October 27-31, 2008
The CBA and CBF will sponsor
Chicago’s Fourth Annual Pro Bono Week from October 27-31, 2008, 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. William F. Conlon of Sidley Austin LLP and Marilyn J.
Smith of the Center for Conflict Resolution will serve as co-chairs of
2008 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.
Mayor
Richard J. Daley 2008 Pro Bono Week Proclamation (view in PDF
format)
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:
On Monday, October 27, 2008, at 11:30 a.m., join
members of Chicago’s legal community to help celebrate pro bono
and kick off 2008 CBA/CBF Pro Bono Week. Speakers will include Circuit
Court of Cook County Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans, Illinois Supreme
Court Chief Justice Thomas R. Fitzgerald, and Illinois Supreme Court
Justice Anne M. Burke. A light lunch will be served. The event will be
held in the Ceremonial Courtroom 2005 at the Richard J. Daley Center. To
RSVP, send an email to Trish
Roos.
MCLE Programs
at The Chicago Bar Association:
- Charitable Giving for Law Firms to Support
Legal Aid and Other Causes (October 28, from 12:00-1:45 p.m.,
$30 per person - view
registration details)
- Immigration: U & T Visas*
(October 28, 2008, 3:00-5:00 p.m., Complimentary)
- Serving as Guardian ad Litem for Disabled
Adults* (October 29, 3:00-6:00 p.m., Complimentary)
*In the spirit of Pro Bono Week, attendees are expected to accept a pro
bono case within the next six months of attending a complimentary
CLE. Register online or
call 312-554-2056.
15th Annual CBA
Young Lawyers Section Pro Bono and Community Service
Fair:
On Thursday, October 30, 2008, 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. Refreshments will be served. The Fair is co-sponsored by The
Chicago Bar Foundation, Exelon, Jenner & Block LLP and Public
Interest Law Initiative. The event is hosted by Jenner & Block LLP,
330 N. Wabash, 40th Floor. RSVP to yls@chicagobar.org. View
event details.
To learn more about pro bono opportunities,
visit www.chicagobarfoundation.org, www.illinoisprobono.org or
contact Kelly
Tautges at 312-554-8356.
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Marilyn J. Smith
William F. Conlon
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