2025 Distinguished Pro Bono Advocate

Although all of our volunteers make a valuable impact on our clients' lives, every year we recognize one volunteer who has truly gone above and beyond to make a difference for PSLS clients throughout our service area.

This year we are proud to honor Thomas McClure, an attorney and recently retired professor at Illinois State University (ISU).

Tom began taking pro bono divorce cases from our Bloomington office in 2011. In the fall of 2020, he launched the Expungement Clinic at ISU in partnership with PSLS. Through this partnership, PSLS transferred expungement and sealing clients directly to Tom, who then assigned their cases to his ISU Legal Studies students. These students analyzed the criminal history documented within each case and prepared the Petitions to Expunge or Seal. Tom reviewed all completed documents, made corrections, and sent them to PSLS to file with the Circuit Clerk. When clients received objections after filing, Tom made himself available to represent them at objection hearings.

Since the clinic's launch, Tom and his ISU students have helped 114 clients request to seal or expunge their criminal records, contributing more than 376 hours of service to members of their community. The impact of this work extends far beyond the individual clients served. Each cleared record represents a renewed opportunity for employment that supports families, for housing that provides stability, and for community members who can fully participate in civic life. Local employers gain access to qualified workers who were previously excluded, strengthening the regional economy. Families experience reduced financial strain and increased security. Communities benefit when residents can move forward from past mistakes, contributing their talents and energy without the barrier of a criminal record. Tom's clinic model also cultivates the next generation of community-minded legal professionals, as ISU students learn firsthand the power of using their skills to serve others. In the words of Adrian Barr, Managing Attorney for PSLS’ Bloomington Office, “through this program, Tom helps people who cannot afford attorneys get a second chance at life and inspires and trains our future pro bono lawyers and paralegals.”

Tom shared why he did this work:

My objective in creating the clinic was twofold. First, it serves the community by providing representation for clients who are unable to realize their potential because of their criminal record. Once the court grants their petition, clients can pursue employment opportunities that were not previously available to them. Second, it gives students experiential learning by giving them the opportunity to work on actual cases. Every student in the Legal Studies Program prepares a petition seeking criminal records relief. This assignment also instills in the students the importance of pro bono work.

After a long and distinguished career at ISU, Tom recently retired. He will be deeply missed by his students and everyone at PSLS. We are committed to honoring his legacy by continuing the clinic at ISU and maintaining our presence in the greater Bloomington community. In a remarkable act of generosity, Tom and his wife have donated $100,000 to the ISU Foundation to establish the Thomas E. McClure Pro Bono Endowment, which now provides the majority of the clinic's funding.

Thank you, Tom, for your unwavering dedication to advocating for individuals in need and for your generosity in ensuring that future generations can continue this vital work.