2026 Spring Into Pro Bono Series
The Spring Into Pro Bono Series offers attorneys free virtual CLE trainings in exchange for accepting a pro bono case.
All Spring Into Pro Bono live Zoom meetings will be recorded and available for CLE credit on PSLS’ Pro Bono Volunteer Portal, which launched at the beginning of last year.
Our pro bono partners who join us at the CLE series are welcomed to donate to PSLS, and are expected to commit to a short-term or extended representation opportunity through an individual case referral or within one of our projects:
- Eviction Negotiation Project
- Family Law Advice Clinic
- Criminal Records Relief
- Advanced Directives for Seniors
- Telephone Advice
2026 Spring Into Pro Bono Topics
All Spring Into Pro Bono trainings will be held virtually on Zoom.
Thursday, March 19 | 12-1:15 p.m. | Fair Housing Discrimination
This training provides an overview of fair housing discrimination laws and their application in rental housing cases. Participants will learn to identify common forms of discrimination, understand protected classes under federal and state law, and explore practical strategies for spotting issues and advising clients.
Thursday, March 26 | 12-1:15 p.m. | Illinois Clean Slate Act
This training provides an overview of the Illinois Clean Slate Act and its impact on criminal records relief. Participants will learn how Clean Slate changes the expungement and sealing landscape, which records are eligible for automatic sealing, implementation timelines, and key practice considerations for advising clients. A basic understanding of Illinois expungement and sealing law is recommended. For those who need a refresher, an Illinois Expungement & Sealing Basics recording is available by request prior to attending this session.
Thursday, April 9 | 12-1:15 p.m. | Advance Directives
This training provides an overview of advance directives and their role in health care decision-making. Participants will learn about common types of advance directives, key legal requirements under Illinois law, and practical considerations for counseling clients on planning for future medical care. The session will also include some best practices to ensure advance directives accurately reflect a client’s wishes.
Thursday, April 16 | 12-1:15 p.m. | Bankruptcy Basics
This training provides an overview of the fundamentals of bankruptcy, with a focus on common issues encountered by low-income clients. Participants will learn the differences between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy, eligibility considerations, the basic filing process, and key practice tips for spotting bankruptcy issues.
Thursday, April 30 | 12-1:15 p.m. | Minor Guardianships
This training provides an overview of minor guardianships under Illinois law. Participants will learn when a minor guardianship may be appropriate, the different types of guardianships, basic filing and procedural requirements, and key considerations.
Thursday, May 7 | 12-1:15 p.m. | Language Access in Legal Practice
This training explores practical strategies for providing meaningful language access in legal services. Participants will learn best practices for working effectively with interpreters, communicating with clients who have limited English proficiency, and navigating common challenges that arise beyond simply identifying available language access resources.
Thank you, 2026 Spring Into Pro Bono sponsors!
Torchbearer
Pacesetter
Anonymous
Sponsorship questions? Email Lisa M. Hume, lhume@pslegal.org.