National Pro Bono Week
National Pro Bono Celebration Week is October 24–30, 2021
Coordinated by the American Bar Association’s Standing Committee on Pro Bono and Public Service, Pro Bono Week is intended to inspire even greater pro bono participation by lawyers throughout the nation. This initiative provides an opportunity for legal organizations across the country to collaboratively commemorate the vitally important contributions of America’s lawyers and to recruit and train the many additional volunteers required to meet the growing demand. The Standing Committee on Pro Bono and Public Service undertook this initiative to provide a format for showcasing the incredible difference that pro bono lawyers make to our nation, to our system of justice, to our communities and, most of all, to the clients they serve. For more information, visit www.celebrateprobono.org.
The ISBA, through its Standing Committee on the Delivery of Legal Services, has commemorated this national celebration each year by encouraging its members to do pro bono and by recognizing those who meet the call. In 2015, the ISBA launched its Pro Bono Partner initiative, through which members commit to: (1) seek out the local pro bono legal services being supplied to individuals or charitable, religious or civic organizations in their community; (2) attend or support a recognition ceremony for those who participate in pro bono services in their community; (3) consider attending trainings provided to lawyers who provide pro bono services; and (4) commit to joining the efforts to increase access to the legal system. In 2021, we are relaunching this initiative and invite you to renew or make a pledge.
You are also encouraged to write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper highlighting the good works of local lawyers, ask that a proclamation be adopted by your local government, or other activities to promote this event and recognize the efforts of current pro bono volunteers. Below is a sample letter and a proclamation you can download and use.
Just for Fun
Legal Trivia for National Pro Bono Week
More information on National Pro Bono Week
Pro Bono Partners
Members of the Illinois State Bar Association are committed to delivering legal services to those who need to turn to the courts to solve their problems, whether the people who need legal services are able to pay for the services or are unable to do so. See the members who have committed to this and add your name on our Pro Bono Partners page.
