Public Interest Law Initiative (PILI)

09/03/2026

Join PILI on September 29 for a free Virtual Pro Bono CLE on filing a petition for leave to appeal to the Illinois Supreme Court.

Speakers will walk participants through the applicable rules, filing process and available forms, while also highlighting resources for civil appeals and self-represented litigants.

📅 Tuesday, September 29
🕛 Noon to 1:00 p.m.
💻 Virtual
⚖️ 1 hour of general MCLE credit expected

This program is free for lawyers and legal professionals who commit to completing qualifying pro bono service within the next 12 months. Advance registration is required.

Learn more and register: https://buff.ly/IZcSpgm

09/01/2026

⏰ Final days to submit your nominations!

PILI’s Annual Awards and Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee Awards recognize attorneys and legal programs making an impact through pro bono and public interest law across Illinois.

Know someone whose work deserves recognition? Self-nominations are welcome, too!

Nominations close this Friday, September 4. Submit yours before the deadline: https://buff.ly/MfehEOZ

Help us recognize the attorneys and legal programs making outstanding contributions to pro bono and public interest law across Illinois!

Nominations are open for PILI’s Annual Awards and Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee Awards. You may nominate a deserving colleague or submit a self-nomination.

Submit your nomination by Friday, September 4: https://buff.ly/MfehEOZ

08/27/2026

We met the moment—and surpassed our PILI Giving Day goal! Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we raised $55,092 to strengthen PILI’s programs and expand access to justice across Illinois. We are still accepting Giving Day gifts through August 31st, so there is still time to add to this incredible impact!

In our latest newsletter, we are also sharing:

• More than $300,000 in new grant support
• Highlights from the 2026 Alumni Reception
• Fall Law Student Internship opportunities
• A reminder to submit award nominations by September 4th
• An Alumni Spotlight celebrating outstanding leadership, service and advising

Read the latest from PILI: https://buff.ly/Ti7Qn4N

08/26/2026

Law students, explore the many ways you can build a career in public service!

PILI’s complimentary Explore the Possibilities program introduces law students to opportunities as volunteers, Interns, externs, Fellows and staff in legal aid, public interest law and government.

Join us this fall:

📍 St. Louis: Saturday, September 19 at Washington University School of Law
📍 Chicago: Saturday, October 17 at Chicago-Kent College of Law

Learn more and register: https://buff.ly/wFvFsio

08/21/2026

Fall 2026 Law Student Internship applications are still open!

PILI’s Law Student Internship Program connects law students from across the country with paid opportunities at public interest law agencies throughout Illinois. Fall Interns receive $3,250 for completing 200 hours of legal work during the semester.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until each agency completes its hiring, so apply early for the fullest consideration: https://buff.ly/WA9QUM9

08/20/2026

Giving Day was quite the success, but there is still time to Meet the Moment!

We are so grateful for those that donated to bring our current total to $46,667, but we still need your help to reach our $50,000 goal!

Your gift supports PILI’s work to develop the next generation of public interest leaders, engage attorneys in pro bono service, and expand access to civil legal help across Illinois.

Read more and donate by August 31st to help shape tomorrow: https://buff.ly/DEU40XQ.

08/19/2026

Help us recognize the attorneys and legal programs making outstanding contributions to pro bono and public interest law across Illinois!

Nominations are open for PILI’s Annual Awards and Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee Awards. You may nominate a deserving colleague or submit a self-nomination.

Submit your nomination by Friday, September 4: https://buff.ly/MfehEOZ

08/17/2026

Giving Day momentum is building!

Since this morning, PILI supporters have contributed more than $11,000, bringing us to $31,791 toward our $50,000 goal. Thank you to everyone who has already helped us Meet the Moment!

Giving Day is not over yet, and we still need your help. Your gift supports PILI’s work to develop the next generation of public interest leaders, engage attorneys in pro bono service, and expand access to legal help across Illinois.

Help us keep the momentum going. Give today and shape tomorrow: https://buff.ly/zHi5f24

08/17/2026

Today is PILI Giving Day! The time to Meet the Moment is now.

Together, we have already raised $20,287 toward our $50,000 goal. Today, we need your help to close the gap and ensure PILI can continue expanding access to legal help across Illinois while empowering more legal professionals to serve through public interest law and pro bono.

Every gift, at every level, moves us closer to our goal. Join us today and help shape a future in which legal help is there for those who need it most.

Donate now: https://buff.ly/zHi5f24

08/15/2026

PILI Giving Day is this Monday, and we need your help to Meet the Moment!

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we have raised $18,487 toward our $50,000 goal. Every gift brings us closer to ensuring that more people across Illinois can access legal help when they need it and that more legal professionals have opportunities to serve.

Help us build momentum this weekend. Give today and shape tomorrow: https://buff.ly/zHi5f24