By Lisa Colpoys
Looking for Pro bono case pairing and mentor matching system? If so, the brand new Pro Bono Case Pairing and Mentor Matching System found at www.IllinoisProBono.org is here to help you! This system connects pro bono volunteers with one another as mentors and mentees or as case partners. Ultimately, the system is designed to make pro bono work more accessible, efficient and effective for pro bono attorneys and the clients they serve.
Once again, the issue of immigration reform has been thrust to the forefront of American politics. Currently, much of the news is focused on the controversial legislation recently enacted by the Arizona legislature requiring police to stop any person they deem “reasonably suspicious” and demand proof legal residence. There has been no shortage of news coverage (and news parodies) regarding the problems of determining who is “reasonably suspicious”, and the questionable constitutionality of the law.
As you consider the importance of pro bono in your community, please remember that there are a number of other causes that need our awareness and help. For my family, February means National Marfan Syndrome Awareness Month.
by Mike Fiello
Encouraging lawyers to engage in pro bono work continues to occupy the time and energy of so many state bar associations and other organizations across the country. Why? Because there is no disputing that there is a lack of legal assistance available to the poor. Legal needs studies from across the country, including here in Illinois, consistently find that less than 20 percent of the legal needs of the poor are addressed by direct legal representation by a lawyer. Despite the efforts of many skilled and dedicated people, participation by attorneys as a whole in pro bono activity is still quite low.
Ronald Langacker first provided volunteer legal services through Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance when he was an attorney in Danville. He took one or two cases at a time, which he felt was not burdensome, and received the Pro Bono Attorney of the Year award for Vermilion County in 1999.
For members of the Illinois legal profession, pro bono practice support resources are as easy as a click away, at www.IllinoisProBono.org. That website, which is hosted by Illinois Legal Aid Online, now offers web pages with resources targeted at specific types of pro bono practitioners, including senior attorneys, federal government attorneys, corporate counsel, paralegals, and law students.
Times are tough. To paraphrase the great philosopher Pogo, the legal profession is confronted with insurmountable opportunities. Now is a great time for all ISBA members to take on some Pro Bono work. If you can't afford to donate the time, consider donating money instead. There is no better time to start because this is National Pro Bono Celebration Week. The ISBA Standing Committee on Delivery of Legal Services has a wonderful website where you can learn more - http://www.isba.org/probono/. I encourage you to help the Bar of Illinois do even more for the citizens of the state. Sincerely, John O'Brien ISBA President