The Chicago Bar Association’s Pro Bono Resolution, first adopted in 1995 and updated and reaffirmed by the CBA in 2008, calls upon CBA members to support pro bono efforts in three distinct but equally important ways: (1) contribute a minimum of 50 hours of pro bono work; (2) donate at least $250 or the equivalent of two billable hours, whichever is greater, to support our community’s legal aid system; and (3) support advocacy efforts at the federal, state, and local levels dedicated to ensuring adequate funding for legal aid and access to justice.

Under the Resolution, CBA members can provide financial support for the legal aid system by contributing to the CBF, which as the CBA’s charitable affiliate provides grants and other important support to all of the major legal aid and pro bono organizations serving low-income and disadvantaged people in the Chicago area, and/or by contributing directly to one of these organizations.  

To see a copy of the full Resolution, click here. For questions about how to fulfill the aspirational requirements of this resolution, contact Kelly Tautges, CBF Pro Bono Director, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 312-554-8356.