Celebrate the 10th anniversary of Pro Bono Week with us in Chicago, where it all started!
This year’s theme is Lifting Lives, Strengthening Access and it all takes place the week of October 20th, when you and your colleagues in the legal community can come together for fun events, complimentary CLE programs, and the 21st Annual Pro Bono and Community Service Fair.
In addition to the opportunity to attend one or more of these free programs, this is an especially good year to celebrate Pro Bono Week with your colleagues here in Chicago. While Pro Bono Week is now a national celebration, this is where it all started 10 years ago. The CBF and The Chicago Bar Association launched the first-ever Pro Bono Week in 2005 to honor lawyers’ pro bono efforts and to educate the public and the legal community about how lawyers are improving the lives of less fortunate Chicagoans. Together, we can make a lasting impact for many more years to come.
We hope to see you at one of this year’s many great programs. All events are open to non-CBA members. For more information and to register for the complimentary programs, visit www.chicagobar.org/probonoweek.
The CBA and CBF will sponsor Chicago’s 10th Anniversary Celebration: Pro Bono Week 2014 from October 20-24, 2014. The Week is chaired by Margaret C. Benson, Chicago Volunteer Legal Services, and the Honorable Michael B. Hyman, Illinois Appellate Court, First District (10th Anniversary Co-Chairs) as well as E. Lynn Grayson, Jenner & Block LLP, and Matthew A. Passen, Passen Law Group (Pro Bono Week Co-Chairs).
Game Night: A Battle of Pro Bono Barristers
Monday, October 20, 2014/6:00-8:00 p.m./Joe’s Bar on Weed St.
Test your pro bono IQ at a friendly trivia competition with questions about pro bono and access to justice. Complimentary registration includes two drinks, appetizers, and the chance for the winning team to designate a special grant to a CBF-supported legal aid organizations.
Lost in Translation: Communication with Pro Bono Clients
Tuesday, October 21, 2014/3:00-5:00 p.m./CBA Building (2 IL PR Credits)
Participants will walk away with practical tips on how to more effectively communicate and work with your pro bono clients so that you can maximize your pro bono experience and the client’s outcome.
21st Annual Pro Bono and Community Service Fair
Presented by the Young Lawyers Section and co-sponsored by The CBF & Skadden
Thursday, October 23, 2014/5:00-7:00 p.m./Skadden, 155 N. Wacker Dr.
Meet with representatives from 50 of Chicago’s legal aid, pro bono and community service organizations to network with like minded professionals and uncover the volunteer opportunity you have been seeking.
Breakfast with Judges
Co-Sponsored by Jenner & Block LLP, the Illinois Judges Association, and The Seventh Circuit Bar Association
Friday, October 24, 2014/8:00-9:00 a.m./Jenner & Block LLP, 353 N. Clark St. (0.75 IL PR Credit)
Members of the federal and state judiciary will lead conversations about pro bono in our community and all participants will have the opportunity to contribute their thoughts and ideas.
To learn more about available pro bono opportunities, visit www.IllinoisPro.org.
Questions about pro bono or the week? Contact Jessica Bednarz at 312-554-4952.