Our Blog

November 22, 2019

Build It and They Might Not Come

Since the days of yore, our courts and larger legal system
have centered around a “build it and they will come” model that requires people
to come to us on our terms. If you have a dispute, come downtown to the courthouse
and they’ll take care of it. And if you have a legal problem, come see one of
the many good lawyers out there and you’ll be all set.

This model worked pretty well for literally centuries, and the more centralized system of justice still has an important place in our modern world. But the growing reality today is that most people the system is designed to serve don’t know about, don’t trust, or do not feel connected to our traditional justice system. Finding better ways to connect people in their own communities with legal help and access to the legal process is an increasingly critical part of ensuring equal access to justice going forward.

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November 19, 2019

Fourteenth Cohort of JEPers Kick Off 18-month Incubator Program

A few weeks ago, the CBF Justice Entrepreneurs Project welcomed five fantastic attorneys into the program. The “Fab Five,” as they’ve come to be known, are excited to build the type of client-centric firms that embody the principles of the JEP, committed to providing affordable services to the underserved. The new JEPers will join over […]

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November 18, 2019

Kudos to Amanda Insalaco!

The CBF extends a hearty congratulations to Amanda Insalaco, our 2016 Marovitz Public Interest Law Scholar! Amanda, who graduated from DePaul College of Law last May, received a prestigious Borchard Fellowship in Law & Aging for 2019-2020 hosted by the Center for Disability & Elder Law (CDEL), a CBF grantee.

The Borchard Fellowship will give Amanda […]

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November 16, 2019

Long-time CBF Leader Austin Hirsch Recognized by Bulletin of Atomic Scientists

The Bulletin of Atomic Scientists this month honored one of our long-time CBF partners and leaders, Austin Hirsch, with a lifetime achievement award. The award recognizes individuals who make major contributions in the fields of journalism, science, advocacy, and art to create a healthier, safer planet.

Austin is a former CBF board member who remains an […]

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November 12, 2019

New CBA/CBF Task Force Aims to Lead Our Profession into the Future

The CBA and CBF earlier this month launched a new Task Force on the Sustainable Practice of Law & Innovation with the interconnected goals of making legal services more affordable and accessible for the public and making the practice of law more innovative and sustainable for lawyers. Building on the CBA and CBF’s prior leadership on these issues and similar efforts in other jurisdictions, the Task Force will reimagine the way we regulate the business of law in Illinois and ultimately make recommendations to the Illinois Supreme Court to modernize the Rules of Professional Conduct to advance these goals. Learn more…

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October 28, 2019

Pro Bono Week 2019—Connecting with Communities

Last week, during the CBA/CBF’s 15th Annual Pro Bono Week, hundreds of lawyers and other legal professionals in Chicago came together to celebrate the important pro bono work being done in our community and to learn more about new opportunities to make an impact in the year ahead. Whether you were able to participate in one of the events or not, there are countless ways to get involved and make a difference, and the CBF is here to help.

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October 21, 2019

Ambitious New Strategic Plan to Guide Illinois Courts

The Illinois Supreme Court earlier this month formally released a comprehensive new Strategic Agenda for the Illinois Judicial Branch. The new plan, developed and approved by the Illinois Judicial Conference, sets a forward-looking agenda for the coming years with strong commitments to advancing access to justice and innovation among the centerpiece goals.

“The CBF commends […]

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October 18, 2019

Pro Bono Week to focus efforts on city communities in need

Chicago Daily Law Bulletin
By Maddie Kilgannon

The Chicago Bar Association and The Chicago Bar Foundation are geared up to host Pro Bono Week 2019 starting Monday, honoring lawyers’ pro bono efforts and highlighting the impact of their work in the community.

Read the article at Chicago Daily Law Bulletin.

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October 17, 2019

What if I told you…?

…there was a magic potion that will give you a happier, healthier and longer life. Who wouldn’t want that?

Well, it turns out that potion indeed does exist, and all of us who are lawyers and legal professionals can easily take advantage of it. And no magic is required. So, what is it?

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October 8, 2019

CBA and CBF Aiming for Significant Legal Regulatory Reform with Creation of New Joint Task Force

The Chicago Bar Association and the Chicago Bar Foundation have announced the creation of a first-of-its-kind Illinois task force that will work to identify regulatory reform recommendations to provide enhanced access and more affordable legal services to the public, while also working to make the practice of law more innovative and sustainable for lawyers.

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