Each March, we recognize the selfless work of our volunteers and extend our gratitude to these individuals for everything they do. 2023 marked a record setting year for our pro bono volunteers with an incredible 1,067 pro bono volunteers clocking in 10,230 hours of volunteer time! That is a 44% increase in the number of volunteers helping us carry out our mission towards equal justice.
Legal Aid Chicago boasts twenty different Pro Bono initiatives with both in-person and virtually opportunities. These Pro Bono projects range from Criminal Record Relief to Illinois Appellate Court representation. Volunteers especially shine at our Community Based Legal Clinics. Legal Aid Chicago held 32 different in-person legal clinics last year. Our brand new Austin Legal Clinic set a record for most volunteers in attendance with an average of 30 clients assisted per night!
Like Legal Aid Chicago, our volunteers are willing to go where the need for civil legal aid is the greatest. This year, Legal Aid Chicago held its first ever Pro Se Asylum Clinic in partnership with Kirkland and Ellis. Our expert Immigration attorneys conducted a volunteer training in the morning, and by afternoon 19 attorneys, along with 9 interpreters, were able to provide legal assistance to 21 individuals.
Thank you to all of our volunteers! Your dedication to access to equal justice is admirable.
Visit our LinkedIn to check out our 2024 Volunteer of the Year recipients.
Learn more about our Pro Bono initiatives and find out how you can get involved here.