What are the opening hours?

Monday 8:30am - 5:30pm Tuesday 8:30am - 5:30pm Wednesday 8:30am - 5:30pm Thursday 8:30am - 5:30pm Friday 8:30am - 5:30pm

Public Interest Law Initiative (PILI)

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Chicago, IL
Public Interest Law Initiative (PILI)

PILI engages, inspires and empowers those advancing equal access to justice.

10/08/2026

In a criminal case, you have a right to a lawyer. In a civil case, like an eviction, a divorce, or a debt lawsuit, you don't. That gap is exactly what PILI works to close ⚖️

Thank you, Public Interest Law Initiative (PILI) , for building the pipeline of people who make free legal help possible in Illinois.

Through law student internships, graduate fellowships, and statewide pro bono programs, PILI connects the legal community with the people who need it most.

With Pro Bono Week coming up Oct 25–31, PILI is hosting events across Illinois. Attorneys, this is your sign to get involved. Link in bio.

10/07/2026

Registration closes soon for Explore the Possibilities in Chicago!

Law students are invited to spend a day learning from professionals across public interest law, legal aid and government. Sessions will cover finding Internships, externships and Fellowships, preparing strong applications, pursuing a government career and using a legal career to serve communities in need.

📅 Saturday, October 17
📍 Chicago-Kent College of Law
⏰ Register by Tuesday, October 13

The program is complimentary, but advance registration is required: https://buff.ly/swUbYAB

10/06/2026

📣 Interns: Make time this fall to explore timely issues in public interest law! Join PILI for two FREE virtual seminars to hear from legal experts and deepen your understanding of voting rights and environmental law.

🗳️ Voting Rights in 2026
October 23 | Noon–1:00 p.m.
Explore the state of voting rights and what to watch for ahead of the midterm elections.
Register: https://buff.ly/TCZr17d

🌎 Environmental Law in a Record Breaking Year
November 13 | Noon–1:00 p.m.
Learn how environmental law advocates are responding to a changing climate and shifting policies.
Register: https://buff.ly/6O92cID

Both seminars take place on Zoom, and advance registration is required. PILI Interns can count attendance toward their 200-hour requirement.

Register today, and share these opportunities with an Intern or colleague interested in public interest law!

10/05/2026

Please join us in welcoming Brittany Ochoa to PILI’s Alumni Network Leadership Counsel (ANLC) as our new Law Student Intern Representative!

A student at Chicago-Kent College of Law, Brittany credits her two PILI Internships with encouraging her to pursue her passion for farmworker rights and food sovereignty—and showing her that a meaningful legal career can follow a nontraditional path.

As she steps into this leadership role, Brittany emphasizes the difference that lasting relationships between Alumni and today’s Interns and Fellows can make.

“I am inspired by the joy inherent in justice,” Brittany shared. “Being in community with others, especially organizing to make change, is a driving force in my life.”

Learn more about Brittany: https://buff.ly/s5HeMoO

09/30/2026

Across Illinois, legal professionals are meeting the moment through pro bono service. This October, join PILI in celebrating their impact! ⚖️

In honor of Celebrate Pro Bono Week, PILI’s Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committees are hosting regional events to recognize local pro bono champions, connect colleagues, and inspire continued service in their communities.

From CLE programs to luncheons, receptions, and happy hours, find a celebration in your region and join us!

Explore events and register: https://buff.ly/anDUXvG

09/24/2026

The September PILI Post is here! 🍂

This month, meet PILI’s new Board leaders and Fall Law Student Interns, celebrate the volunteers who helped 154 clients file petitions at the DuPage Expungement Clinic, and find ways to get involved during Pro Bono Week.

Read the newsletter for these stories, upcoming events, and volunteer opportunities: https://buff.ly/4Yw1y1x

09/22/2026

Last week, law students gathered at Washington University School of Law to explore the many possibilities available in public interest law!

Through a keynote address, panel discussions and networking with public interest law professionals, attendees received practical guidance on pursuing internships, externships, fellowships and careers in legal aid, government and other public interest settings.

Thank you to our speakers for sharing their experiences and advice, and to Saint Louis University School of Law and Washington University School of Law for co-sponsoring this program with PILI.

We are grateful to everyone who helped inspire the next generation of public interest lawyers!

09/17/2026

What does it take to turn an interest in public service into a meaningful legal career?

At Explore the Possibilities in Chicago, law students will hear directly from public interest and government professionals about securing Internships, externships and Fellowships, strengthening applications, pursuing government careers and addressing the justice gap.

This complimentary program will be held Saturday, October 17 at Chicago-Kent College of Law. Advance registration is required by October 13.

Learn more and register: https://buff.ly/TbNIOfr

09/16/2026

📚 Build your skills. Earn CLE credit. Support pro bono.

PILI’s Virtual Pro Bono CLE Series continues with three upcoming programs covering appellate practice, mediation and legal ethics!

⚖️ Overview of Filing a Petition for Leave to Appeal to the Illinois Supreme Court
September 29th | 12:00–1:00 p.m.

🤝 Preparing Your Client for Mediation
November 4th | 12:00–1:00 p.m.

📋 What’s New in Legal Ethics
December 1st | 12:00–1:00 p.m.

These statewide virtual CLEs are offered free of charge, with attendees asked to give back through pro bono service over the next 12 months.

Whether you’re looking to strengthen your practice, take on a new pro bono matter or stay current on issues affecting Illinois attorneys, we hope you’ll join us!

Learn more and register for upcoming sessions: https://buff.ly/wbj10d1

09/15/2026

What an incredible day of service in DuPage County!

Last weekend, PILI joined our partners for the DuPage Expungement Clinic, providing free legal assistance to individuals seeking to clear their criminal records. By the end of the day, 154 clients had filed petitions to expunge and/or seal their criminal records.

Making that possible was an incredible team of 40 student volunteers from the College of DuPage and 26 attorney volunteers, along with the many planning committee members and staff who helped make the clinic run smoothly.

We are grateful to our partners at College of DuPage, the Clerk of the Circuit Court of DuPage County, Prairie State Legal Services and the DuPage County Bar Association, as well as the Clerk’s Office staff, volunteers and everyone who gave their time to make this clinic possible.

Thank you to everyone who helped 154 people take an important step toward moving forward without the barriers a criminal record can create.

Address

105 West Madison Street, Suite 610
Chicago, IL
60602

Opening Hours

Monday	8:30am - 5:30pm
Tuesday	8:30am - 5:30pm
Wednesday	8:30am - 5:30pm
Thursday	8:30am - 5:30pm
Friday	8:30am - 5:30pm

Telephone

+13128325127

Website

https://pili.org/

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