Next week: CBA, CBF host Annual Pro Bono Week

The old joke is that pro bono is Latin for 'you're not getting paid for your services.' But that's not true. I've had clients say that to me many times during the years (actually, they seldom said anything; they merely ignored my bills). Either way, I can tell you for a fact that getting stiffed by non-paying clients does not constitute pro bono work. I've asked.

Rather, pro bono is short for "pro bono publico," literally 'for the public good,' and some very good lawyers have made their living doing this kind of work.

But their efforts frequently need supplementation from persons who know -- in advance -- that they will not get paid for their public-spirited efforts. It is to these volunteers and potential volunteers that the activities of the forthcoming Pro Bono Week are directed.

Pro Bono Week began in 2005 when the Chicago Bar Association and Chicago Bar Foundation realized the increasing need for pro bono services during harsh economic times. In 2009, the American Bar Association took up the cause and created a National Celebration of Pro Bono to draw attention to the need for pro bono participation, and to thank those who give their time year-round.

In a press release calling attention to this year's observance, the CBA says Pro Bono Week 2022 will focus on efforts to provide access to justice to empower people and communities. The week’s events will highlight the vitally important legal work lawyers do in their communities to improve the lives of their friends and neighbors while ensuring the access to justice that people deserve, not just what they can afford.

"Equal access to justice is core to the CBA’s mission. Serving our community members in need and fighting for justice and equality for all, is our profession’s highest calling," said CBA President Timothy Tomasik. "We are proud to join with lawyers across our nation to celebrate National Pro Bono Week 2022 and to recognize the important contributions that have been made as well as the work that still needs our support."

Here are some of the scheduled Pro Bono Week events:

Monday, October 24:

• Pro Bono in Communities - Registrants will hear from the Center for Disability & Elder Law, the Legal Aid Society Communities Partnering 4 Peace Program, the CBA’s Lawyers in the Classroom program, and the CBA’s Young Lawyers Section about how volunteer lawyers can give back in their communities. Panelists will describe the work their organizations are doing, discuss how persons can get involved as a pro bono volunteer, and provide details about volunteer opportunities at all levels of engagement. This is a hybrid event from 12:00 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. at The Chicago Bar Association, 321 S. Plymouth Court or via webinar.


• Justice: An Evening of Stories and Community - The CBA describes this as a "fan favorite celebration" to kick off Pro Bono Week with an evening of justice-themed stories told by audience volunteers. Persons interested in telling their own story may sign up and come prepared with a five-minute story to share. Storytellers and listeners alike are encouraged to attend. This is an in-person event from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Revolution Brewpub at 2323 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60647.

Tuesday, October 25:

• Voting Rights and Election Protection - Attorneys from the Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Kirkland & Ellis LLP (who together operate the Election Protection Hotline - 866-OUR-VOTE) will present on the history of voting rights and the current state of the law in Illinois and Indiana. Registrants will learn about what challenges and opportunities they expect in the upcoming November election and hear about opportunities to support the hotline as a call center volunteer or serve as an in-person field volunteer (poll-watcher). This is a hybrid event from 12:00 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. at The Chicago Bar Association, 321 S. Plymouth Court or via webinar.

Thursday, October 27:

• Annual Pro Bono and Community Service Fair - Over 40 of Chicago’s legal aid, pro bono, community service, and mentoring organizations will gather at tables to meet with members of the legal community. Hear directly from legal aid and pro bono attorneys about how you can make a difference. Co-sponsored with the CBA Young Lawyers Section and Kirkland & Ellis LLP. This is an in-person event from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Kirkland & Ellis LLP at 300 N. LaSalle Street Chicago, IL 60654.

To register for any of the events listed or for more information about Pro Bono Week, click here.