Impact

Thanks to the leadership and support from Chicago’s legal community and our many other dedicated partners, you are making real progress through the CBF by improving access to justice for people in need and making the legal system more fair, equitable, and effective for everyone through grants, advocacy, and innovation.

Here’s how we’re making a difference together:

Grants

Over $50 million in grants ($2M+ annually) to support dozens of pro bono and legal aid organizations serving our area, as well as innovative projects that are making a longer-term impact.

Courts

The CBF works closely with the state and federal courts to improve access and reduce barriers for the growing numbers of people who come into the courts without lawyers.

Advocacy

Educating legislators and government officials about the need for federal, state and local policies and legislation to support legal aid and improve access to justice, resulting in many successful legislative initiatives in recent years.

Pro Bono

Pro bono attorneys play a critical role in making the justice system more fair and accessible for everyone. Learn about how you can use your legal skills to help people in need, and how your support for the CBF is improving the overall pro bono system.

Legal Aid Academy

An innovative pro bono program to improve training and professional development opportunities for legal aid attorneys and staff. 

Justice Entrepreneurs Project (JEP)

A groundbreaking incubator program empowering lawyers to build innovative practices to more affordably and effectively serve everyday people and small businesses.

Investing in Justice Campaign

The nationally recognized annual campaign that brings together thousands of individual lawyers and legal professionals at more than 150 Chicago-area law firms, corporate legal departments, companies, and other law-related organizations to directly support the work of more than 30 local pro bono and legal aid organizations.

Fellowships, Scholarships and Internships

The CBF has made it more manageable for over 100 inspiring legal aid and public service attorneys to pursue and continue their important work to make our justice system fairer and more accessible for everyone.

Our Impact In Numbers

Grants that support access to justice initiatives awarded annually

$7 Million

Chicagoans in need of legal assistance served each year

Tens of thousands

Chicago area Legal Aid Organizations supported

30+