2009 Pro Bono Week

October 26-30, 2009

The CBA and CBF will sponsor Chicago’s Fifth Annual Pro Bono Week from October 26-30, 2009, to honor lawyers’ pro bono efforts and to educate the public and the legal community about how these lawyers are improving the lives of the less fortunate. Jesse H. Ruiz of Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP and Barry C. Taylor of Equip for Equality will serve as co-chairs of 2009 CBA/CBF Pro Bono Week.

In Chicago, a dedicated group of legal aid and pro bono attorneys provide vital legal services to many thousands of the most vulnerable residents in our community. However, due to a long-term underinvestment in our pro bono and legal aid system, tens of thousands of less fortunate individuals continue to lack access to legal assistance that is often critical to their safety and independence. In an effort to address these issues and help meet the vast needs in our community, Pro Bono Week is designed to inform the legal community about the wide range of pro bono opportunities that are available in the Chicago area.

Pro Bono Week features several events for attorneys to highlight pro bono work and to showcase pro bono opportunities, including:

Pro Bono Week Kickoff Event:
Join us for an interactive conversation with Illinois Circuit Court, Appellate Court and Federal Court judges to help celebrate pro bono and kick off 2009 CBA/CBF Pro Bono Week. The breakfast will be held on Tuesday, October 27, 2009, at 8:00 a.m., at Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, 191 N. Wacker Drive, Chicago, Suite 3700. Co-sponsored by Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP and the Illinois Judges Association. RSVP for the complimentary event at www.chicagobar.org (under CLE) or 312-554-2032.

MCLE Programs at The Chicago Bar Association:
Complimentary MCLE programs will be held at the CBA during the week and will qualify for IL MCLE credit. In the spirit of Pro Bono Week, attendees are expected to accept a pro bono case in any area of law within the next six months following the MCLE. Seminars include:

• An Introduction to Representing Low-Income Individuals and Families that Face a Tax Controversy with the Internal Revenue Service
  Wednesday, October 28, 2009; 3:00 - 6:00 p.m.
  Registration online at www.chicagobar.org (under CLE). Register online at www.chicagobar.org (under CLE).
  
  Presented By: Kamilah Exum, Center for Economic Progress, Midwest Tax Clinic; Robert E. McKenzie, Arnstein and Lehr; and Robert A. McKenzie, Arnstein and Lehr.
  The program will provide an overview to resolving individual income tax matters for low income taxpayers. We will discuss a variety of matters including audits, assessment of tax and collection remedies. We will also provide information on first steps to case resolution for practitioners new to taxation.

• An Introduction to Forms of Relief from a Criminal Record - Expungement, Sealing & Pardons
  Friday, October 30, 2009; 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
  Registration online at www.chicagobar.org (under CLE). Register online at www.chicagobar.org (under CLE).
  
  Presented By: Beth Johnson, Cabrini Green Legal Aid, and Marjie M. Nielsen, Chicago Legal Clinic.
  Criminal records pose barriers to employment, housing, education and licensure and Illinois law allows for the expungement or sealing of certain criminal records. For those not eligible for expungement or sealing, they may file a Petition for Executive Clemency with the Prisoner Review Board, requesting a pardon from the Governor. This course will cover basic eligibility for expungement and sealing, the limitations of the law, procedures for filing and how to volunteer with Cabrini Green Legal Aid's Expungement Help Desk. It will also discuss how to write and file a Petition for Executive Clemency and how to volunteer with Chicago Legal Clinic's Ex-Offender Advocacy Program. Additionally, this course will cover ethical issues involved with representing those with past criminal records.

16th Annual CBA Young Lawyers Section Pro Bono and Community Service Fair:
On Thursday, October 29, 2009, from 5:00-7:00 p.m., meet with representatives from over 40 of Chicago’s legal aid, pro bono and community service organizations to network with likeminded professionals and uncover the volunteer opportunity you have been seeking. The event will be held at Kirkland & Ellis LLP, 300 N. LaSalle St., Chicago. Refreshments will be served. RSVP to yls@chicagobar.org. View PDF of confirmed organizations.

To learn more about pro bono opportunities, visit www.chicagobarfoundation.org, www.illinoisprobono.org or contact Kelly Tautges at 312-554-8356.

View past details of 2008 Pro Bono Week.