CBF Inaugurates New Public Service Award in Honor of former Illinois Supreme Court Justice Thomas L. Kilbride

April 16, 2021

To honor a truly exemplary public servant and the many unsung lawyers and judges who represent the best of public service in the law, the CBF is inaugurating the Thomas L. Kilbride Public Service Award this year.

As CBF Executive Director Bob Glaves said as part of a recent Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice tribute to Justice Kilbride, “Justice Kilbride fundamentally changed our legal system in Illinois for the better in his time on the Court and left a legacy that continues to inspire us all.”

In recognition of Justice Kilbride’s exemplary legacy of public service, the new award will honor unsung attorneys and judges who have dedicated a significant portion of their legal career to the public sector, achieved excellence in their work, and demonstrated a firm commitment to increasing access to justice and making the court system fairer and more accessible.

Nominations are now open for the new award and will be accepted through May 21, 2021. The inaugural Award will be presented on July 16, 2021 at this year’s CBA and CBF’s Pro Bono and Public Service Awards Luncheon.