Prairie State’s pro bono coordinators had a busy October as they celebrated our many attorney volunteers during National Pro Bono Week from October 25-29. It was an honor to virtually showcase the great work of our many volunteers throughout our service area.
Together, and as individuals, our pro bono volunteers do amazing work every day. We thank the hundreds of attorneys who collectively volunteered more than 4,440 hours of service to provide pro bono representation more than 2,100 clients in 2020, with services ranging from brief advice over the phone to extended representation in their court cases. And we thank them for the many ways they have touched the lives of our less fortunate neighbors, particularly throughout this past year. Thank you for the work you do, for the difference you make.
Congratulations to our nine Outstanding Pro Bono Community Honorees and our 2021 Distinguished Pro Bono Advocacy Award recipients, Adam Fleming and McDonald’s Corporation.
This year’s Prairie State Outstanding Pro Bono Community Honorees are:
- Timothy Leighton, Bloomington
- Gary Mueller, Joliet
- Deanna Carlson-Webb, Kankakee
- Don Driscoll, Peoria/Galesburg
- Stephanie Ames, Rock Island
- Mike Bean, Telephone Counseling
- Rebecca Whitcombe, Waukegan
- Paula Rieghns, West Suburban
- Michelle Gehris, Woodstock
The weeklong celebration culminated with an interactive MCLE session. Participants were able to step into the shoes of a single parent trying to navigate the court system without an attorney.
If you missed the video presentations of our honorees and award recipients, please click on the links provided below.
View our Outstanding Pro Bono Community Honoree Video, here.
View Adam Fleming’s 2021 Distinguished Pro Bono Advocacy Award, here.
View the McDonald’s Corporation 2021 Distinguished Pro Bono Advocacy Award, here.