Pro bono attorneys contribute their skills and talents in a variety of ways. In the current economic climate legal aid organizations and pro bono programs are facing increasing demands for their services and pro bono attorneys are an important supplement to these efforts to help low-income and disadvantaged clients and address community needs.  Strong pro bono programs screen cases, provide training and give ongoing support for their volunteers. The ultimate goal for everyone concerned is to ensure that clients receive high-quality legal assistance. It is important to be mindful of the challenges faced by pro bono and legal aid programs as they work to meet a high level of need with extremely limited resources.  Legal aid organizations may not be able to accommodate every interested volunteer right away.  Therefore, we encourage attorneys to be flexible and patient in approaching pro bono opportunities.   

The CBF recently completed a comprehensive update of its very popular Pro Bono Opportunities Guide, which is designed to help attorneys find a pro bono program particularly suited to their interests, skills and schedules.

The CBF Pro Bono Support Program serves as a convenient clearinghouse to make it easier for attorneys to find appropriate pro bono opportunities. If you have any questions about pro bono, or would like a hard copy of the Pro Bono Opportunities Guide, please contact Kelly Tautges at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or at 312-554-8356.

Additional information about pro bono is available on www.IllinoisProBono.org, which features searchable information about pro bono programs, a calendar of pro bono related events including trainings, and other information for pro bono attorneys throughout Illinois.