July 13, 2011 Chicago – Many unsung heroes in Chicago’s legal community devote countless hours fighting for the low-income and disadvantaged people who most need the protections of our justice system. Seven exceptionally dedicated attorneys were recognized and celebrated for their outstanding work at The Chicago Bar Association and The Chicago Bar Foundation 13th Annual Pro Bono and Public Service Awards Luncheon on July 12, 2011. Read more...

More than 3,000 individuals at more than 100 participating law firms, corporate legal departments and other organizations contribute over $1.3 million for legal aid services

The leadership and generosity of Chicago's legal community were once again on display during the 5th annual Investing in Justice Campaign, which set new records across the board while raising much-needed funding for pro bono and legal aid services in the Chicago area. Over 3,000 individual attorneys and legal professionals from 110 participating law firms, corporate legal departments and other law-related organizations contributed more than $1.3 million for this cause at a time of heightened need for these services.  Read more. . .

Organization Dissolves Current Structure, Creates a Restricted Fund

March 28, 2011 Chicago –The board of Chicago Area Foundation for Legal Services (CAFLS), a special initiative at The Chicago Community Trust supporting legal services for low-income Chicago residents, voted to dissolve CAFLS and create a restricted fund at the Trust to support legal aid.  Read more. . .

5^th Annual CBF Investing in Justice Campaign Kicks Off Today

More than 100 Chicago-Area Law Firms, Corporate Legal Departments and Other Legal Organizations Join Together To Raise Critical Funds for Legal Aid

A new record of more than 100 area law firms, corporate legal departments and other law-related organizations are participating in the 2011 Chicago Bar Foundation (CBF) Investing in Justice Campaign, which raises much-needed funds for pro bono and legal aid services in the Chicago area. The Campaign, chaired this year by William A. Von Hoene, Jr., Executive Vice President, Finance & Legal for Exelon Corporation, kicks off today and runs throughout the month of March. Read more. . .

$125,000 Gift to Provide Significant Help for People Facing Foreclosure

Pierce and Associates, Codilis & Associates, Attorneys’ Title Guaranty Fund (ATG) and the Law Bulletin Publishing Company recently made donations to The Chicago Bar Foundation (CBF) totaling $125,000 to support several pro bono and legal aid organizations that are working to help the growing number of people facing foreclosure in Cook County.  Read more. . .

New Report Shows Significant Advances over the Past 7 Years for Cook County's Pro Bono and Legal Aid System but Growing Number Of Low-Income People In Need Of Help

Only 300 legal aid attorneys to serve the civil legal needs of over 1.3 million low-income people in Cook County

With increased funding for legal aid services from most sources-particularly Chicago's legal community and area foundations- Cook County's pro bono and legal aid system has significantly increased its service capacity over the past seven years. However, this progress is tempered by the fact that pro bono and legal aid organizations in Cook County report skyrocketing demands for their help during this time period. Today, The Chicago Community Trust and The Chicago Bar Foundation released Legal Aid in Cook County: A Report on Basic Trends in Need, Service and Funding.   Read more...

Chicago Bar Foundation Sun-Times Fellowships Awarded

$50,000 Fellowships for Five Legal Aid Attorneys Offset Law School Debt and Allow Dedicated Lawyers to Continue Serving Those Most in Need

Last night, five legal aid attorneys received key financial assistance to help them continue serving the most vulnerable people in our community. On Monday, October 25th, The Chicago Bar Foundation (CBF) presented the 2010 CBF Sun-Times Public Interest Law Fellowships to:

Read more. . .