The Patton Legal Aid Training Academy
The CBF Patton Legal Aid Training Academy strives to provide high-quality training and development opportunities to Chicago’s legal aid community, equipping staff at all levels to deliver excellent client service, nurture emerging leaders, and foster a strong sense of community.
Helping Dedicated Legal Aid Lawyers Grow and Thrive in Their Careers
Through the generous support of Steve and Linda Patton and pro bono contributions from across the Chicago legal community, the Academy strives to strengthen the essential skills necessary to best serve the needs of legal aid clients who otherwise couldn’t afford legal help. Without further tapping already overstretched legal aid budgets, the Academy provides legal aid attorneys with improved opportunities for needed training and professional development.
The success of the Academy lies in its innovative approach, offering programs through two complementary systems: 1) coordinated training, where legal aid staff are invited to participate in existing training programs offered by law firms and other organizations when topics align with their needs; and 2) customized training, where tailored programs are designed by experts to address the unique challenges faced by legal aid professionals. Check out our inaugural Impact Report to learn more!
Steering Committee
Dennericka Brooks, Legal Aid Chicago
Hon. Alison Conlon, Circuit Court of Cook County
Rachel Jennings, Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP
Maria Minor, Much Shelist, P.C.
Steve Patton (Ret.), Kirkland & Ellis LLP
Rebekah Rashidfarokhi, Chicago Volunteer Legal Services
Kelly Tautges, K. Tautges Consulting
To learn more about how you can help or other ways to get involved contact Sarah Blair at sblair@chicagobarfoundation.org.