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Your Time at Work
 Kim Halvorsen, an associate at Clifford Law Offices, is one of many lawyers who have made a difference by devoting time to important pro bono work and recently was one of the attorneys featured in the CBA and CBF’s 5th Annual Pro Bono Week. Kim volunteers her time through the Circuit Court’s Disabled Adults GAL Pro Bono Program. As a guardian ad litem (GAL), Kim plays an integral role in helping to ensure people’s rights are protected when the court is faced with the critical decision of determining if an individual needs a guardian.
Kim served as a GAL in a challenging case for 55-year old Michael, who had dementia and lived in a nursing home. It was a moving experience for Kim, who noted that “I have been personally enriched and value the opportunity to serve the community through my work.” Read More...
Your Money at Work
 Ronit Barrett, an attorney at Eimer Stahl Klevorn & Solberg LLP, is one of thousands of lawyers who contributed to this year’s 3rd annual CBF Investing in Justice Campaign. Ronit and her colleagues at Eimer Stahl have been particularly generous in their support of the Campaign. Ronit notes that “The Investing in Justice Campaign effects real change in our justice system by ensuring access to basic legal resources for some of the most disadvantaged members of our community. The ability to change lives with a small donation is a quality of this campaign that resonates with all of us here at the firm.”
Thanks to Ronit and more than 2,000 individual donors, 60 participating law firms and corporations, and the leadership of Campaign Chair Jeff Stone and the Campaign Steering Committee, the 2009 Investing in Justice Campaign raised nearly $1 million to support dozens of pro bono and legal aid organizations and the dedicated attorneys that work for these organizations. Read More...
Your Influence at Work
 Karl Leinberger, an attorney at Crowley Barrett & Karaba Ltd., is one lawyer who has used his experience and influence to advance access to justice. With Karl playing an instrumental role, the CBA and CBF led a successful advocacy effort that resulted in a groundbreaking new Illinois statute to increase funding for legal aid. The new statute, 735 ILCS 5/2-807, requires at least half of all residual funds in class action cases in the Illinois courts to be distributed to pro bono and legal aid organizations and related access to justice initiatives.
Karl found the experience to be satisfying on many levels, noting that “it was great to be able to use my legal skills and experience in a different way through the legislative process, and very gratifying to know that so many more people in need will now have access to justice thanks to this new legislation.” Read More...
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Upcoming Events
January 22
YLS Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament
February 16
10th Annual ALA & CBF
Fat Tuesday Challenge
News
CBF Announces Recipients of 2009 Sun-Times Fellowships
Chuck Douglas to Chair 2010 CBF Investing in Justice Campaign
CBF 13th Annual Fall Benefit a Big Success
New CBF
Pro Bono Opportunities Guide released
CBF receives several significant cy pres awards
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