attorneys are present and available to answer
questions and provide support and supervision.
CENTER FOR CONFLICT
RESOLUTION
11 East Adams Street, Suite 500
Chicago, IL 60603
Phone: 312.922.6464
Web: www.ccrchicago.org
Brief Description & Client Impact:
The Center
for Conict Resolution (CCR) is a not-for-prot
provider of pro bono mediation services and
conict management training. CCR’s services are
exible and cost-effective, based on a track
record of over 30,000 mediated cases and
backed by the expertise of knowledgeable,
dedicated volunteers and employees. Every year
CCR provides free mediation services in approxi
-
mately 2,000 cases, trains hundreds of new
mediators, facilitates meetings, and works with
dozens of businesses, government agencies and
organizations to create custom-designed dispute
resolution systems and training programs.
The Center for Conict Resolution’s mission is to
work with individuals, communities, courts, and
other institutions to manage and resolve conict.
CCR offers pro bono mediation services through
programs developed in the Circuit Court of Cook
County including the Daley Center, Maywood,
Markham, Bridgeview, and Rolling Meadows
courthouses, misdemeanor branch courts, and
Juvenile Court. CCR provides mediation services
to clients with many different types of conict,
such as criminal misdemeanor, juvenile delin
-
quency, landlord/tenant disputes, neighbor
disputes, small claims, consumer law, sexual
harassment, parenting plans, nancial matters in
parenting cases, and employment discrimination.
Mediation provides clients with an opportunity to
resolve their disputes efciently and effectively.
How to get started: Interested volunteers must
successfully complete an intensive training
program called the Mediation Mentorship
Program (MMP). This program is offered twice per
year. Interested volunteers should visit CCR’s
website, or contact Israel Putnam at iputnam@
ccrchicago.org, for more information about the
requirements, upcoming training programs, costs,
and how to get involved.
Does the organization offer malpractice
insurance coverage to volunteers?
Yes
Sample Opportunity
VOLUNTEER MEDIATOR
Volunteer mediators who have participated in
CCR’s Mediation Mentorship Program (MMP)
provide free mediation services to people who
could not otherwise afford them. Volunteers
are required to mediate twice per month for a
period of 18 months following the MMP.
Volunteers are required to mediate once per
month at one of CCR’s priority program locations
in Markham or Bridgeview.
Practice areas: Criminal misdemeanor, juvenile
delinquency, landlord/tenant disputes,
neighbor disputes, small claims, consumer law,
sexual harassment, parenting plans, and
employment discrimination
Opportunity type: Mediation/arbitration
Skills acquired: Mediation and conict
management
Skills required: All attorneys are competent to
handle this matter after successful completion of
CCR’s Mediation Mentorship Program.
Time commitment: A 40-hour mediation skills
training, followed by 10 weekly meetings with a
mentor (approximately 3 hrs. per meeting),
followed by a certication simulation (approxi
-
mately 2 hours). Volunteers must mediate twice
per month for a period of 18 months following
the program; mediations require 3–4 hours.
Contact: Israel Putnam at iputnam@ccrchicago.
org or 312.922.6464 ext. 14.
Training and support: CCR provides volunteers
with extensive training and support. CCR Volunteer
Mediators are trained, mentored, and certied
using a performance-based evaluation standard.
CENTER FOR DISABILITY
AND ELDER LAW
205 West Randolph Street, Suite 1610
Chicago, IL 60606
Phone: 312.376.1880
Web: www.cdelaw.org
Brief Description & Client Impact:
The Center
for Disability & Elder Law (CDEL) is a Chicago
area pro bono law rm that provides direct legal
services to low-income seniors and persons
with disabilities through the volunteer efforts of
attorneys. CDEL volunteer attorneys represent
clients in civil legal areas including adult
guardianship, real estate, landlord/tenant,
dissolution of marriage, simple wills, powers of
attorney, consumer fraud, collection defense,
and nancial elder abuse.
How to get started: E-mail CDEL at volunteer@
cdelaw.org.
Does the organization offer malpractice
insurance coverage to volunteers?
Yes
Sample Opportunity
SENIOR CENTER INITIATIVE (SCI)
CDEL staff and volunteer attorneys prepare
Powers of Attorney for Health Care and Property,
as well as Illinois Living Will Declarations for
low-income seniors at senior centers throughout
Cook County. This is a one-day workshop with
limited client engagement and is great for law rm
and corporate client partnerships.
Practice areas: Estate planning
Opportunity type: Non-litigation, transactional
Skills acquired: Client interviewing, basic
estate planning
Skills required: All attorneys are competent
to handle this matter after the training provided.
Time commitment: Completion of required
training (1.5 hrs.) and at least one 3-hour
workshop.
Contact: Thomas Wendt at twendt@cdelaw.org
or 312.376.1880.
10
Training and support: CDEL provides trainings
(1.5 hrs.) on an as-needed basis. Trainings
usually take place at CDEL but can also be
conducted on-site upon request.
Sample Opportunity
SENIOR LEGAL ASSISTANCE CLINICS (SLAC)
CDEL operates four Senior Legal Assistance
Clinics at suburban senior centers and four urban
Senior Legal Assistance Clinics to allow seniors to
obtain services closer to their homes. Volunteers
are trained and conduct intakes, review docu
-
ments, and provide basic legal services. Further
assistance and representation of client matters is
possible, but not required. The Clinics are located
in Bellwood, Calumet City, Chicago Heights,
North Riverside, and Chicago. Each clinic is open
once a month, by appointment.
Practice areas: General civil practice
Opportunity type: Non-litigation, transactional
Skills acquired: Client interviewing, document
review, individual representation
Skills required: All attorneys are competent
to handle this matter after the training provided.
Time commitment: Completion of required
training (1.5 hrs.), then 3–4 hours per month at
the on-site clinic.
Contact: Caroline Manley at cmanley@cdelaw.org
or 312.376.1880.
Training and support: CDEL provides trainings
(1.5 hrs.) on an as-needed basis. Trainings
usually take place at CDEL but can also take
place at the clinic sites.
Sample Opportunity
CLIENT REPRESENTATION IN A
VARIETY OF MATTERS
Attorneys with experience in the subject matter
handle a variety of civil matters affecting low-income
seniors and individuals with special needs.
Practice areas: Adult guardianship, real estate,
landlord/tenant, dissolution of marriage, simple
wills, powers of attorney, consumer fraud,
collection defense, and nancial elder abuse
Opportunity type: Litigation, client representation
Skills acquired: Motion practice, trial skills,
writing/drafting, case management, client/
witness interviewing, client counseling
Skills required: This opportunity relies on
attorneys with subject matter experience.
Time commitment: Varies depending on case
complexity.
Contact: Thomas Wendt at twendt@cdelaw.org or
312.376.1880.
Training and support: CDEL staff attorneys
provide volunteers with basic support and rely on
pro bono attorneys to accept cases in areas of
law in which they have experience.
Sample Opportunity
PRO SE ADULT GUARDIANSHIP HELP DESK
CDEL administers the Pro Se Adult Guardianship
Help Desk (“Help Desk”) at the Cook County
Circuit Court in Room 1202 of the Daley Center.
The Help Desk provides legal information to
people seeking to petition for the appointment of
a legal guardian for an adult disabled person.
Volunteers at the Help Desk provide information
regarding the procedures for a guardianship
proceeding, review completed standardized court
forms, and provide detailed directions for ling
the petition. The Help Desk operates Monday
through Friday, from 9:00am to 1:00pm, when
Court is in session.
Practice areas: Guardianship and estates
Opportunity type: Client intake/interviewing/
advice
Skills acquired: Subject matter experience;
client/witness interviewing
Skills required: All attorneys are competent to
handle this matter after the training provided.
Time commitment: Completion of required
training (2 hrs.), then one 4-hour shift per week
for 4 months.
Contact: Thomas Wendt at twendt@cdelaw.org or
312.376.1880.
Training and support: Trainings (2 hrs.) are
offered at CDEL at the beginning of January, May,
and August each year. CDEL also provides
volunteers with on-site support.
CENTER FOR ECONOMIC
PROGRESS — TAX CLINIC
567 West Lake Street, Suite 1150
Chicago, IL 60661
Phone: 312.252.0280
Web: www.economicprogress.org
Brief Description & Client Impact:
The Center
for Economic Progress (CEP) helps low-income
families move from nancial uncertainty to
nancial security. Our free tax clinic assists
low-income taxpayers with tax controversies
before the Internal Revenue Service.
How to get started: Contact Noah Bazis at
volunteer@economicprogress.org or
312.630.0288.
Does the organization offer malpractice
insurance coverage to volunteers?
Yes
Sample Opportunity
REPRESENT LOW-INCOME TAXPAYERS
IN A TAX CONTROVERSY
Volunteers represent taxpayers who have a current
tax controversy before the IRS. Primary responsi
-
bilities may include: explaining IRS letters/notices
to taxpayers; drafting responses to correspon
-
dence audits (including denials of EITC);
arranging separation of liability for joint lers in
“innocent spouse” situations; preparing tax
returns ancillary to a current IRS controversy;
ling amended returns to add undeclared income,
exemptions and/or deductions to which the client
is entitled; assisting with collections matters and
payment of assessed tax; negotiating on the
client’s behalf; or assisting unrepresented
taxpayers in Tax Court.
Practice areas: Tax
Opportunity type: Litigation, client counseling
Skills acquired: Litigation, subject matter
experience
Skills required: All attorneys are competent to
handle this matter after the training provided.
Time commitment: Approximately 20–50 hours,
over several months.
Contact: Noah Bazis at volunteer@economicprog-
ress.org or 312.630.0288.
Training and support: The Clinic provides training
and support to volunteers on an as-needed basis.
Sample Opportunity
PREPARATION OF INCOME TAX RETURNS
Volunteers prepare prior year and amended
income tax returns for low-income families. The
Center for Economic Progress offers tax training
sessions each January that teach volunteers
to use TaxWise software and prepare tax returns.
Practice areas: Tax
Opportunity type: Non-litigation, transactional,
accounting/nancial
Skills acquired: Preparation of tax returns
Skills required: All attorneys are competent to
handle this matter after the training provided.
Time commitment: Completion of required
training and tests (9.5–11.5 hrs.), then at least
10 hours during tax season.
Contact: Noah Bazis at volunteer@economicprog-
ress.org or 312.630.0288.
Training and support: Formal training and
support is provided to volunteers. Trainings are
available from November to January and consist
of several online sessions that volunteers can
complete at their convenience and one classroom
session. After completing the trainings, volunteers
must pass the Basic Certication Test and the
Standards of Conduct Test. The training and the
certication exams take a total of approximately
9.5–11.5 hours to complete.
Visit www.chicagobarfoundation.org for more information about the pro bono and legal aid system in Chicago and how you can make a difference.
11
CHICAGO ALLIANCE
AGAINST SEXUAL
EXPLOITATION
307 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 1818
Chicago, IL 60601
Phone: 773.244.2230
Web: www.caase.org
Brief Description & Client Impact:
Chicago
Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation (CAASE)
works to end sexual assault and exploitation
through trafcking. Our Pro Bono Project connects
private attorneys with survivors of sexual assault
and exploitation to ensure that all survivors in
Chicago have quality legal counsel to ensure
they are not further victimized when they seek
justice and accountability against their abusers.
Pro bono attorneys representing CAASE clients
can expect to ght systems that often blame
survivors for their own victimization and impact
survivors by ensuring safety at home, school
and in the workplace, recouping damages in civil
court, asserting rights in the criminal process,
and clearing criminal records.
How to Get Started: Contact Rachel Johnson at
[email protected] or 773.244.2230, ext. 210.
Does the organization offer malpractice
insurance coverage to volunteers?
Yes
Sample Opportunity
PRO BONO REPRESENTATION OF SURVIVORS OF
SEXUAL ASSAULT
Volunteer attorneys handle all aspects of
individual cases. Depending on the case,
attorneys will represent clients as victims’
attorneys in the criminal justice system or through
litigation in civil court.
Practice areas: General civil practice, victims’
rights in criminal system
Opportunity type: Litigation
Skills acquired: Varies by case
Skills required: All attorneys are competent to
handle this matter after the training provided.
Time commitment: Completion of required
training (1.5 hrs.), then varies by case type
(usually between 11 and 25 hrs. per year).
Contact: Contact Rachel Johnson at rjohnson@
caase.org or 773.244.2230, ext. 210.
Training and support: In-person trainings on
subject matter and working with survivors of
sexual exploitation are offered 2-3 times per year
and last approximately 1.5 hours. CAASE
legal staff screen survivors for legal needs and
eligibility for services, link them with pro bono
counsel who have received CAASE training,
and provide ongoing support and mentorship to
pro bono counsel representing CAASE-referred
clients.
CHICAGO COALITION
FOR THE HOMELESS —
LAW PROJECT
70 East Lake Street, Suite 700
Chicago, IL 60601
Phone: 312.641.4140
Toll Free: 1.800.940.1119
Web: www.chicagohomeless.org
Brief Description & Client Impact:
The Chicago
Coalition for the Homeless (CCH) organizes and
advocates to prevent and end homelessness.
The Law Project of the Chicago Coalition for the
Homeless provides legal advice and representa
-
tion to individuals and families who are homeless
or at risk of homelessness, with a focus on
ensuring homeless children and youth have
access to school and educational services.
How to get started: New volunteers should reach
out to Beth Malik at [email protected]
or 312.641.4140 and briey describe their
interest, skills and time commitment. They will
then schedule a time to receive a one-hour
training on the educational rights of homeless
children and youth.
Does the organization offer malpractice
insurance coverage to volunteers?
Yes
Sample Opportunity
REPRESENTING A FAMILY OR YOUTH
EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS IN AN
EDUCATION CASE
Volunteer attorneys provide direct legal represen-
tation to families and unaccompanied youth who
are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Typically,
volunteers provide legal advice and advocate with
Chicago and suburban school districts to secure
prompt access to school, transportation, and
educational services for children and youth who
are homeless.
Practice areas: Education
Opportunity type: Litigation, administrative
proceedings, client intake/interviewing/advice
Skills acquired: Client counseling, case
management, negotiating
Skills required: This opportunity relies on
volunteers with some subject matter or litigation
experience.
Time commitment: Completion of required
training and then varies depending on case;
administrative proceedings typically require no
more than 15 hours.
Contact: Beth Malik at beth@chicagohomeless.
org or 312.641.4140.
Training and support: Training on the educational
rights of homeless children and youth will be
provided by CCH staff on an as-needed basis. Law
Project attorneys work closely with pro bono
attorneys to analyze, strategize, develop evidence
for the hearing, and ensure a successful result.
CHICAGO LAWYERS’
COMMITTEE FOR CIVIL
RIGHTS
100 North LaSalle Street, Suite 600
Chicago, IL 60602
Phone: 312.630.9744
Web: www.clccrul.org
Brief Description & Client Impact:
CLCCR are
civil rights lawyers and advocates working to
secure racial equity and economic opportunity for
all. CLCCR provides legal representation through
partnerships with the private bar, and collabo
-
rates with grassroots organizations and other
advocacy groups to implement community-based
solutions that advance civil rights. CLCCR have
many open-ended and short-term litigation pro
bono opportunities available, including: repre
-
senting students at expulsion hearings; enforcing
laws prohibiting discrimination in housing and
afrmatively advancing fair housing; representing
pro se litigants in settlements in federal court;
and representing victims of hate crimes and
discrimination in civil matters.
How to get started: Interested volunteers should
contact Chicago Lawyers’ Committee at
312.630.9744.
Does the organization offer malpractice
insurance coverage to volunteers?
Yes
Sample Opportunity
SHORT-TERM SETTLEMENT ASSISTANCE
IN FEDERAL COURT
The Lawyers’ Committee’s Settlement Assistance
Program seeks to provide pro bono attorneys to
redress violations of the constitutional and civil
rights of incarcerated persons and employees,
who have led federal lawsuits without an
attorney. Volunteer attorneys limit their represen
-
tation to client advice, settlement negotiations,
including a written demand, and the judicial
settlement conference. The pro bono attorney
does not conduct any discovery, le or amend any
pleadings or engage in motion practice, and can
withdraw from representation if the case does not
settle. Without pro bono representation, these
vulnerable individuals would have to pursue
justice on their own in the often complex federal
court system.
Practice areas:
Employment discrimination and
prisoners’ rights
Opportunity type: ADR, mediation, negotiation
Skills acquired: Mediation, negotiation, writing,
client management and oral advocacy
Skills required: This opportunity relies on
volunteers with substantive experience or subject
matter expertise.
12
Time commitment: Approximately 20–30 hours
over a quarter.
Contact: J. Cunyon Gordon at [email protected]
or 312.202.3662.
Training and support: Staff attorneys will train
and support volunteers. In-person trainings are
offered 1–2 times per year, but are not required.
Sample Opportunity
REPRESENTING STUDENTS AT SCHOOL
EXPULSION HEARINGS
All public school students, whether in district-run
or charter schools, are entitled to a legal hearing
when facing a disciplinary infraction that may
result in an expulsion. Pro bono attorneys are
needed at these hearings to represent the student’s
interest. These students include vulnerable youth
who are unfairly or harshly disciplined in schools
and are predominately Black or Latino, low-in
-
come, LGBT, and/or students with disabilities.
Without pro bono assistance, these young people
will be excluded from education and future
opportunities. Through this volunteer opportunity,
attorneys will interview and counsel their client,
investigate and develop the case, and conduct a
quasi-trial proceeding with an independent
hearing ofcer.
Practice areas: Education, school discipline
defense, civil rights, children
Opportunity type: Litigation
Skills acquired: Oral advocacy, case manage-
ment, client counseling, client/witness
interviewing, case presentation, public speaking,
subject matter experience
Skills required: Strong oral advocacy and client
communication skills are needed. Previous
experience in mediations, negotiations, or
administrative proceedings are also helpful. For
less experienced attorneys, expertise within
your rm to provide support will also be helpful.
Time commitment: Completion of required
training, then each case takes approximately
11–25 hours over a month.
Contact: Jessica Schneider at jschneider@clccrul.
org or 312.202.3651 to set up an initial training.
Once trained, volunteers will be included in a
listserv that will promote upcoming opportunities.
Training and support: Attorneys complete a
1–2 hour training program. Staff attorneys provide
ongoing support.
CHICAGO LEGAL
CLINIC, INC.
211 West Wacker Drive, Suite 750
Chicago, IL 60606
312.726.2938
Web: www.clclaw.org
Brief Description & Client Impact:
The Chicago
Legal Clinic, Inc. (CLC) promotes justice by
providing low-income and disadvantaged Chicago
area residents with greater access to the legal
system. CLC provides free and low-cost legal
services through its ofces in Austin, Downtown,
Pilsen, and South Chicago and its court
-
house-based advice desks in Chicago, Markham,
and Bridgeview. CLC provides legal services in
areas of law that address issues of individual
rights and family stability, such as: assisting
victims of violence obtain orders of protection and
other relief, establishing child support obligations
and allocations of parental responsibilities,
adjusting immigration status and defending
individuals from deportation, enhancing
opportunities for employment by addressing
criminal records, protecting disabled adults by
seeking appointment of proper guardians,
appealing denials of meritorious social security
disability claims, counseling debtors, and
addressing environmental issues that affect entire
neighborhoods.
How to get started: Contact Lucy Torres at
ltorres@clclaw.org or 312.726.2938.
Does the organization offer malpractice
insurance coverage to volunteers?
Yes
Sample Opportunity
CLIENT ADVICE AND CONSULTATION
Attorneys with experience in the substantive area
provide one-on-one consultations and advice
to individuals in their areas of expertise, including
family law and probate/advance directives. If
appropriate, attorneys may assist with simple
forms (e.g. appearance, fee waivers). In addition
to providing individuals with the information
necessary to approach the legal system, volunteer
attorneys will work to connect the individuals they
assist with other available resources.
Practice areas: Various
Opportunity type: Intake, non-representation
advice and consultation
Skills acquired: Client interviewing and
counseling
Skills required: This opportunity relies on
attorneys with subject matter experience.
Time commitment: 8 hours per month.
Contact: Lucy Torres at ltorres@clclaw.org or
312.726.2938.
Training and support: Volunteers are trained and
supervised by a CLC attorney.
Sample Opportunity
BLANK SLATE RECORDS PROGRAM
In recent years, changes in the law have greatly
expanded the expungement and sealing
options available to people with criminal records.
Clients who access this relief are better able
to access employment, housing, education, and
public benets. Volunteer attorneys are trained
to provide outreach to the community to educate
individuals about the greater opportunities
available to them. Volunteer attorneys, law
students, and paralegals assist with assessing
eligibility and preparing petitions. Opportunities
for in-court representation of petitioners are
available to volunteers who make an extended
commitment of service.
Practice areas: criminal records,
professional licensing
Opportunity type: Intake, litigation and non-liti-
gation representation
Skills acquired: Client interviewing and
counseling, document preparation, public
speaking, in-court advocacy
Skills required: All attorneys are competent to
handle this matter after the training provided. Law
students and paralegals also welcome.
Time commitment: 4 hours of training, 6 hours
per month for 6 months.
Contact: Lucy Torres at ltorres@clclaw.org or
312.726.2938.
Training and support: Volunteers are trained and
supervised by a CLC attorney.
Sample Opportunity
BRIDGEVIEW CIVIL LAW ADVICE DESK
Volunteer attorneys help self-represented litigants
effectively navigate the legal system by providing
advice and assistance with basic forms to
defendants in various areas of civil law including,
collections defense and family law. The Desk
is located in the law library of the Bridgeview
Courthouse and operates on alternate Tuesdays
from 9am–12pm.
Practice areas: Debt collection and reposses-
sion, collection defense, consumer debt
Opportunity type: Non-litigation, advice desk,
client intake/interviewing/advice
Skills acquired: Subject matter experience,
client/witness interviewing, client counseling
Skills required: There is a preference for
attorneys with experience in collection law.
Time commitment: The Desk is open for three
hours (9am–12pm) on alternate Tuesdays and
volunteers are asked to work for six Tuesdays
during a three-month period.
Contact: Lucy Torres at ltorres@clclaw.org or
312.726.2938.
Training and support: A CLC attorney provides
training and support.
Visit www.chicagobarfoundation.org for more information about the pro bono and legal aid system in Chicago and how you can make a difference.
13
Sample Opportunity
CHANCERY DIVISION ADVICE DESK
Volunteer attorneys help pro se litigants under-
stand the legal process and assist with the
preparation of documents such as petitions,
responses, and motions so that the litigants can
more effectively present their cases in court.
Volunteers do not provide direct representation to
individuals. The Desk is located in the lower level
of the Richard J. Daley Center.
Practice areas: Mortgage foreclosure, adminis-
trative review, accountings, specic performance,
partitions, and name changes
Opportunity type: Non-representation, client
intake/interviewing/advice
Skills acquired: Client interviewing and
counseling, motion practice, writing/drafting
Skills required: There is a preference for
attorneys with some experience in the subject
matter.
Time commitment: Completion of the required
training (takes place during rst shift), then 8
hours per month.
Contact: Lucy Torres at ltorres@clclaw.org or
312.726.2938.
Training and support: The training is 1–2 hours in
length and takes place during the rst shift at the
desk. Support and supervision are provided by
CLC attorneys.
Sample Opportunity
MARKHAM COLLECTION DEFENSE ADVICE DESK
Volunteer attorneys help self-represented litigants
effectively navigate the legal system by providing
advice and assistance with basic forms to
defendants in collection cases. The Desk is
located in the law library of the Markham
Courthouse and operates every Wednesday from
9:00am to Noon.
Practice areas: Debt collection and reposses-
sion, collection defense, consumer debt
Opportunity type: Non-litigation, advice desk,
client intake/interviewing/advice
Skills acquired: Subject matter experience,
client/witness interviewing, client counseling
Skills required: There is a preference for
attorneys with experience in collection law.
Time commitment: The Desk is open for three
hours (9-Noon) on Wednesdays and the volunteer
is asked to work for six Wednesdays during a
three-month period.
Contact: Lucy Torres at ltorres@clclaw.org or
312.726.2938.
Training and support: A CLC attorney provides
training and basic support.
Sample Opportunity
REPRESENTATION IN ADULT GUARDIANSHIP AND
PREPARATION OF ADVANCE DIRECTIVES
Volunteer attorneys with experience in the subject
matter represent clients in matters such as an
uncontested guardianship of a disabled adult or
preparation of advance directives for low-income
individuals. By helping parents become guardians
of their disabled adult children, the parents have
the legal authority to make important decisions
for their children and ensure their safety and
welfare. Advance directives provide families with
stability and certainty in times of crisis or loss.
Practice areas: General civil litigation and
transactional (preparation of legal documents)
Opportunity type: Litigation and Transactional
Skills acquired: Case management, client
counseling, client/witness interviewing, motion
practice, negotiating, trial skills, writing/drafting
Skills required: This opportunity relies on
volunteers with subject matter experience.
Time commitment: Varies depending on the type
of case — between 5 and 15 hours.
Contact: Lucy Torres at ltorres@clclaw.org or
312.726.2938.
Training and support: Cases are monitored on a
quarterly basis by the Clinic’s Pro Bono Program
and volunteers can contact staff with questions.
CHICAGO VOLUNTEER
LEGAL SERVICES
FOUNDATION
33 North Dearborn Street, Suite 400
Chicago, IL 60602
Phone: 312.332.1624
Web: www.cvls.org
Brief Description & Client Impact:
Chicago
Volunteer Legal Services Foundation (CVLS)
volunteers and staff attorneys represent
low-income Chicagoans (the working poor) in a
wide variety of civil matters. While much of our
work involves litigation, we also handle adminis
-
trative and non-litigation matters. CVLS’ caseload
is heavily weighted to family law, real estate, and
consumer issues. Supporting volunteers is a
priority for CVLS staff.
How to get started: Interested volunteers rst
attend an orientation program held monthly
during the lunch hour at CVLS’ Administrative
Ofce in the Loop. Visit www.cvls.org for a
schedule of upcoming orientation programs,
registration information, and more information
about pro bono opportunities at CVLS.
Does the organization offer malpractice
insurance coverage to volunteers?
Yes
Sample Opportunity
COOK COUNTY MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE
MEDIATION PROGRAM
Volunteer attorneys represent homeowners in the
Cook County Foreclosure Mediation program.
Volunteers advocate for the clients’ desired
outcome in the negotiation and mediation
processes only and do not le any pleadings or
attend any court hearings. Volunteers rst contact
clients for an in-person or telephone interview,
then contact the lender’s attorney to attempt to
negotiate a settlement before the actual
mediation. The negotiation may take numerous
telephone calls and coordinating updated
documents. If no solution is reached, volunteers
attend and negotiate on behalf of the borrower at
the mediation. If an agreement is not reached at
the rst mediation, and further steps toward
resolution are agreed upon, subsequent sessions
may be required.
Practice areas: Housing, mortgage foreclosure
Opportunity type: Non-litigation, mediation/
arbitration
Skills acquired: Mediation, negotiation
Skills required: All attorneys are competent to
handle this matter after the training provided.
Time commitment: Completion of the orientation
(1 hr.) and 3-hour training, then 15–20 hours over
1–3 months.
Contact: Daniel Santrella at [email protected] or
312.332.7521.
Training and support: An in-person or recorded
3-hour training is required. CVLS also provides
manuals and other ongoing support as needed.
Sample Opportunity
CVLS NEIGHBORHOOD LEGAL CLINICS
Clinic volunteers meet with clients one evening or
weekend day every few months to provide a full
range of legal services on a wide variety of issues.
Volunteers provide brief legal advice and may
choose to handle cases that need representation.
Volunteers can select a clinic by location, case
type, or ethnic/cultural clientele. Each clinic is
chaired by a veteran volunteer who will guide and
mentor you.
Practice areas: Elder law, guardianship &
estates, immigration, torts & insurance,
bankruptcy, consumer law, family law, housing
Opportunity type: Client intake/interviewing/
advice, legal clinics
Skills acquired: Case management, client
counseling, client/witness interviewing, motion
practice, negotiating, trial skills, writing/drafting
Skills required: All attorneys are competent to
handle this matter after the training provided. For
attorneys taking cases beyond the clinic, subject
matter experience is required.
14
Time commitment: Completion of the orientation
(1 hr.), then 4 hours every few months, longer
if a volunteer accepts a case for representation.
Contact: Kathy Koester at [email protected] or
312.332.7521.
Training and support: CVLS promises to give you
the training and support that you need so that you
can devote your time, talent, and skill to helping
your client. CVLS provides in-person and recorded
training programs as well as manuals and other
support to those volunteers who need it.
Sample Opportunity
GUARDIAN AD LITEM FOR DISABLED ADULTS
Volunteers serve as Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) in
Guardianship of Disabled Adult cases in the
Probate Court. Volunteer GALs have two important
missions: (1) meet and talk with the person
alleged to be disabled, including explaining the
fundamental rights at stake and how to protect
them; and (2) act as the eyes and the ears of the
judge by investigating the respondent’s living
conditions and making a recommendation
regarding the respondent’s best interests.
Volunteer GALs will often conduct site visits of the
alleged disabled person’s residence/nursing
home/hospital, interview the alleged disabled
person, review medical reports and interview
health care personnel as necessary, facilitate
negotiations, provide a written report to the court
with recommendations regarding guardianship,
and possibly advocate that recommendation
before the court.
Practice areas: Guardianship and estates
Opportunity type: Litigation
Skills acquired: Case management, client
counseling, client/witness interviewing, negoti
-
ating, writing/drafting
Skills required: All attorneys are competent to
handle this matter after the training provided.
Time commitment: Completion of the orientation
(1 hr.), then approximately 6 hours over 6 weeks.
Contact: Susan DeCostanza at sdecostanza@
cvls.org or 312.332.7546.
Training and support: A 2-hour in person or
online training and training manual. In addition,
CVLS’ experienced staff attorneys provide
one-to-one training for all volunteer GALs and will
walk you through your rst case when needed.
Sample Opportunity
GUARDIAN AD LITEM FOR MINORS
Volunteers serve as Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) of
minors in cases where CVLS is appointed by the
Probate Court to represent the best interests
of children involved in contested or problematic
minor guardianship cases. Volunteer GALs
investigate the people and issues, make a written
report to the Court, and represent the child in
court proceedings. GALs meet with the parties
and your client, the child. GALs may also interview
other interested adults, review the child’s school
and medical records, and sometimes consult with
mental health professionals and social workers.
Some GAL cases resolve quickly and easily and
require only one or two court appearances. Others
take as long as several months.
Practice areas: Guardianship and estates, family
law, children
Opportunity type: Litigation
Skills acquired: Case management, client
counseling, client/witness interviewing, negoti
-
ating, writing/drafting, subject matter experience
Skills required: All attorneys are competent to
handle this matter after the training provided.
Time commitment: Completion of orientation
(1 hr.) and required 2-hour training, then 20–30
hours over 6 months.
Contact: Rebekah Rashidfarokhi at [email protected]
or 312.332.7399.
Training and support: Volunteers must attend a
special 2-hour training held monthly at noon
at CVLS’ Administrative Ofce. CVLS will provide
continuing training and assistance as needed
thereafter.
Sample Opportunity
REPRESENTATION IN CHANCERY COURT ACCESS
TO JUSTICE PROGRAM
Chancery Court Judges appoint CVLS to represent
low-income pro se defendants with meritorious
claims or defenses. Volunteer attorneys with some
experience in mortgage foreclosure defense
represent low-income clients who nd themselves
on the verge of losing their homes, but often with
a viable claim or defense. CVLS volunteers also
represent clients who are challenging subsidized
housing evictions and other governmental
administrative appeals.
Practice areas: housing, licenses, unemploy-
ment, insurance, homeownership, mortgage
foreclosure
Opportunity type: Litigation
Skills acquired: Case management, client
counseling, depositions, client/witness inter
-
viewing, motion practice, negotiating, trial skills,
writing/drafting of pleadings and briefs
Skills required: All attorneys are competent to
handle this matter after the training provided.
Time commitment: Completion of CVLS
orientation (1 hr.), then varies depending on case.
Contact: Matthew Hulstein at [email protected]
or 312.332.8217.
Training and support: Attending a 1-hour
volunteer orientation is required. CVLS provides
extensive in-person and recorded trainings,
manuals, and in-person individual support
throughout the case as needed. Specic subject
areas, including deceased borrowers in foreclo
-
sure and reverse mortgage foreclosures, have
special online trainings.
Sample Opportunity
CVLS PANEL PROGRAM
Volunteer attorneys choose pro bono civil matters
for client representation in many areas of law
including divorce, custody, adoption, immigration,
consumer contract issues, collection and tort
defense, bankruptcy, and landlord-tenant matters
(including evictions, representing either landlords
or tenants). A CVLS staff person will call a
volunteer and describe a specic case. The
volunteer may accept or decline it. Additionally,
CVLS is able to allow volunteers access to a
secure online database so that a CVLS volunteer
can review and choose a pro bono case that
is ready for placement. Once the volunteer
expresses interest in the case through the
database, a CVLS staff attorney will approve the
placement and allow the volunteer access to
the full database le for the client, and the case
management features of the database.
Practice areas: General civil practice
Opportunity type: Litigation
Skills acquired: Case management, client
counseling, depositions, client/witness inter
-
viewing, motion practice, negotiating, trial skills,
writing/drafting
Skills required: All attorneys are competent to
handle this matter after the training provided with
the exception of more complex cases, which
will rely on attorneys with some experience in the
subject matter or litigation.
Time commitment: Completion of the orientation
(1 hr.), then varies depending on case.
Contact: Martin Cozzola at [email protected] or
312.332.1916.
Training and support: Attending a 1-hour
volunteer orientation is required. CVLS provides
extensive in-person and recorded trainings,
manuals, and in-person individual support
throughout the case as needed.
Sample Opportunity
CHILD REPRESENTATIVE IN
DOMESTIC RELATIONS
Volunteers serve as Child Representative (Child
Rep) in cases where CVLS is appointed by
Domestic Relations judges to represent the best
interests of children involved in contested
parental allocation cases. Volunteer Child Reps
investigate the people and issues, negotiate with
the parties, and advocate for the child in and out
of court. In addition to interviewing the parents
and child, they may also interview other interested
Visit www.chicagobarfoundation.org for more information about the pro bono and legal aid system in Chicago and how you can make a difference.
15
adults, review the child’s school and medical
records, and sometimes consult with mental
health professionals and social workers. Some
cases resolve quickly and easily and require only
one or two court appearances while others may
take longer to resolve.
Practice areas: Family law, children
Opportunity type: Litigation
Skills acquired: Case management, client
counseling, client/witness interviewing, negoti
-
ating, writing/drafting, subject matter experience
Skills required: This opportunity relies on
volunteers with subject matter knowledge in
family law.
Time commitment: Completion of CVLS
orientation (1 hr.) and 3-hour Child Rep training,
then 20–30 hours over 6 to 12 months.
Contact: Phil Mohr at [email protected] or
312.332.3528.
Training and support: Volunteers must attend a
special 3-hour training held regularly at noon at
CVLS’ Administrative Ofce. In addition to written
training materials, experienced staff attorneys
provide close supervision.
THE COMMUNITY
LAW PROJECT OF THE
CHICAGO LAWYERS’
COMMITTEE FOR
CIVIL RIGHTS
100 North LaSalle Street, Suite 600
Chicago, IL 60602
Phone: 312.939.3638
Web: www.clccrul.org/community-law-project
Brief Description & Client Impact:
The
Community Law Project, the transactional project
of the Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil
Rights, is dedicated to assisting Chicago’s
low-income communities in generating busi
-
nesses, jobs, family income, and other necessities
to enable people to improve the quality of
their lives. Volunteer and staff attorneys provide
non-litigation transactional legal services
to community-based organizations, small
businesses working to revitalize inner-city
neighborhoods, and low-income rst-time home
buyers.
How to get started: Prospective volunteers
should send an email to [email protected] with their
resume, including their ARDC#, and a Community
Law Project staff member will be in contact
with them.
Does the organization offer malpractice
insurance coverage to volunteers?
Yes
Sample Opportunity
TRANSACTIONAL LEGAL ASSISTANCE
Volunteer attorneys provide non-litigation, and
business law representation to community-based
organizations in low-income neighborhoods
of the Greater Chicago Metropolitan Area. These
clients are involved in a wide range of community
development and social service activities.
Volunteers also provide business law services to
low-income clients starting and operating
small businesses and to low-income rst-time
home buyers.
Practice areas: Corporate, tax, real estate,
employment, nance, governance, and intellec
-
tual property
Opportunity type: Non-litigation, transactional
Skills acquired: Case management, client
interviewing, client counseling, negotiating,
writing/drafting
Skills required: This opportunity relies on
volunteers who have some experience in the
subject matter or law rm support.
Time commitment: 5–30 hours, typically over a
few months.
Contact: Jody Adler at jadler@clccrul.org or
312.202-3647.
Training and support: Community Law Project
does not offer training for this volunteer
opportunity but does provide volunteers with
ongoing support.
Sample Opportunity
SEMINAR PRESENTER — SMALL BUSINESS AND
NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS
Attorney volunteers conduct workshops on
business and tax-exempt organization
legal issues.
Practice areas: Corporate, tax, real estate,
employment, intellectual property
Opportunity type: Non-representation, educating
the public about the law
Skills acquired: Public speaking
Skills required: This opportunity relies on
volunteers who have experience in the subject
matter.
Time commitment: Typically 2–4 hours.
Contact: Angie Hall at ahall@clccrul.org or
312.202-3648.
Training and support: Community Law Project
does not offer training for this volunteer
opportunity but does provide volunteers with
ongoing support.
Sample Opportunity
CLOSING ASSISTANCE TO FIRST TIME
HOMEBUYERS
Community Law Project is a partner organization
working with the Chicago Housing Authority
to implement the Choose to Own initiative — a
program that permits current Housing Choice
Voucher holders to apply their subsidies to
mortgage payments for single family homes,
condominiums, or townhouses in the City of
Chicago. Volunteer attorneys assist these
and other low-income rst-time homebuyer
clients with all aspects of closing on their new
home. Volunteer attorneys also provide legal
assistance to low income rst-time homebuyers
who are purchasing affordable housing units
throughout the Chicagoland area. The volunteer
attorney reviews and explains all the documenta
-
tion related to the closing and home purchase
to their client.
Practice areas: Residential real estate
Opportunity type: Non-litigation, transactional
Skills acquired: Transactional
Skills required: This opportunity relies on
attorneys with experience in the subject matter.
Time commitment: 10–25 hours over 2 months.
Contact: Angie Hall at ahall@clccrul.org or
312.202-3648.
Training and support: Community Law Project
does not offer training for this volunteer
opportunity but does provide volunteers with
ongoing support.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
LEGAL CLINIC
555 West Harrison Street, Suite 1900
Chicago, IL 60607
Phone: 312.325.9155
17 N. State Street, Suite 1390
Chicago, IL 60602
Phone: 312.971.5932
Web: www.dvlcchicago.org
Brief Description & Client Impact:
The
Domestic Violence Legal Clinic (DVLC) provides
free legal assistance to survivors of domestic
violence. We provide holistic legal services to
survivors of domestic violence, from same-day
emergency services to representation in family
law, immigration and other matters related to
our clients’ experience of domestic violence. We
are dedicated to keeping families safe, using
the legal system to combat domestic violence.
DVLC clients are largely low-income women with
children. DVLC volunteers can have an immediate
impact in a client’s life. They work directly with
clients to help them navigate a complicated legal
16
process and achieve safety from abusive
relationships in a short amount of time. All
volunteers must be compassionate and comfort
-
able working with victims of domestic violence
from diverse backgrounds. Training and supervi
-
sion are provided by a DVLC attorney.
How to get started: Contact Cheryl DeMichele
Price at cprice@dvlcchicago.org or 312.325.9155.
Does the organization offer malpractice
insurance coverage to volunteers?
In limited
circumstances.
Sample Opportunity
EMERGENCY SERVICES VOLUNTEER
OPPORTUNITY
Emergency Services volunteers provide brief
services for litigants ling civil Orders of Protection.
Volunteers conduct interviews, complete
pleadings, and draft afdavits. Volunteers also
thoroughly explain the court process and may
accompany litigants to court to provide support.
Volunteers do not provide representation and
there is no ongoing case commitment. This
opportunity is open to attorneys, students, and
other legal professionals.
Practice area: Domestic violence
Opportunity type: Litigation
Skills acquired: Interview, drafting pleadings
Skills required: All volunteers are competent to
handle this matter after the training provided.
Spanish or other language uency is helpful but is
not required.
Time commitment: Completion of a 2.5-hour
formal training and then one 4-hour shift per week
(students) or month (attorneys and legal
professionals).
Contact: Cheryl DeMichele Price at cprice@
dvlcchicago.org or 312.325.9155. Please submit
a resume and short statement as to why you’re
interested in volunteering.
Training and support: DVLC provides formal
training and ongoing supervision and support for
our volunteers.
Sample Opportunity
PRO BONO PROJECT
In partnership with the Circuit Court of Cook
County’s Domestic Violence Courthouse,
DVLC hosts the Domestic Violence Pro Bono
Project. Typically, volunteer attorneys are recruited
from one of the Pro Bono Project’s partner law
rms. Volunteers commit to rotating shifts at the
Domestic Violence Courthouse, during which
they are available to represent domestic violence
victims seeking civil Orders of Protection.
Attorneys interview potential clients, prepare
pleadings, and provide same-day in-court
representation for clients seeking an Emergency
Order of Protection. Pro Bono Project attorneys
continue to represent their clients until hearing on
a Plenary Order of Protection.
Practice area: Domestic violence
Opportunity type: Litigation
Skills acquired: Interview, drafting pleadings,
litigation
Skills required: All attorneys are competent to
handle this matter after the training provided.
Time commitment: Completion of a 2.5-hour
formal training and short on-site orientation, then
participating rms or groups commit to at least
one 5-hour shift per month.
Contact: Cheryl DeMichele Price at cprice@
dvlcchicago.org or 312.325.9155.
Training and support: DVLC provides formal
training from time to time and ongoing mentoring
and support for our volunteers.
EQUIP FOR EQUALITY
20 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 300
Chicago, IL 60602
Phone: 800.537.2632
Web: www.equipforequality.org
TTY: 800.610.2779
Toll Free: 800.537.2632
Brief Description & Client Impact:
The mission
of Equip for Equality (EFE) is to advance the
human and civil rights of children and adults with
physical and mental disabilities in Illinois. It is the
only statewide, cross-disability, comprehensive
advocacy organization providing self-advocacy
assistance, legal services, and disability rights
education while also engaging in public policy
and legislative advocacy, and conducting abuse
investigations and other oversight activities. Cases
are balanced between individual representation
and impact litigation seeking systemic change.
From time to time, EFE seeks law rm assistance
drafting amicus briefs and co-counseling class
action litigation. Volunteers who speak Spanish
can participate in EFE’s Latino Advocacy Project.
Finally, EFE has ofces throughout the state;
volunteers who are interested in volunteering
outside of Chicago should inquire about those
opportunities as well.
How to get started: Contact Olga Pribyl at olga@
equipforequality.org or 312.895.7321.
Does the organization offer malpractice
insurance coverage to volunteers?
Yes
Sample Opportunity
CLIENT INTERVIEWING
Volunteer attorneys conduct client interviews
via telephone and provide people with disabilities
with legal advice or information about their
legal rights.
Practice areas: Disability
Opportunity type: Non-representation, client
intake/interviewing/advice
Skills acquired: Client counseling, client/witness
interviewing
Skills required: All attorneys are competent
to handle this matter after the training provided.
Time commitment: 4 hour shifts.
Contact: Barry Taylor at barryt@equipforequality.
org or 312.895.7317.
Training and support: Volunteers receive
individualized training as needed and ongoing
support. A licensed staff attorney will provide
volunteers with direction and will address any
questions or concerns that arise. Shadowing
opportunities, for volunteers wishing to observe
the process, are available as well.
Sample Opportunity
SPECIAL EDUCATION CLINIC HELPLINE
Volunteers provide legal information and advice
to parents of children with disabilities about
special education law, help parents draft letters,
and conduct legal research on special education
issues.
Practice areas: Special education
Opportunity type: Non-representation, legal
hotline, client intake/interviewing/advice
Skills acquired: Client counseling, client/witness
interviewing
Skills required: All attorneys are competent to
handle this matter after the training provided.
Time commitment: Completion of required
training (1.5 hrs.) and then 4-hour shifts, followed
by a telephone meeting with the intake manager.
Volunteers are asked to commit to ongoing
participation in the program.
Contact: Olga Pribyl at olga@equipforequality.org
or 312.895.7321.
Training and support: Volunteers must complete
a 1.5 hour in-person or online training on
special education law. EFE attorneys provide
ongoing support.
Sample Opportunity
SPECIAL EDUCATION CLINIC
Volunteer attorneys provide legal representation
on special education issues for parents of
students with disabilities in school meetings,
mediations, expulsion hearings, due process
administrative hearings and federal court.
Practice areas: Special Education
Opportunity type: Litigation
Skills acquired: Litigation, negotiation
Skills required: All attorneys are competent to
handle this matter after the training provided
or if attorneys have subject matter or litigation
experience.
Visit www.chicagobarfoundation.org for more information about the pro bono and legal aid system in Chicago and how you can make a difference.
17
Time commitment: Completion of required
training (if applicable & time varies) and then a
minimum of 30 hours over a period of 1 week to
several months.
Contact: Olga Pribyl at olga@equipforequality.org
or 312.895.7321.
Training and support: Volunteers without subject
matter experience must complete a training (time
varies depending on the complexity of the case)
before volunteering. EFE attorneys provide
ongoing support.
Sample Opportunity
EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS HELPLINE
Volunteers provide legal advice and self-advocacy
assistance to people with disabilities who have
employment issues related to their disability.
Practice areas: disability employment
discrimination
Opportunity type: Non-representation, legal
hotline, client intake/interviewing/advice
Skills acquired: Client counseling, client/witness
interviewing
Skills required: All attorneys are competent to
handle this matter after the training provided.
Time commitment: Completion of required
training (1.5 hrs.) and then 4-hour shifts, followed
by a telephone meeting with the intake manager.
Volunteers are asked to commit to ongoing
participation in the program.
Contact: Rachel Weisberg at rachelw@equipfore-
quality.org or 312.895.7319.
Training and support: Volunteers must complete
a 1.5 hour training. EFE attorneys provide
ongoing support.
Sample Opportunity
DEVELOP SELF-HELP MATERIALS FOR
PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Volunteers develop self-help materials on legal
rights for people with disabilities.
Practice areas: Disability
Opportunity type: Non-representation, educating
the public about the law, preparing education
materials
Skills acquired: Writing/drafting
Skills required: This opportunity relies on
attorneys with some experience in the
subject matter.
Time commitment: Varies by project.
Contact: Barry Taylor at barryt@equipforequality.
org or 312.895.7317.
Training and support: EFE will provide samples
of other self-help materials that have been
developed and provide review and feedback on
materials the volunteer develops.
Sample Opportunity
PRESENT EDUCATIONAL SEMINARS
Volunteers conduct educational seminars for
people with disabilities on areas of the law
impacting persons with disabilities, including the
Americans with Disabilities Act, employment,
transportation, voting, special education, and
guardianship.
Practice areas: disability, civil rights, education,
employment
Opportunity type: Non-representation, educating
the public about the law
Skills acquired: Public speaking
Skills required: All attorneys are competent to
handle this matter after the training provided
or if attorneys have subject matter experience.
Time commitment: Completion of required
training (if applicable & time varies) and then
4–10 hours over a quarter.
Contact: Barry Taylor at barryt@equipforequality.
org or 312.895.7317.
Training and support: Depending on the person’s
subject matter expertise, EFE will provide training
on the curriculum. In most cases, the volunteer
will conduct the training with an EFE staff member
rst, and once comfortable with the subject
matter and curriculum, the volunteer will be able
to conduct the training seminar alone.
Sample Opportunity
REPRESENTATION IN EMPLOYMENT
DISCRIMINATION CASES
Volunteer attorneys with experience in the subject
matter or expertise within their rm represent
people with disabilities in administrative
proceedings and in federal court on employment
discrimination cases under the Americans with
Disabilities Act.
Practice areas: Employment discrimination
Opportunity type: Litigation
Skills acquired: Client counseling, client/
witness, interviewing, depositions, mediation/
arbitration, motion practice, negotiating, trial skills
Skills required: This opportunity relies on
volunteers with subject matter experience or law
rm support.
Time commitment: Varies depending on case
complexity, but at least 100 hours over at least
several months.
Contact: Barry Taylor at barryt@equipforequality.
org or 312.895.7317.
Training and support: Typically, EFE serves as
co-counsel for its employment discrimination
cases and provides ongoing training to volunteer
attorneys through the co-counsel relationship. If a
volunteer has signicant employment litigation
experience, EFE will serve in a consulting role.
Sample Opportunity
REPRESENTATION IN ADULT
GUARDIANSHIP CASES
Volunteer attorneys with experience in the subject
matter or expertise within a rm represent adults
with disabilities in probate court to oppose
petitions for guardianship or to modify or
terminate a current guardianship.
Practice areas: Guardianship and estates
Opportunity type: Litigation
Skills acquired: Client/witness interviewing,
client counseling, drafting, motion practice, trial
skills, negotiating, mediation/arbitration
Skills required: This opportunity relies on
volunteers with subject matter experience or law
rm support.
Time commitment: Uncontested cases typically
require approx. 30 hours; contested cases may
require 100 hours.
Contact: Barry Taylor at barryt@equipforequality.
org or 312.895.7317.
Training and support: Unless experienced in this
area, a volunteer attorney will co-counsel his or
her rst case with a staff attorney. EFE will also
provide training materials on guardianship law
and ongoing support.
Sample Opportunity
ABUSE INVESTIGATION UNIT
Equip for Equality’s Abuse Investigation Unit works
to address systemic issues of abuse and neglect
and also individual matters, including legal rights
violations in facilities. Volunteer attorneys with
experience in the subject matter assist in a wide
range of activities.
Practice areas: Abuse/neglect
Opportunity type: Litigation, non-representation,
client intake/interviewing/advice, negotiation
Skills acquired: Client interviewing, client
counseling, negotiation, trial skills
Skills required: This opportunity relies on
volunteers with subject matter experience,
litigation experience, or law rm support.
Time commitment: Completion of the required
training (time varies), then 1-4 hours over a
month.
Contact: Deborah Kennedy at deborah@
equipforequality.org or 312.895.7304.
Training and support: Volunteers must complete
a training (time varies depending on the
complexity of the case) on abuse and neglect law
and investigation techniques that is offered on an
as needed basis. Experienced staff will also
accompany volunteers on all on-site visits and
investigations.
18
Sample Opportunity
ADA EMPLOYMENT CASE SUMMARIES FOR
NATIONWIDE DATABASE
Equip for Equality is responsible for populating
a nationwide database summarizing employment
discrimination cases under the Americans
with Disabilities Act. Volunteers will read recent
ADA employment cases, summarize them
and add them to a database that is accessed
by the public. The database can be found at
www.adacaselaw.org.
Practice areas: Employment and disability
discrimination
Opportunity type: Writing/drafting
Skills acquired: Writing/drafting skills
Skills required: All attorneys are competent to
handle this matter after the training provided.
Time commitment: Completion of the required
training (0.5 hrs.), then 4–10 hours over a quarter.
Contact: Barry Taylor at barryt@equipforequality.
org or 312.895.7317.
Training and support: Volunteers complete a
half-hour training on the ADA database that
is offered on an as needed basis to get started.
EFE staff members provide ongoing support.
FAMILY DEFENSE CENTER
70 East Lake Street, Suite 1100
Chicago, IL 60601
Phone: 312.251.9800
Web: www.familydefensecenter.net
Brief Description & Client Impact:
The Family
Defense Center (FDC) is a legal advocacy
organization whose mission is to advocate justice
for families in the child welfare system. Unfair
and unlawful child welfare policies disproportion-
ately impact women and minorities, which is
reected in FDC’s client population. The impact of
successfully overturning an unjust abuse or
neglect nding can be signicant: it can save the
careers of teachers and child care workers;
for others, it can prevent the loss of custody or
visitation and preserve the ability to adopt or
volunteer with children. FDC is counsel in major
class action and civil rights litigation and also
represents wrongfully accused caregivers in
numerous individual cases. FDC is involved in
policy reform at the legislative level as well as
within the relevant State agencies, and FDC
implements community education/outreach
efforts to inform the public regarding the harm to
children and families caused by unfair and
unlawful child welfare policies.
How to get started: As a rst step, interested
volunteers should review the FDC website
(including the pro bono attorney training manual),
and then contact Sara Gilloon at sara@fami
-
lydefensecenter.net or 312.251.9800, ext. 25 to
nd out about upcoming training sessions and
current opportunities. Before handling a case,
volunteers are expected to either attend an FDC
in-person training or view their archived webcast
available online.
Does the organization offer malpractice
insurance coverage to volunteers?
Yes
Sample Opportunity
REPRESENT WRONGLY-ACCUSED FAMILY
MEMBERS AND CAREGIVERS IN
DCFS ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS
DCFS makes administrative abuse and/or neglect
guilt determinations that are appealable to a
neutral hearing ofcer in an evidentiary hearing.
Representation in these cases is a core area of
FDC’s work and the focus of its pro bono program.
Volunteer attorneys represent clients in DCFS
administrative appeal hearings. Cases are
carefully screened for merit and legal defenses.
The volunteer develops the trial strategy,
interviews the client, develops the witness list,
reviews some limited discovery, drafts and argues
motions, and prepares and conducts a full
hearing. The hearing includes opening and closing
statements as well as direct and cross examina
-
tions. It can also involve medical or other expert
testimony.
Practice areas: Children, civil rights, abuse
and neglect
Opportunity type: Litigation, administrative
hearings
Skills acquired: Trial strategy, client/witness
interviewing, drafting pleadings, trial skills
Skills required: All attorneys are competent to
handle this matter after the training provided.
Attorneys with subject matter experience,
litigation experience, or law rm support preferred.
Time commitment: Completion of the required
training (90–120 min.), then 25–50 hours over
3–4 months.
Contact: Sara Gilloon at sara@familydefense-
center.net or 312.251.9800, ext. 25.
Training and support: FDC provides annual
formal training programs (90–120 min.), detailed
manuals with sample pleadings, and ongoing
support for volunteers.
FIRST DEFENSE LEGAL AID
5100 West Harrison Street, c/o Build, Inc.
Chicago, IL 60644
Phone: 1.800.LAW.REP.4 (1.800.529.7374)
Web: www.rst-defense.org
Brief Description & Client Impact:
First Defense
Legal Aid (FDLA) focuses on issues of indigent
defense, police accountability, and the protection
of civil rights. FDLA’s mission is two-pronged:
to ensure equal justice to people in custody at
Chicago police stations and to educate the
people of Chicago about the power of their
Constitutional rights. First, FDLA provides a free,
reliable, and experienced lawyer to individuals
who are arrested in the City of Chicago. As of
2017, the Cook County Public Defender is
partnering with FDLA to cover weekday shifts
from 8am–4pm, making evening and weekend
shifts particularly good opportunities for
volunteers. FDLA volunteer attorneys now have
the opportunity to also represent certain
juvenile suspects under arrest in suburban Cook
County police stations. Second, in an effort
to promote the Chicago Police Custody Hotline
and educate Chicagoans, FDLA presents Street
Law, classroom and community programs
that teach people about the law, democracy, and
human rights worldwide, in schools and commu
-
nity groups.
How to get started: Email volunteer@rst-de-
fense.org with the subject line VOLUNTEER
INQUIRY.
Does the organization offer malpractice
insurance coverage to volunteers?
Yes
Sample Opportunity
HOTLINE ATTORNEY
First Defense Legal Aid (FDLA) seeks volunteer
attorneys to provide high quality pro bono legal
representation to low-income adults and children
arrested at Chicago police stations and suburban
Cook County stations for some juvenile suspects.
Operators answer a 24-hour hotline and call
the volunteer attorney when needed to represent
people at the police station during their shift.
Representation is limited to the station visit. Later,
a public defender is appointed. Volunteers may
help clients assert their Fourth Amendment right
not to consent to a search, Fifth Amendment
right to remain silent and Sixth Amendment right
to counsel, interview witnesses, view line-ups,
and protect clients from police misconduct.
Practice areas: Criminal law
Opportunity type: Legal on call station house
representation
Skills acquired: Client counseling, client/witness
interviewing, client representation
Skills required: No criminal defense experience
is required; all attorneys are competent to
handle this matter after the training provided. Law
students and graduates that are eligible for a
711 license may also volunteer.
Visit www.chicagobarfoundation.org for more information about the pro bono and legal aid system in Chicago and how you can make a difference.
19
Time commitment: Completion of the required
training (2 hrs.). Volunteers are then asked to
commit to two, 4-hour on-call shifts per month.
Contact: Email volunteer@rst-defense.org with
the subject line VOLUNTEER INQUIRY.
Training and support: Volunteers are required
to attend a 2-hour training about the rights
of detained individuals. In-person trainings are
offered twice per month and are available
via recorded webcast. Licensed attorneys are
available to answer questions during all
volunteer shifts.
Sample Opportunity
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM VOLUNTEER
Volunteer attorneys offer educational presenta-
tions on FDLA’s services and constitutional
rights to community organizations, schools and
churches.
Practice areas: Civil rights, criminal law,
education
Opportunity type: Non-representation, educating
the public about the law
Skills acquired: Public speaking
Skills required: All attorneys are competent to
handle this matter after the training provided.
Time commitment: Volunteers must rst shadow
a street law educator (1-4 hrs.), then varies
depending on the topic, but usually 1-4 hours.
Contact: Email volunteer@rst-defense.org with
the subject line VOLUNTEER INQUIRY.
Training and support: Volunteers must shadow a
street law educator one time but are welcome to
shadow multiple times. Shadowing opportunities
are available at least once per month. Volunteers
are also provided with FDLA’s “Know Your Rights”
training packet and support from FDLA staff.
ILLINOIS LEGAL AID ONLINE
120 South LaSalle Street, Suite 900
Chicago, IL 60603
Phone: 312.977.9047
Web: www.illinoislegalaidonline.org
Brief Description & Client Impact:
Offering free
legal help to Illinois residents 24 hours a day,
7 days a week, Illinois Legal Aid Online (ILAO) puts
the law within reach. As the statewide legal
services technology center, ILAO streamlines the
delivery of free and pro bono legal services
to the poor and delivers easy-to-understand legal
information and assistance to lower-income
Illinois residents. ILAO’s programs provide legal
services and support to legal aid and pro bono
attorneys, pro se litigants, and lower-income
individuals and families. Since its relaunch
in August 2016, IllinoisLegalAid.org has had 1.2
million visitors, with over 3,800 new website
members. Visitors to the website can access basic
legal information, step-by-step instructions on
how to address their legal problem, and auto
-
mated documents and forms that guide the user
through the process.
How to get started: Prospective volunteers
should contact the staff member listed with each
opportunity below.
Does the organization offer malpractice
insurance coverage to volunteers?
Yes (for Legal
Answers volunteers only).
Sample Opportunity
LEGAL ANSWERS VOLUNTEER
Legal Answers is a secure, condential website
(IL.freelegalanswers.org) where qualied clients
post civil legal questions that are answered by
volunteer attorneys. It’s convenient, low-risk, and
short-term. Volunteer attorneys can log in
anywhere at any convenient time. Volunteers can
preview questions, then select only questions in a
knowledgeable area. Volunteers remain anony
-
mous to the client. There is no face-to-face or
court hearings. All client interactions are limited
scope and online. Legal Answers volunteers serve
lower-income residents across Illinois by giving
them legal advice and the condence to act pro
se.
Practice areas: All areas, but primarily family,
consumer debt, and housing law
Opportunity type: Limited-scope direct
representation
Skills acquired: subject matter experience,
communicating in plain language to lower-income
clients
Skills required: All attorneys are competent to
handle this matter after the training provided.
Time commitment: Flexible
Contact: Nicole Capretta at ncapretta@illinoisle-
galaid.org or 312.977.9047, ext. 31.
Training and support: Volunteers can choose
from an initial in-person or online training.
Ongoing support and more in-depth training
opportunities are also provided.
Sample Opportunity
WRITING & EDITING LEGAL RESOURCES
Our legal content volunteers make sure that the
information on our site is accurate, up-to-date,
and accessible to our readers. Volunteer attorneys
and paralegals draft, edit, and update online legal
articles and resources for ILAO’s website and
mobile app. Volunteers can work remotely, and all
work and communication can be accomplished
online, making this a great opportunity for the
busy professional who wants to volunteer on their
own schedule. ILAO staff will assign discrete
writing/editing projects in the volunteer’s area of
substantive expertise.
Practice areas: Various
Opportunity type: Non-representation, educating
the public about the law, preparing education
materials
Skills acquired: Writing/drafting
Skills required: This opportunity relies on
attorneys with some experience in the subject
matter.
Contact: Kira Anderson at kanderson@illinoisle-
galaid.org or 312.977.9047, ext 17.
Training and support: To get started editing
articles, volunteers must watch a 30-minute
video on how to edit and how to use the system.
Advanced volunteers must watch a second
30-minute video to draft original content.
Sample Opportunity
LIVEHELP OPERATOR
The LiveHelp Program is a chat service that
allows people looking for legal information and
self-help resources on IllinoisLegalAid.org to ask
a remotely located LiveHelp volunteer for
assistance in navigating the website. LiveHelp
Operators empower more than 600 low-income
IllinoisLegalAid.org visitors a month to resolve
their own legal issues when they can’t nd or
afford an attorney. LiveHelp volunteers provide
direct person-to-person online help so that
people in need of legal assistance can obtain the
information they need to achieve more positive
outcomes to their legal problems. Volunteers
can participate from any computer with internet
access.
Practice areas: All areas
Opportunity type: Non-representation, educating
the public about the law, technology
Skills acquired: Subject matter experience
Skills required: All attorneys are competent to
handle this matter after the training provided.
Time commitment: Completion of the required
training (2 hrs.), then 2 hours per week.
Contact: Tevin Williams at livehelp@illinoisle-
galaid.org or 312.977.9047, ext. 26 to
request training materials or to sign-up for an
in-person training.
Training and support: Volunteers must attend a
2-hour orientation and conduct a 30-minute
“practice chat” with the LiveHelp Program
Coordinator prior to volunteering. The Coordinator
provides volunteers with ongoing support.
20
Sample Opportunity
SPANISH TRANSLATION VOLUNTEER
The goal of the Volunteer Translation Program is to
expand Illinois Legal Aid Online’s services to
Spanish-speaking Illinois residents and increase
the quantity and quality of legal resources on our
new website to provide the same services that
ILAO provides in English to Spanish speakers. This
will allow Spanish-speakers in Illinois to obtain
more positive outcomes to their legal problems.
Practice areas: Various
Opportunity type: Non-representation, educating
the public about the law, preparing education
materials
Skills acquired: Legal translation
Skills required: This opportunity relies on
volunteers with experience translating from
English to Spanish.
Contact: Citlali Ochoa at cochoa@illinoislegalaid.
org or 312.977.9047, ext. 22 to request training
materials.
Training and support: To start translating,
volunteers must undergo a skills assessment and
Spanish legal translation training.
JAMES B. MORAN CENTER
FOR YOUTH ADVOCACY
(“MORAN CENTER”)
1123 Emerson Street, Suite 203
Evanston, IL 60201
Phone: 847.492.1410
Web: www.moran-center.org
Brief Description & Client Impact:
The James
B. Moran Center for Youth Advocacy provides
low-income Evanston youths and their families
with integrated legal and social work services to
improve their quality of life at home, at school,
and within the Evanston community. The Moran
Center represents Evanston youth and their
families in a variety of legal settings, including in
juvenile delinquency and adult criminal court,
as well as in school special education and
disciplinary proceedings. The Moran Center also
provides clients with ongoing case management/
therapy, criminal record remediation services, as
well as legal trainings and workshops. The Moran
Center proudly operates the Expungement and
Sealing Help Desk at the Skokie Courthouse. The
Moran Center’s services provide our clients with
the support to successfully emerge from a
challenging legal situation, as well as the tools to
make positive life choices and thrive in the
Evanston community as productive citizens.
How to get started: Contact Patrick Keenan-
Devlin at pkeenandevlin@moran-center.org or
847.492.1410, ext. 103.
Does the organization offer malpractice
insurance coverage to volunteers?
Yes
Sample Opportunity
EXPUNGEMENT AND SEALING HELP DESK
Volunteer attorneys staff the Expungement and
Sealing Help Desk at the Second Municipal
District Courthouse for the Circuit Court of Cook
County (Skokie Courthouse) with oversight and
supervision by a staff attorney. Volunteers provide
advice and referral, complete indigency petitions,
assistance with police access and review, and
occasionally, represent clients in motions and at
hearings. The desk is generally open Tuesdays
and Thursdays 10:00 am –12:00 pm.
Practice areas: Expungement and sealing,
civil rights
Opportunity type: Non-litigation, administrative
proceedings
Skills acquired: Client counseling, client/witness
interviewing
Skills required: Some experience in criminal law
preferred for this opportunity.
Time commitment: Completion of the on-the-job
training at the Help Desk, then 2–5 hours per
week.
Contact: Tom Verdun at t.verdun@moran-center.
org or 847.492.1410 ext. 2.
Training and support: Initially, on-the-job training
is provided to volunteers during the Help Desk
hours. Staff attorneys are available for ongoing
technical assistance and support.
LAF
120 South LaSalle Street, Suite 900
Chicago IL 60603
Phone: 312.347.1070
Web: www.lafchicago.org
Brief Description & Client Impact:
For over
50 years, LAF has provided free legal services in
civil matters to people living in poverty in
metropolitan Chicago. At LAF, we make equal
justice a reality for the most vulnerable members
of our community. LAF’s work starts by making
the legal system accessible to clients and
concludes with a resolution that changes their
lives and gets them back on track, breaking
the cycle of poverty. With a staff of 130, including
80 lawyers, who provide our clients with
comprehensive legal services, our advocacy
results in successes such as obtaining an order
of protection against an abusive spouse,
preventing an unfair eviction, or getting justice
for a victim of consumer fraud.
How to get started: Interested volunteers
should submit a volunteer application online at
http://lafchicago.org/volunteer/volunteer-oppor
-
tunities-sign-up. All applications are reviewed and
individuals will be contacted as soon as possible.
Volunteers will be matched with a project based
on their interests, experience, and LAF’s needs.
Does the organization offer malpractice
insurance coverage to volunteers?
Yes
Sample Opportunity
BANKRUPTCY HELP DESK AT THE DIRKSEN
FEDERAL COURTHOUSE
Through an ongoing collaboration with volunteer
attorneys, LAF’s Bankruptcy Help Desk assists
walk-in clients who are unrepresented in
their bankruptcy cases. Volunteer attorneys and
LAF staff help clients prepare forms, draft
motions, and answer questions about bankruptcy
in general or the client’s case in particular.
Practice areas: Bankruptcy
Opportunity type: Self-help desk, non-litigation/
non-representation, brief advice
Skills acquired: Client interviewing and
counseling
Skills required: This opportunity relies on
attorneys with a minimum of one-year bankruptcy
law practice.
Time commitment: Volunteers are asked to work
one 4-hour shift per month.
Contact: Kate Shank at [email protected] or
312.347.8335.
Training and support: Volunteers must complete
a 90-minute online training prior to volunteering.
An experienced staff attorney is available to
answer questions and provide ongoing support
to volunteers.
Sample Opportunity
WILLIAM J. HIBBLER PRO SE
ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
LAF provides assistance to federal court pro se
litigants through our award-winning Pro Se
Assistance Program in the Northern District of
Illinois. Volunteer attorneys provide one-on-one,
45-minute consultations to litigants at the
Dirksen Federal Courthouse who are unrepre
-
sented. Volunteers and staff assist pro se litigants
by reviewing documents, providing guidance on
the discovery process, and assisting them through
all phases of litigation.
Practice areas: Federal civil procedure,
employment discrimination
Opportunity type: Self-help desk, non-litigation/
non-representation, brief advice
Skills acquired: Client interviewing and
counseling
Visit www.chicagobarfoundation.org for more information about the pro bono and legal aid system in Chicago and how you can make a difference.
21
Skills required: This opportunity relies on
volunteers with signicant federal court experi
-
ence. Subject matter knowledge of employment
discrimination law is also helpful, but not
required.
Time commitment: Volunteers are expected to
complete one 3-hour shift per month.
Contact: Kate Shank at [email protected] or
312.347.8335.
Training and support: Volunteers must complete
an on-site training that can be scheduled at
the volunteer’s convenience. Training consists of
observing one morning or afternoon session
of appointments, followed by an opportunity for
the LAF staff attorney to observe and provide
feedback to the volunteer in his or her own
consultations with clients. After training is
complete, volunteers serve under the supervision
of the staff attorney who is available to answer
questions and provide ongoing support to
volunteers.
Sample Opportunity
SNAP PRO BONO PROJECT
Volunteers help clients obtain the proper amount
of SNAP (food stamp) benets when they have
been improperly denied benets, do not receive
the correct amount of benets, or have their
benets reduced or terminated.
Practice areas: Food programs, public benets
Opportunity type: Negotiation
Skills acquired: Case management, client
and witness interviewing, client counseling,
negotiating, subject matter experience
Skills required: All attorneys are competent to
handle this matter after the training provided.
Time commitment: Volunteers are expected to
commit 4–10 hours over 2 months.
Contact: Kate Shank at [email protected]
or 312.347.8335.
Training and support: Training is offered once or
twice a year. Volunteers receive a comprehensive
reference manual and will represent clients
under a staff attorney who will answer any
questions that arise during the representation.
Sample Opportunity
VOLUNTEER NURSING HOME OMBUDSMAN
Nursing home residents are among the United
States’ most vulnerable groups, often the victims
of mistreatment and neglect by facility staff, as
well as nancial, physical, and psychological
abuse at the hands of family members. Elderly
residents are often unaware of their rights, or may
feel “voiceless” in the institutionalized setting of
the nursing home. Nursing Home Ombudsman
Volunteers visit long-term care facilities in
suburban Cook County that serve the elderly,
developmentally disabled, and those with
illnesses to investigate and resolve complaints of
abuse and educate nursing home residents
about their rights.
Practice areas: Medicaid, elder law, health law
Opportunity type: Educating the public about
the law
Skills acquired: Subject matter experience
Skills required: All volunteers are competent
to handle this matter after the training provided.
Although attorneys are encouraged to apply,
prospective volunteers do not need to be
attorneys to participate.
Time commitment: Volunteers are expected to
commit 4 hours per month on a continuing basis,
for a minimum of 2 years.
Contact: Kate Shank at [email protected] or
312.347.8335.
Training and support: Volunteers must complete
a 2-day in-person training at LAF. Extensive
support and direction from LAF Staff will be
provided to volunteers throughout the duration
of the project.
Sample Opportunity
EDUCATION LAW PRO BONO PROJECT
This is an on-site clinic at LAF that mobilizes
volunteer attorneys to interview and advise
parents and students with special education and
school discipline needs. Volunteers then draft
and review documents, addressing any immediate
needs. There is an opportunity to provide
extended representation when cases require it,
and if the volunteer is able and available.
Practice areas: education law, school discipline
defense, special education law
Opportunity type: Litigation, administrative
proceedings
Skills acquired: Oral advocacy, case manage-
ment, client counseling, negotiating, subject
matter experience
Skills required: All attorneys are competent to
handle this matter after the training provided
or with prior education law experience.
Time commitment: 2.5-5 hours per month, with
opportunity for extended representation.
Contact: Kate Shank at [email protected] or
312.347.8335.
Training and support: Completion of Education
Advocacy Pro Bono Training (3 hrs.) offered
annually or prior experience in education law is
required. Volunteers representing clients will
be supervised by an experienced staff attorney,
who is available to answer questions and
provide ongoing support.
Sample Opportunity
ORDER OF PROTECTION LITIGATION PROJECT
Volunteers are afliated with the Pro Bono
Network and provide direct representation to
victims of domestic violence who are seeking to
obtain a plenary order of protection at the
west suburban Maybrook Courthouse. Clients
are referred by Sarah’s Inn, a local domestic
violence organization in the near-west suburbs
of Cook County.
Practice areas: domestic violence
Opportunity type: Litigation
Skills acquired: Oral advocacy, client counseling,
negotiating, subject matter experience
Skills required: All attorneys are competent to
handle this matter after the training provided.
Time commitment: 3-9 weeks with 1-2 court
appearances.
Contact: Kate Shank at [email protected] or
312.347.8335.
Training and support: Online training is required,
and support is offered by LAF staff attorneys.
LAWNDALE CHRISTIAN
LEGAL CENTER
1530 South Hamlin Avenue
Chicago, IL 60623
Phone: 773.762.6381
Web: www.lclc.net
Brief Description & Client Impact:
Lawndale
Christian Legal Center (LCLC) cares for the legal
needs of the underserved and marginalized by
representing youth and young adults twenty-four
years old and younger who live in North Lawndale
and are involved in the juvenile and adult criminal
courts. We provide quality, free legal representa
-
tion, compassionate social health services, and
one-on-one mentoring. While we focus on serving
North Lawndale youth, youth of nearby neighbor
-
hoods are also welcome to seek our services.
How to get started: Contact Cathryn Crawford at
[email protected] or 773.762.6385.
Does the organization offer malpractice
insurance coverage to volunteers?
Yes
Sample Opportunity
RESEARCH DISCRETE ISSUES
LCLC is always in need of attorneys to conduct
legal research on discrete matters related to
a youth’s criminal case.
Practice areas: Criminal and juvenile defense;
civil rights litigation
Opportunity type: Non-representation, research
Skills acquired: Research
Skills required: All attorneys are competent
to handle this matter after the training provided.
22
Time commitment: Varies depending on research
issue, but exible.
Contact: Cathryn Crawford at ccra[email protected]
or 773.762.6385.
Training and support: Volunteer attorneys work
one-on-one with a staff attorney in receiving
training and support for their legal matter.
Volunteers also are given access to training videos
and additional materials to inform their practice.
Once volunteers have some experience with
LCLC, they may have the opportunity to represent
youth in criminal defense cases with support
and supervision from LCLC.
Sample Opportunity
REPRESENTATION OF A JUVENILE (UNDER 17) /
EMERGING ADULT (18–24) IN A CRIMINAL
DEFENSE CASE
Volunteers co-counsel with LCLC attorneys or
represent a client on their own in either juvenile
court or adult criminal court.
Practice areas: Criminal or juvenile defense
Opportunity type: Litigation
Skills acquired: Case management, client
counseling, client/witness interviewing, motion
practice, negotiating, trial skills, writing/drafting
Skills required: This opportunity relies on
attorneys with subject matter experience.
Time commitment: Varies depending on the case.
Contact: Cathryn Crawford ccra[email protected] or
773.762.6385.
Training and support: LCLC primarily relies on
volunteers with subject matter experience,
but can provide some training for people crossing
from one court to another (juvenile to criminal
or criminal to juvenile).
Sample Opportunity
REPRESENTATION OF A JUVENILE (UNDER 17) /
EMERGING ADULT (18–24) IN A TRAFFIC CASE
Volunteers represent a client on their own in trafc
court/impoundment cases.
Practice areas: Trafc
Opportunity type: Litigation
Skills acquired: Case management, client
counseling, client/witness interviewing, motion
practice, negotiating, trial skills, writing/drafting
Skills required: This opportunity relies on
attorneys with subject matter experience.
Time commitment: Varies depending on the case.
Contact: Cathryn Crawford ccra[email protected] or
773.762.6385.
Training and support: LCLC primarily relies on
volunteers with subject matter experience.
LAWYERS’ COMMITTEE FOR
BETTER HOUSING
33 North LaSalle Street, Suite 900
Chicago, IL 60602
Phone: 312.347.7600
Web: www.lcbh.org
Brief Description & Client Impact:
Lawyers’
Committee for Better Housing (LCBH) provides
legal and supportive services to Chicago’s renters
facing eviction or other issues that contribute
to housing instability, such as foreclosure-related
problems, utility shutoffs, unsafe or substandard
building conditions, and building vacates and
mass evictions. To ensure that LCBH’s work has
the greatest impact, LCBH prioritizes clients
who are particularly vulnerable to homelessness,
meaning that nearly all of LCBH’s clients are
low-income, single parents, seniors, or individuals
with disabilities. LCBH’s legal services level
the playing eld in eviction court. Through direct
services, community education, outreach,
and advocacy, LCBH strives to stabilize families,
strengthen neighborhood connections, and
promote community investment.
How to get started: Contact Julie Pautsch at
[email protected] or 312.784.3515.
Does the organization offer malpractice
insurance coverage to volunteers?
Yes
Sample Opportunity
EVICTION DEFENSE
Volunteer attorneys will defend Chicago’s
low-income renters in eviction court. Under the
supervision of LCBH staff attorneys, volunteers
will have the opportunity to handle all aspects
of representation from start to nish, including
client interviews, discovery, motion practice,
settlement negotiations, court appearances, and
both bench and jury trials. Because evictions
are heard on an expedited schedule, cases may
settle quickly or proceed to trial within a few
months. Volunteers may also represent renters
in non-litigation matters, such as landlord-tenant
disputes, in order to help them avoid eviction
lings.
Practice areas: Housing
Opportunity type: Litigation
Skills acquired: Client counseling, client/witness
interviewing, motion practice, writing/drafting,
negotiations, trial skills
Skills required: All attorneys are competent to
handle this matter after the training provided.
Time commitment: Completion of the initial
1-hour training and then exible.
Contact: Julie Pautsch at [email protected] or
312.784.3515.
Training and support: LCBH provides an initial
1-hour, in-person training on the basics of
landlord-tenant law and eviction court practice.
This training is offered based on need and
demand. LCBH also provides volunteers with a
resource manual, samples, and ongoing support.
LAWYERS FOR THE
CREATIVE ARTS
213 West Institute Place, Suite 403
Chicago, IL 60610
Phone: 312.649.4111
Web: www.law-arts.org
Brief Description & Client Impact:
Lawyers
for the Creative Arts (LCA) provides pro bono legal
services to qualifying individuals and organizations
in all areas of the arts and entertainment. Clients
include recording artists, musicians, dancers,
lmmakers, writers, photographers, painters,
graphic artists, actors, arts educators, theaters,
studios, and more. LCA’s volunteer attorneys
assist clients with contracts, business organiza
-
tion, intellectual property protection, licensing,
corporate governance, tax, employment,
immigration, dispute resolution, and litigation.
LCA also provides a range of educational
seminars to the arts community in many areas of
arts and entertainment law, not-for-prot and
tax exemption assistance, corporate formation,
governance, accounting and strategies for
small businesses.
How to get started: Prospective volunteers should
complete a registration form at www.law-arts.org.
The website also includes answers to frequently
asked questions and various primers located
under the Resource tab.
Does the organization offer malpractice
insurance coverage to volunteers?
Yes
Sample Opportunity
SMALL BUSINESS COUNSELING
Volunteer attorneys assist clients in state
incorporation and other start-up matters.
Volunteers gain experience ling articles of
incorporation, drafting shareholders and
operating agreements, and advising on corporate
formalities. Volunteers may also provide
counseling and representation in real estate,
intellectual property, zoning, licensing, vendor
and other technology agreements, internet
commerce, First Amendment, immigration and
all other matters that may confront small and
mid-size businesses and non-prots.
Practice areas: Corporate
Opportunity type: Transactional
Skills acquired: Case management, client
counseling
Visit www.chicagobarfoundation.org for more information about the pro bono and legal aid system in Chicago and how you can make a difference.
23
Skills required: This opportunity relies on
attorneys with experience in the subject matter.
Time commitment: 10–30 hours, dependent
upon the business structure selected.
Contact: Stacy Streur at [email protected] or
312-837-3520.
Training and support: Volunteers receive training
through our expanding video law library, and other
online legal resources, as well as some mentoring
opportunities through experienced volunteers
and LCA staff.
Sample Opportunity
DRAFTING AND REVIEWING CONTRACTS
Volunteer attorneys review, revise, draft and/or
negotiate arts and entertainment contracts.
Typical contracts are copyright and trademark
protection, licensing and assignments.
Practice areas: Arts and entertainment,
contracts, employment, intellectual property
Opportunity type: Non-litigation, transactional
Skills acquired: Client counseling, contract
drafting, negotiation
Skills required: This opportunity relies upon
attorneys with basic corporate, transactional, or
intellectual property subject matter experience.
Time commitment: 5–25 hours.
Contact: Stacy Streur at [email protected] or
312-837-3520.
Training and support: Volunteers receive training
through our expanding video law library, and other
online legal resources, as well as some mentoring
opportunities through experienced volunteers
and LCA staff.
Sample Opportunity
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY PROTECTION
Volunteers advise clients regarding potential
intellectual property claims — whether as
claimant or respondent. Typical initial referral will
be limited to evaluation, and assessment of
claim/defense followed by possible representa
-
tion, if necessary and advisable. Typical issues
involve non-payment of royalties, payments on art
consignment agreements, recovery of consigned
art work, assignment/termination of various
agreements.
Practice areas: Commercial litigation, arbitration,
mediation, intellectual property, arts and
entertainment
Opportunity type: Non-litigation, transactional
matters, IP litigation, mediation/arbitration
Skills acquired: Client counseling, drafting,
negotiation, trial skills
Skills required: Attorneys with commercial
litigation or subject matter knowledge are preferred
for this opportunity but attorneys can also acquire
necessary knowledge through provided resources.
Time commitment: Many LCA matters involving
commercial disputes are amenable to resolution
through negotiation and in extreme cases,
mediation or arbitration.
Contact: Stacy Streur at [email protected] or
312-837-3520.
Training and support: Volunteers receive training
through our expanding video law library, and other
online legal resources, as well as some mentoring
opportunities through experienced volunteers and
LCA staff.
LEGAL AID SOCIETY OF
METROPOLITAN
FAMILY SERVICES
1 North Dearborn Street, 10th Floor
Chicago, IL 60602
Phone: 312.986.4015
TTY: 312.986.4237
Web: www.metrofamily.org/legal-aid
Brief Description & Client Impact:
Founded
in 1886, the Legal Aid Society (LAS) is one of the
oldest legal aid programs in the nation still
providing legal assistance to families who cannot
afford a private attorney. Since 1919, the Legal
Aid Society has been part of Metropolitan Family
Services, the oldest and largest non-sectarian
family social service agency in the Chicago area.
LAS provides free legal services to low-income
people in the following areas: family law; elder law
and abuse; housing law; and consumer law
and assistance for survivors of human trafcking.
How to get started: Contact Brian Gilbert at
gilbertb@metrofamily.org or 312.986.4487 to nd
out about existing opportunities and rst steps
to get involved.
Does the organization offer malpractice
insurance coverage to volunteers?
Yes
Sample Opportunity
SIMPLE DIVORCE PROGRAM
Volunteers handle uncontested or simple divorce
cases for representation from beginning to
end. Volunteers interview the client, prepare and
le the pleadings for divorce, possibly conduct
discovery, and elicit client testimony at the
prove-up hearing. Once volunteers are familiar
with uncontested/simple divorces, they may
request a contested divorce if interested.
Practice areas: Divorce/separation/annulment
Opportunity type: Litigation
Skills acquired: Client interviewing, client
counseling, drafting, court appearances, subject
matter experience
Skills required: All attorneys are competent to
handle this matter after the training provided.
Time commitment: Completion of required
training (1 hr.), then 10–30 hours over several
months.
Contact: Brian Gilbert at gilbertb@metrofamily.
org or 312.986.4487.
Training and support: LAS provides volunteers
with a training manual and sample pleadings, and
an attorney mentor, if needed.
LEGAL COUNCIL FOR
HEALTH JUSTICE
17 North State Street, Suite 900
Chicago IL 60602
Phone: 312.427.8990
Web: www.legalcouncil.com
Brief Description & Client Impact:
The Legal
Council for Health Justice (LCHJ) consists of three
projects that work collaboratively with medical
and social services providers to do the following:
–
The AIDS Legal Project preserves, promotes,
and protects the legal rights of men, women,
and children in the metropolitan Chicago area
living with HIV/AIDS. The AIDS Legal Project
provides legal services to low-income residents
of Cook County who are affected by HIV/AIDS,
and addresses clients’ issues including
estate planning, discrimination, condentiality,
bankruptcy, immigration, social security
benets, and guardianship.
–
The Chicago Medical-Legal Partnership for
Children (CMLPC)
provides legal services to
low-income children and their family members
who are patients at participating pediatric
hospital and medical center sites. The project
addresses clients’ issues including public
benets, special education, early intervention,
housing, immigration, health insurance,
FMLA, and adult and child guardianship. CMLPC
also addresses a wide array of policy issues
impacting child health and well-being.
–
The SSI Homeless Outreach Project provides
legal services to homeless mentally ill individ
-
uals. In concert with behavioral health and
social services staff, the SSI Homeless Advocacy
Project staff provide benets including advocacy
for Social Security and SSI disability benets,
medical assistance, and other vital assistance.
How to get started: Contact the individuals listed
below for each opportunity with a resume and
short explanation of interest.
Does the organization offer malpractice
insurance coverage to volunteers?
Yes
24
Sample Opportunity
PREPARATION OF ESTATE PLANNING DOCUMENTS
Attorneys with subject matter experience prepare
estate planning documents (wills, trusts,
powers of attorney and any related documents)
for low-income individuals with HIV.
Practice area: Estate planning
Opportunity type: Non-litigation
Skills acquired: Client counseling, client/witness
interviewing, writing/drafting skills
Skills required: This opportunity relies on
attorneys with subject matter experience.
Time commitment: Attorneys typically spend
5–15 hours over a 2–3 week time period.
Contact: Ruth Edwards at redwards@legalcouncil.
org or 312.427.8990.
Training and support: Staff attorneys provide
volunteers with basic support, but the organization
does not conduct regular trainings and relies
heavily on volunteers with experience in the
subject matter.
Sample Opportunity
REPRESENTATION IN A
SPECIAL EDUCATION MATTER
Attorneys with subject matter experience provide
legal representation on special education
issues for parents of students with disabilities in
school meetings, mediation, expulsion hearings,
and due process administrative hearings.
Practice area: Education law
Opportunity type: Administrative hearings,
litigation
Skills acquired: Litigation, negotiation, writing/
drafting skills
Skills required: This opportunity relies on
attorneys with subject matter or litigation
experience.
Time commitment: Varies depending on
complexity, but attorneys typically spend 10–30
hours over 2–3 weeks.
Contact: Amy Zimmerman at azimmerman@
legalcouncil.org or 312.427.8990.
Training and support: Staff attorneys provide
volunteers with basic support, but the organiza
-
tion does not conduct regular trainings and
relies heavily on volunteers with experience in the
subject matter.
Sample Opportunity
REPRESENTATION IN GUARDIANSHIP
PROCEEDINGS
Volunteer attorneys with subject matter experi-
ence represent minor children who require
guardianships and for families of children with
disabilities who are transitioning into adulthood
and require guardians due to lack of capacity.
Practice areas: Probate law
Opportunity Type: Litigation (uncontested)
Skills acquired: Case management, client
counseling, client/witness interviewing, motion
practice, negotiating, trial skills, writing/drafting
skills
Skills required: This opportunity relies on
attorneys with subject matter or litigation
experience.
Time commitment: Varies depending on
complexity, but attorneys typically spend 20 hours
over a 2–3 weeks.
Contact: Ruth Edwards at redwards@legalcouncil.
org or 312.427.8990.
Training and support: Staff attorneys provide
volunteers with basic support, but the organiza
-
tion does not conduct regular trainings and
relies heavily on volunteers with experience in the
subject matter.
Sample Opportunity
REPRESENTATION IN LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Volunteer attorneys with experience in the subject
matter handle all aspects of cases for clients
in areas including immigration, Chapter 7 or 13
bankruptcy, employment discrimination,
consumer credit, probate, or insurance matters.
Practice areas: Estate planning, immigration,
consumer law, public benets, employment
Opportunity type: Litigation
Skills acquired: Case management, client
counseling, trial skills, writing/drafting skills
Skills required: This opportunity relies on
attorneys with subject matter experience.
Time commitment: Varies by case type, but
typically is 4–10 hours per month.
Contact: Lisa Parsons at lparsons@legalcouncil.
com or 312.427.8990.
Training and support: Staff attorneys provide
volunteers with basic support, but the organiza
-
tion does not conduct regular trainings and
relies heavily on volunteers with experience in the
subject matter.
MUNICIPAL COURT
PRO BONO PANEL —
THE CHICAGO BAR
ASSOCIATION
321 South Plymouth Court
Chicago, IL 60604
Phone: 312.554.2000
Brief Description & Client Impact:
Through the
Municipal Court Pro Bono Panel Program
(“MCPB”), volunteer lawyers provide pro bono
representation to low-income litigants in Cook
County’s First District Municipal Court, specically
in those cases where a jury demand has been
led and the opposing party is represented by an
attorney. The MCPB program helps those in
need combat an unfamiliar and challenging
system. The MCPB program is a collaboration of
the Circuit Court of Cook County, The Chicago
Bar Association, The Chicago Bar Foundation,
CARPLS, Chicago Legal Clinic, and area law rms.
The Program goals are to assist individual
low-income litigants, improve the administration
of justice, and provide the opportunity for
volunteer attorneys to gain litigation experience
through pro bono service.
How to get started: Contact Mara Adelman at
madelman@chicagobar.org or 708.205.3714.
Does the organization offer malpractice
insurance coverage to volunteers?
Yes, as
needed, as a supplement to the volunteer’s law
rm coverage.
Sample Opportunity
REPRESENTATION IN A MUNICIPAL COURT PRO
BONO PANEL CASE
Volunteers handle all aspects of the case which
may include interviewing clients, developing case
strategy, negotiating settlement, or representing
the client at arbitration or a jury trial. Examples of
these small claims case types include damages
arising from a multi-car accident, personal injury,
dental malpractice, and breach of contract. Cases
are referred at every stage of litigation, including
after the case is assigned to trial.
Practice areas: torts, contracts, malpractice
Opportunity type: Litigation, arbitration, jury trial
Skills acquired: Case management, client
counseling, limited discovery and depositions,
motion practice, direct and cross examination
arbitration experience, jury trial practice
Skills required: All attorneys are competent to
handle this matter after the training provided and
with the commitment and support of experienced
litigators in the volunteer’s rm to assist with the
case through jury trial.
Visit www.chicagobarfoundation.org for more information about the pro bono and legal aid system in Chicago and how you can make a difference.
25
Time commitment: Completion of the required
training (2–3 hrs.) in-person or online. Cases
require between 25–200 hours, depending on
which stage of litigation the case is referred
and the complexity of the issue(s). Arbitrations
are limited to 2 hours and jury trials are limited
to 1 day.
Contact: Mara Adelman at madelman@
chicagobar.org or 708.205.3714.
Training and support: The Program provides an
in-person training approximately once per year.
The program and supporting resources are also
available online. The Program relies on partnering
law rms to provide litigation and other supervi
-
sion and support for their attorneys participating
in the program. A licensed attorney is available
to assist volunteers on a limited basis.
NATIONAL IMMIGRANT
JUSTICE CENTER
208 South LaSalle Street, Suite 1300
Chicago, IL 60604
Phone: 312.660.1370
Web: www.immigrantjustice.org
Brief Description & Client Impact:
Heartland
Alliance’s National Immigrant Justice Center
(NIJC) is dedicated to ensuring human rights
protections and access to justice for all immi
-
grants, refugees, and asylum seekers. NIJC
provides direct legal services to and advocates for
these populations through policy reform, impact
litigation, and public education. Since its founding
more than three decades ago, NIJC has been
unique in blending individual client advocacy with
broad-based systemic change. NIJC’s pro bono
projects provide free legal representation through
volunteer attorneys for unaccompanied immigrant
children, immigrant survivors of domestic abuse
and other violent crimes, and persons seeking
asylum. Non-citizens, even children, asylum
seekers, and those in detention, do not have the
right to court-appointed representation and
without pro bono counsel, many non-citizens
would be forced to navigate the complex
immigration system on their own.
How to get started: The rst step for a brand-new
interested volunteer to get started in any NIJC
pro bono matter is reviewing NIJC’s pro bono
attorney overview at http://immigrantjustice.org/
be-pro-bono-attorney to determine what
opportunities might best t the volunteer’s skills
and resources and then reach out to the
opportunity contact listed below.
Does the organization offer malpractice
insurance coverage to volunteers?
Yes
Sample Opportunity
REPRESENTATION IN AFFIRMATIVE
ASYLUM CASES
Asylum is a form of immigration relief that may be
granted to individuals who ee persecution in
their home country and arrive in the United States
to seek protection. Asylum provides individuals
with lawful status in the United States and
can lead to citizenship. In afrmative asylum
cases (when the applicant is not in removal
proceedings) the volunteer attorney prepares an
application for asylum, which is led with U.S.
Citizenship and Immigration Services. After ling
the application, the attorney represents the
client at a non-adversarial interview before the
Chicago Asylum Ofce and will receive a decision
at a later date. Given the extensive time commit
-
ment and expenditure of resources needed
for asylum cases, NIJC generally partners with law
rms rather than individual attorneys to ensure
adequate resources are available to handle
the case.
Practice areas: Immigration
Opportunity type: Litigation, administrative
hearing
Skills acquired: Case management, client
counseling, client/witness interviewing, motion
practice, trial skills, writing/drafting
Skills required: All attorneys are competent to
handle this matter after the training provided.
Time commitment: Completion of required
3-hour training, then at least 40–70 hours.
Afrmative asylum applications may be time-sen
-
sitive and require the work to take place over
2–3 months.
Contact: Anna Sears at ansears@heartlandalli-
ance.org or 312.660.1307.
Training and support: NIJC provides formal
training, supporting manuals, and ongoing
support for volunteers. Although there are training
webinars and PowerPoint presentations available
to view on the website, new pro bono attorneys
are required to attend an in-person asylum
training before or shortly after being assigned a
case. The training lasts 3 hours and is held
quarterly.
Sample Opportunity
REPRESENTATION IN DEFENSIVE ASYLUM CASES
Volunteer attorneys represent defensive asylum
applicants at their Master Calendar Hearings—
preliminary hearings similar to arraignment
hearings in criminal cases or status conferences
in civil cases—and their Merits Hearings—the
actual trial date during which an immigration
judge will take testimony, give the applicant an
opportunity to provide evidence, and allow for
cross-examination by the government’s attorneys.
A typical merits hearing lasts half a day and
involves the direct examination of 1–2 witnesses,
including the client, and possibly an expert
regarding the client’s medical/psychological
condition or conditions in the applicant’s country
of origin. Prior to the hearing, volunteer attorneys
prepare a trial brief and the same documentation
-
required for an afrmative asylum case (see
description above).
Practice areas: Immigration
Opportunity type: Litigation, administrative
hearing
Skills acquired: Case management, client
counseling, client/witness interviewing, motion
practice, trial skills, writing/drafting
Skills required: All attorneys are competent
to handle this matter after the training provided.
Given the extensive time commitment and
expenditure of resources needed for asylum
cases, NIJC generally partners with law rms
rather than individual attorneys to ensure
adequate resources are available to handle
these cases.
Time commitment: Completion of required
3-hour training, then at least 75–100 hours over a
period of several months to 3 years.
Contact: Anna Sears at ansears@heartlandalli-
ance.org or 312.660.1307.
Training and support: NIJC provides formal
training, supporting manuals, and ongoing
support for volunteers. Although there are training
webinars and PowerPoint presentations available
to view on the website, new pro bono attorneys
are required to attend an in-person asylum
training before or shortly after being assigned a
case. The training lasts 3 hours and is held
quarterly.
26
Sample Opportunity
REPRESENT IMMIGRANT SURVIVORS OF
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND OTHER CRIMES
Under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA),
immigrant survivors of domestic abuse may le a
Self-Petition to obtain an immigration status
in the U.S. under the Victims of Trafcking and
Violence Prevention Act (VTVPA). U.S. immigration
law also offers protection called a U Visa to
non-citizen victims of certain serious crimes who
have gathered the courage to come forward,
report the crime, and assist in its investigation or
prosecution. In both VAWA Self-Petitions and
U Visa applications, volunteer attorneys prepare
relevant applications for immigrant survivors
of domestic violence and other serious crimes.
Volunteer attorneys meet with the client on
several occasions and prepare the relevant
documentation. VAWA and U Visa cases generally
do not require litigation and may sometimes
have ling deadlines.
Practice areas: Immigration
Opportunity type: Non-litigation, legal
representation
Skills acquired: Case management, client
counseling, client/witness interviewing, writing/
drafting, advocacy
Skills required: All attorneys are competent to
handle this matter after the training provided.
Time commitment: Completion of required
90-minute training, then approximately 20–30
hours of casework over 3–4 months.
Contact: Sylvia Wolak at sywolak@heartlandalli-
ance.org or 312.660.1318.
Training and support: Although there are training
webcasts and PowerPoint presentations available
to view on the website, interested pro bono
attorneys are required to attend an in-person
VAWA or U Visa training before being assigned
a case. The training typically lasts about
90 minutes.
Sample Opportunity
REPRESENT IMMIGRANT CHILDREN
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) is a form
of immigration relief for children who have been
abused, abandoned, or neglected. Before the
child can seek immigration status, the child must
rst obtain a state court order establishing the
prior harm, typically in the form of a guardianship
or custody (allocation of parental responsibility)
order. Volunteer attorneys meet with the client and
the client’s parent or guardian on numerous
occasions, draft the relevant documents, prepare
the client and parent/guardian for court, and
develop legal arguments.
Practice areas: Family law
Opportunity type: Litigation
Skills acquired: Client/witness interviewing/
advice, client counseling, case management, trial
skills, writing/drafting, motions practice, advocacy
Skills required: All attorneys are competent to
handle this matter after the training provided.
Time commitment: Typically 40–70 hours over
several months to a year.
Contact: Anna Sears at ansears@heartlandalli-
ance.org or 312.660.1307.
Training and support: NIJC provides training
materials and on-going support to volunteers.
Live trainings are provided based on need
and demand.
PRO BONO NETWORK
P.O. Box 469
Oak Park, IL 60303
Phone: 708.665.3359
Web: www.pro-bono-network.org
Brief Description & Client Impact:
Pro Bono
Network (PBN) has been working since 2011 to
expand the pool of attorneys available to
represent those who cannot afford legal services.
PBN recruits, trains, places, and supports lawyers
who want to be of service but have limitations
on their availability or resources. While all
attorneys are welcome, PBN works primarily with
attorneys who are on career breaks, stay-at-home
parents, have retired, or are solo practitioners.
How to get started: Contact Sheila Pont at
708-665-3359.
Does the organization offer malpractice
insurance coverage to volunteers?
Yes, provided
through partner organizations on all projects.
Sample Opportunities
PBN PARTNERS WITH LEGAL AID ORGANIZATIONS
TO RUN A VARIETY OF DIFFERENT PRO BONO
PROJECTS. A HANDFUL OF THE CURRENT
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES INCLUDE:
– LAS’s Simple Divorce Program which can be
found on page 23 of this Guide.
– LAF’s Order of Protection Litigation Project which
can be found on page 21 of this Guide.
– CGLA’s Jail Family Law Clinic which can be found
on page 7 of this Guide.
– CDEL’s Senior Legal Assistance Clinics and
Senior Center Initiative which can be found on
page 9 of this Guide.
– NIJC’s Representation of Immigrant Survivors of
Domestic Violence and Other Crimes which
can be found on page 26 of this Guide.
Practice areas: divorce, domestic violence,
wills and advance directives, housing, juvenile
expungement, immigration, public benets,
incarcerated mothers, civic education for youth
Opportunity types: clinics, wills, hotlines/advice
desks, intake, litigation, shorter time
commitments
Skills acquired: client contact, court experience,
legal document drafting and execution, full
case preparation at court and administrative
agency levels, and preparing demand and
advocacy letters
Skills required: All attorneys are competent to
handle each matter after the training provided.
Time commitment: Projects range from two-hour
clinics to full court representation over several
months.
Contact: Sheila Pont at sheila.pont@pro-bo-
no-network.org or 708-665-3359.
Training and support: PBN provides ongoing
training and supervision for all of these projects
in addition to the legal aid organization trainings.
Additional support includes: annual live trainings,
online trainings, subject matter expert access,
project manager backup, and assignment to cases
with volunteer partners for additional support.
STATUTORY SUMMARY
SUSPENSION HEARINGS
PRO BONO PANEL —
THE CHICAGO BAR
ASSOCIATION
321 South Plymouth Court
Chicago, IL 60604
Phone: 312.554.2000
Brief Description & Client Impact:
The
Summary Suspension program provides indigent
defendants with volunteer lawyers to challenge
the suspension of their driving privileges, which
automatically follows a DUI arrest. An indigent
person charged with a DUI is represented by a
public defender in the criminal proceeding and
may win that case, but may still lose their license
(statutory summary suspension) when they have
no representation in the civil matter. Volunteers
can prevent a summary suspension from going
into effect, saving defendants from a 6-month or
12-month suspension of their driving privileges,
and hundreds of dollars of reinstatement fees to
the Secretary of State. Volunteers can help an
indigent person in need and get priceless
courtroom experience at the same time.
How to get started: Contact Mara Adelman at
madelman@chicagobar.org or 708.205.3714.
Does the organization offer malpractice
insurance coverage to volunteers?
Yes, as
needed.
Visit www.chicagobarfoundation.org for more information about the pro bono and legal aid system in Chicago and how you can make a difference.
27
Sample Opportunity
REPRESENTATION IN STATUTORY SUMMARY
SUSPENSION CASES
The statutory summary suspension program
involves representing indigent clients who have
had their driver’s licenses summarily suspended
because they allegedly refused to take a
breathalyzer or drug test or failed the eld tests.
The cases often turn on whether the stop was
lawful (constitutional), the driver refused to take
a breathalyzer or drug test, or the driver was
properly warned of the consequences of refusing
to take a test. Volunteer attorneys typically meet
with their clients at a Richard J. Daley Center
courtroom on the assigned hearing date. Two
weeks before the hearing, volunteers receive
10–12 pages of discovery documents needed to
prepare for the courtroom cross-examination
of the Chicago Police Ofcer. The summary
suspension rescission hearing typically lasts
40 minutes, during which the volunteer will give
a 1-minute opening about the grounds for
rescission, possibly conduct a direct exam of their
client, cross-examine the Chicago Police Ofcer,
and conclude with a brief closing argument.
Practice areas: Drivers licenses
Opportunity type: Litigation
Skills acquired: Case management, client
counseling, motion practice, cross examination,
trial practice
Skills required: All attorneys are competent to
handle this matter after the training provided.
Time commitment: Completion of the required
training (3 hrs.) in person or online, then 5 hours
or less per case (up to 2 hours for the hearing and
3 hours preparation).
Contact: Mara Adelman at madelman@
chicagobar.org or 708.205.3714.
Training and support: Each year, the CBA hosts a
3-hour intensive, interactive DUI Summary
Suspension session followed by a 2-hour skills
training by expert advocates. During the training,
participants have the opportunity to practice
their cross-examination skills and be critiqued by
judges and coaches who offer suggestions for
improvement. The CBA also provides a licensed
attorney to support volunteers.
UPTOWN PEOPLE’S
LAW CENTER
4413 North Sheridan Road
Chicago, IL 60640
Phone: 773.769.1411
Web: www.uplcchicago.org
Brief Description & Client Impact:
The Uptown
People’s Law Center represents poor and
working people living in Uptown and other similar
communities. UPLC’s biggest areas of practice
are landlord-tenant, Social Security disability, and
prisoners’ rights.
How to get started: Interested volunteers should
contact Alan Mills at [email protected]
or 773.769.1411 to discuss matters of interest.
If a case is not immediately available, UPLC
maintains a contact list of interested attorneys
and periodically circulates memos via email
describing available pro bono opportunities.
Does the organization offer malpractice
insurance coverage to volunteers?
No
Sample Opportunity
REPRESENTATION IN PRISONER RIGHTS CASES
Volunteer attorneys represent prisoners seeking
to challenge the way they are treated in prison.
Typically, these are cases brought in federal court
in all three Illinois districts. There are also cases
led in the Circuit Courts of any county in which a
prison is located in Illinois.
Practice areas: Civil rights, prisoner’s rights
Opportunity type: Litigation
Skills acquired: Trial skills, writing/drafting
Skills required: UPLC typically partners with rms
rather than individual attorneys on these cases
because they can require signicant resources.
Cases are typically staffed by a team of attorneys
from one or more law rms. UPLC provides
extensive support and training for prisoner’s rights
cases and impact litigation is often (although not
necessarily) undertaken with UPLC as co-counsel.
Time commitment: Varies, but a minimum of 100
hours and often 200–400 hours over the course
of 12–24 months.
Training and support: In cooperation with the
courts, UPLC offers a series of three trainings on
handling prisoner civil rights cases: Anatomy
of a Prisoner Civil Rights Case (5.5 hrs.); Handling
Medical Cases for Prisoners (3.5 hrs.); and
Representing Prisoners When Failure to Exhaust
Administrative Remedies Is a Defense (3.5 hrs.).
These three courses are offered roughly every
3 months. In addition, UPLC offers as-needed
support for all attorneys handling prisoner
civil rights cases.
Sample Opportunity
REPRESENTATION IN LANDLORD/
TENANT MATTERS
Volunteer attorneys represent clients in landlord/
tenant matters in the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Practice areas: Housing
Opportunity type: Litigation
Skills acquired: Litigation, negotiation
Skills required: This opportunity relies on
attorneys with some experience in litigation or the
subject matter.
Time commitment: Varies depending on case
complexity, typically 10–50 hours with 2–3 court
appearances, but may be substantially more if
the case goes to full jury trial.
Contact: Alan Mills at [email protected] or
773.769.1411.
Training and support: UPLC does not have
a formal training program though licensed
staff attorneys provide ongoing support to
volunteer attorneys.
28
UNITED STATES
BANKRUPTCY COURT
PRO BONO PANEL
The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District
of Illinois has established a panel of volunteer
attorneys to represent indigent parties on a pro
bono basis in discrete adversary proceedings and
contested matters. The program is administered
by the Bankruptcy Court under the Court’s
procedures, with support and assistance from the
Bankruptcy Court Liaison Committee and The
Chicago Bar Association Bankruptcy and
Reorganization Committee. Judges of the Court
are responsible for identifying matters in which a
party (generally a debtor, but occasionally a
creditor) appears to qualify and would benet
from representation.
When a suitable matter is identied, the judge
will notify the Clerk of the Court. The Clerk will
contact a panel member to obtain representation
for the party needing it. The program is limited
strictly to representation in adversary proceedings
and contested matters — matters that demand
the kind of litigation skills pro se parties lack. No
panel member is expected to le a bankruptcy
case, complete schedules and similar forms, or
attend a meeting of creditors. The program is also
entirely voluntary. Panel members will never be
required to accept representation in a particular
matter and may decline a request for representa
-
tion because of a conict of interest or for any
other reason.
Attorneys may join the panel by completing a
short questionnaire available from the Clerk of the
Court and submitting the completed question
-
naire to the Clerk’s Ofce. The information and the
questionnaire are available at www.ilnb.uscourts.
gov (click on “Volunteer Attorney Panel”).
Federal Court-based Pro Bono Opportunities
A number of pro bono programs offer opportunities in the Federal Courts. Several
Federal Court-based pro bono programs are featured in this guide, including
the Settlement Assistance Program on page 11, the Bankruptcy Help Desk on
page 20, and the William J. Hibbler Pro Se Assistance Program on page 20.
Two additional programs administered by the Courts are listed below.
SEVENTH CIRCUIT COURT
OF APPEALS VOLUNTEER
ATTORNEY PANEL
The United States Court of Appeals for the
Seventh Circuit maintains a volunteer attorney
panel for appointments in certain cases before
the Seventh Circuit. The Court is continually
seeking attorneys to join the panel who have
experience or who have a sufcient support
infrastructure from mentors or rm colleagues to
handle these complex matters. A majority of
these cases are federal criminal appeals in which
the previous attorney seeks to withdraw.
Appointments may be made in direct criminal
appeals, prisoner habeas corpus appeals,
and some civil matters, such as employment
discrimination, immigration, and prisoner
civil rights cases.
Attorneys who are interested in handling
appeals in the Seventh Circuit should ll out the
Volunteer Panel Attorney Questionnaire which
can be found on the court’s website at www.ca7.
uscourts.gov (click on “All Forms” then “Volunteer
Panel Attorney Questionnaire”).
Visit www.chicagobarfoundation.org for more information about the pro bono and legal aid system in Chicago and how you can make a difference.
29
Volunteer Opportunities Chart
Access Living
Cabrini Green Legal Aid
CARPLS
Catholic Charities Legal Assistance
Center for Conict Resolution
Center for Disability & Elder Law
Center for Economic Progress-Tax Clinic
Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation
Chicago Coalition for the Homeless-Law Project
Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights
Chicago Legal Clinic
Chicago Volunteer Legal Services
Community Law Project
Domestic Violence Legal Clinic
Equip for Equality
Family Defense Center
First Defense Legal Aid
Illinois Legal Aid Online
James B. Moran Center for Youth Advocacy
LAF
Lawndale Christian Legal Center
Lawyers’ Committee for Better Housing
Lawyers for the Creative Arts
Legal Aid Society
Legal Council for Health Justice
Municipal Court Pro Bono Panel
National Immigrant Justice Center
Pro Bono Network
Statutory Summary Suspension Program
Uptown People’s Law Center
Adoption
Bankruptcy Law/Debt Collection
Chancery Issues
Child Custody, Support, and Visitation
Civil Rights
Consumer
Corporate Law: Nonprot/Small Business
Criminal Defense, Expungement, and Sealing
Disability Dis
crimination
Divorce
Domestic Violence
Education Law
Elder Abuse
Employment Law
Estates, Wills, and Probate
Guardianship (Child and/or Adult)
Housing
Immigration
Insurance Benets
Intellectual Property
Juvenile: Abuse and Neglect
Juvenile: Delinquency
Public Benets
Real Estate Closing
Tax Law
Tort and Insurance Defense
Transactional
Research
Clinics
Community Legal Education Materials and Presentations
Hotlines/Advice Desks
Intake
Mediation
Litigation Opportunities
Weekend or Evening Opportunities
Shorter Time Commitment Opportun
ities
Pro Bono Opportunities Appropriate for Group Work
Artists and Arts Organizations
Children
Individuals with Disabilities
Elderly
HIV Positive Population
Immigrants
Nonprot Organizations and Small Businesses
30
WHY SHOULD YOU DO
PRO BONO?
As lawyers, we are ofcers of the justice system
and have a special responsibility to ensure that all
people, not just those who can afford it, have
access to justice. In fact, it is our ethical obligation
as attorneys in Illinois to provide pro bono
assistance to persons in need of legal services
who cannot afford them. The preamble to the
Supreme Court of Illinois Rules of Professional
Conduct provides, in pertinent part, as follows:
It is the responsibility of those licensed as ofcers
of the court to use their training, experience and
skills to provide services in the public interest
for which compensation may not be available. An
individual lawyer’s efforts in these areas is
evidence of the lawyer’s good character and
tness to practice law.
Professional Duty
– Recognizing the importance of pro bono, the
Illinois Supreme Court requires as part of
the annual attorney registration process that all
licensed attorneys report their pro bono
service and qualied monetary contributions
to support legal aid. More information is
available on page 31 of this guide.
– The Chicago Bar Association Pro Bono Resolution
encourages CBA members to participate in
pro bono activities for a minimum of 50 hours
each year.
– Similarly, the American Bar Association Model
Rule 6.1 encourages lawyers to provide at least
50 hours of pro bono legal services each year.
Professional Development
– Pro bono matters expose attorneys to new
substantive areas of the law and provide
excellent skill-building opportunities for lawyers.
– Pro bono generates goodwill for your company
or law rm, as well as the opportunity to interact
with many others in the legal profession.
Personal Satisfaction & Community
Improvement
– Pro bono work provides an opportunity to learn
about and become involved in your community.
– Your interaction with low-income and disadvan
-
taged people in our community can bring an
important perspective that is sometimes lost in
our fast-paced practice.
– Doing your part to help people who need it is
rewarding.
– By providing competent representation to
low-income or disadvantaged people, you can
make our community a better place to live.
QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE
YOU TAKE A CASE
Before committing to a pro bono case, you
should: (1) understand the pro bono program’s
expectations, and (2) receive any needed
training and support. Depending on your needs,
you should ask the following questions of the
program staff:
1. Does the program thoroughly
screen clients?
Before referring a case to a volunteer lawyer, the
program should, at a minimum, complete a
comprehensive screening of clients. A program
should also provide a statement of facts and
assessment of the case.
2. How does the program’s intake
system ensure that I will receive
a meritorious case or project?
Solid intake and screening procedures should
ensure that you are receiving a meritorious
case involving an eligible (nancially and
otherwise) client.
3. Will the program assign me a case
that matches my expertise, interests,
and time restraints?
A program’s intake and screening procedures
should ensure that the case is within the parame
-
ters of the type of work for which you volunteered.
4. What types of training and support
does the program offer to its volunteers?
Programs offer a variety of support mechanisms
and training to its volunteer lawyers that should
include all or some of the following:
LEGAL SUPPORT
– Substantive law and procedural training
and support
– Legal manuals (containing compiled
legal research)
– Form pleadings
– Mentors (program staff or more
experienced volunteer lawyers)
TIME MANAGEMENT SUPPORT
– Co-counseling arrangements
– Program staff attorneys to cover in emergencies
TRAINING SPECIFIC TO THE
ORGANIZATION AND ITS CLIENTS
– Handbooks with program policies and
staff contact information
– Client sensitivity training
MALPRACTICE INSURANCE &
ADMINISTRATIVE /LOGISTICAL ASSISTANCE
– Malpractice insurance
– Ofce space for client interviewing and
meetings
– Administrative assistant/legal support (through
volunteer paralegals, law students)
5. For which expenses, if any,
will I be responsible?
Some pro bono programs require that the clients
pay for out-of-pocket expenses such as court
costs, ling fees, etc. However, some programs
maintain a fund to cover the same, while others
allow or depend upon the volunteer to pay these
expenses.
6. Will I be covered by the program’s
malpractice insurance?
Most pro bono programs in the Chicago area have
malpractice insurance available for volunteers. The
individual opportunities listed in this guide
indicate whether an organization offers malprac
-
tice coverage to its volunteer attorneys.
Additional Considerations for Volunteers
Visit www.chicagobarfoundation.org for more information about the pro bono and legal aid system in Chicago and how you can make a difference.
31
7. What is my relationship with my pro
bono client and the pro bono program?
A pro bono program should clearly communicate
the nature of the relationship it is establishing
between the program, a client and a volunteer. That
agreement should be reected in a written retainer
agreement. A volunteer lawyer should discuss
with the pro bono client the extent of the represen-
tation the volunteer agrees to undertake on the
client’s behalf and document that understanding
in a written retainer agreement.
8. Often clients may have more than one
legal problem. How can I ensure that
the client understands that I am agreeing
to provide representation only in a
specic matter?
A retainer agreement should clearly state that the
pro bono attorney is providing representation only
in the matter referred. A program should assure
volunteers that they are not expected to provide
representation in other matters, and instruct them
to refer clients back to the program if the need
arises, unless a volunteer is willing to assist the
client in additional legal matters.
9. Once I accept a case, will the program
keep in touch with me?
A pro bono program should maintain contact with
its program volunteers through periodic follow-up
via telephone or email as part of the program’s
comprehensive tracking system. A tracking system
provides a mechanism for determining that
volunteers are progressing on cases the program
has placed with them and that the program is
providing effective and high quality legal services
to the client.
10. Once I accept a case, what are my
responsibilities to the pro bono program?
Generally pro bono programs ask that the
volunteer attorneys: keep the program apprised of
the status of the case on a regular basis (for
example, every 60 to 90 days); seek support and
mentoring when needed; advise the program of
any problems or issues that arise; advise the
program when the case is closed, the disposition
thereof, and the number of hours you spent on the
case; and complete any evaluation forms.
11. What if the case becomes too much
for me to handle?
Some pro bono programs can facilitate co-coun-
seling and/or mentoring arrangements with
program staff attorneys or with other volunteer
lawyers. In some instances, the program may agree
to take the case back if it becomes too onerous
for a volunteer.
12. What should I do if I leave my
position or join a new rm?
Many rms welcome pro bono cases, so check with
your new rm about whether you can keep the
case in your new position. If you are unable to take
the case with you, you should treat the case as
any other open matter that you have — work with
your rm to transfer the case to another attorney,
if possible. Most importantly, in all situations,
communicate with the legal aid pro bono program
about any change in responsibility for the matter,
and remember that you are responsible for the
matter until it is transferred to another attorney or
back to the organization.
ILLINOIS SUPREME COURT
PRO BONO REPORTING RULE
Illinois Supreme Court Rule 756(f) requires all
attorneys licensed in Illinois to report, in
connection with the attorney’s annual ARDC
registration, pro bono legal services provided and
qualied monetary contributions made during
the preceding 12 months.
Pro Bono
Supreme Court Rule 756(f) contains a broad
denition that illustrates four distinct ways in which
lawyers can use their unique training, experience,
and skills to help the public on a pro bono basis.
Under the rule, qualifying “pro bono legal services”
include:
(a) legal services to a person of limited means;
(b) legal services to an organization designed to
address the needs of persons of limited means;
(c) legal services to certain charitable, religious,
civic, or community organizations; and
(d) pro bono training intended to benet legal
service 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.”
Qualied Monetary Contributions
The rule also encourages attorneys to make
nancial contributions “to an organization that
provides legal services to persons of limited
means or which contributes nancial support to
such an organization.” Contributions to the CBF
qualify under the Rule, as do contributions to any
of our grantees.
An attorney’s failure to report the required
information will result in an attorney’s name being
removed from the master roll of licensed attorneys
in Illinois.
ILLINOIS SUPREME COURT
RULES ALLOWING
ADDITIONAL PRO BONO
In-House Counsel
Attorneys who are licensed in Illinois as in-house
counsel under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 716
may perform pro bono service in Illinois without
any additional registration or afliation
requirements.
Attorneys Licensed in Other States,
but Not Illinois
Illinois Supreme Court Rule 756(j) provides that
attorneys who are admitted in another state
and are not disbarred or others wise suspended
from practice may perform pro bono service
by doing the following:
(1) annually ling the required paperwork and
information with the ARDC;
(2) working with a qualied sponsoring legal aid
organization or other qualied entity; and
(3) participating in any training required by the
sponsoring organization.
Forms and additional instructions are available on
the ARDC’s website and a list of sponsoring entities
is available on www.illinoislegalaid.org.
Attorneys Registered as Retired or
Inactive in Illinois
Illinois Supreme Court Rule 756(j) provides that
attorneys who are registered with the ARDC as
retired or inactive may perform pro bono service by
doing the following:
(1) annually ling the required paperwork and
information with the ARDC;
(2) working with a qualied sponsoring legal aid
organization or other qualied entity; and
(3) participating in any training required by the
sponsoring organization.
Forms and additional instructions are available on
the ARDC’s website and a list of sponsoring entities
is available on www.illinoislegalaid.org.
Visit www.chicagobarfoundation.org for more
information about the Illinois Supreme Court Rules
that relate to pro bono.
32
TIME
In addition to pro bono work, consider supporting
access to justice by:
– using your expertise to provide training for
legal aid and pro bono attorneys or helping to
connect legal aid attorneys to training
opportunities;
– mentoring legal aid or pro bono attorneys;
– joining the governing boards or young
professionals boards of pro bono and legal
aid organizations; and
– other law-related volunteering such as
educating youth about our legal system.
MONEY
There are three complementary ways your
nancial support can play an integral role in
advancing equal access to justice:
– Contributing to the CBF, joining with your
colleagues in the legal community to
make a collective impact that none of us
could on our own;
– Donating to the annual Investing in Justice
Campaign to support the pro bono and
legal aid organizations serving the Chicago
area with one gift; and
– Supporting the individual pro bono and
legal aid organizations where you have a
personal connection.
INFLUENCE
Consider lending your inuence in order to
make an impact both individually, and through
the strong collective voice you make possible in:
– the legislative and policymaking process,
making the case that government bears the
primary responsibility for ensuring equal
access to justice, one of our nation’s most
fundamental principles;
– the courts, advocating for cy pres awards
to support the CBF and other pro bono and
legal aid organizations, as well as for court
policies that make the system more user-
friendly and accessible for people without
lawyers; and
– in your personal networks, such as serving as
a Vice Chair for a law rm or organization in
the annual CBF Investing in Justice Campaign,
or encouraging your rm or company’s business
partners to provide support for access to
Time, Money, and Influence: Fulfilling Your Role
as a Trustee of the Justice System
In addition to the examples above, lawyers, legal professionals, and business partners of the legal community can contribute in
other ways, including providing administrative support by donating secretarial, paralegal, printing, IT, and marketing/public relations
assistance, and through donating rather than disposing of furniture, ofce equipment, or other legal resources.
The CBF can help you contribute in any of the ways identied above and can help put your new ideas into action. Please contact
Bob Glaves at bglaves@chicagobar.org or 312.554.1205, or visit www.chicagobarfoundation.org for more information about getting
involved, including information about the CBF’s Law Firm, Corporate, and Partner Leadership Circles.
While we all get called on to support many causes, the justice system is our “home turf” as lawyers and legal professionals.
Wherever you are in the legal community, you are a trustee of the justice system, and it is our common cause to make sure the
system is fair and accessible for all people regardless of their income or circumstances. You can make a difference through
a combination of your time, your money, and your inuence. You can make a big impact both individually and by joining forces
with your colleagues in the legal community where we are able to make a collective impact that none of us could on our own.
As the charitable arm of The Chicago Bar
Association, The Chicago Bar Foundation brings
the legal community together to improve
access to justice for people in need and make
the legal system more fair and efcient for
everyone. The CBF’s mission recognizes that
taking a leadership role to ensure equal access
to justice is our common cause as a profession,
and that we can make a distinct impact in
advancing that cause by the legal community
coming together through the CBF.
The CBF pursues two overarching
goals to improve access to justice:
1) Increasing access to free and affordable legal
assistance for people in need, and
2) Making the courts and legal system more
user-friendly and accessible for people
without lawyers.
Using a mix of grants, advocacy,
pro bono, and partnerships, the
CBF pursues a two-pronged strategy
to accomplish these goals:
1) Supporting proven solutions that have an
immediate effect, such as the CBF’s grants to
established pro bono and legal aid organizations
made possible by the annual Investing in Justice
Campaign.
2) Developing new and innovative solutions that
drive long-term, systemic improvements through
initiatives such as the Justice Entrepreneurs
Project and developing a network of Court-based
Advice Desks.
To learn more about how you can make a
difference both individually and by joining forces
with your colleagues in the legal community
through the CBF, please visit www.chicagobarfoun
-
dation.org or call 312.554.1204.
About The Chicago Bar Foundation
The Chicago Bar Foundation
Pro Bono Program
The CBF promotes and supports a variety of
pro bono activities to help ensure that pro bono
services most effectively supplement the work
of dedicated legal aid attorneys and otherwise
increase access to justice to the maximum
extent possible.
The CBF takes a multi-pronged approach
that includes:
– sustaining and improving the existing
pro bono system
– developing, supporting, and funding
innovative pro bono projects
– promoting, supporting, and recognizing
pro bono participation
For questions about our work, pro bono in Illinois,
or help developing or growing pro bono programs,
contact Samira Nazem, CBF’s Director of Pro Bono
& Court Advocacy, at 312.554.8356 or snazem@
chicagobar.org.
The Chicago Bar Foundation
321 South Plymouth Court, Suite 3B
Chicago, Illinois 60604
312.554.1204
Visit www.chicagobarfoundation.org
for more information about the
pro bono and legal aid system in Chicago
and how you can make a difference.
Updated October 2017
