Attorneys in need of research assistance on pro bono matters can now partner with Illinois law school students through the new Illinois Pro Bono Research Alliance.
The free program was recently launched by the Public Interest Law Initiative (PILI), in an effort to make pro bono work easier for lawyers while offering law students an opportunity to develop experience and build their professional network.
Though new to Illinois, the Illinois Pro Bono Research Alliance is based on a similar and successful program launched at the University of Nebraska College of Law.
Attorney Participation
Attorneys who are interested in research assistance through the Alliance can submit a request on PILI’s website. Once a request has been submitted, the project will be reviewed and matched with an available law student.
The Illinois Pro Bono Research Alliance can be used on any non-fee generating civil legal matter where legal services are being provided on a pro bono basis as defined in Illinois Supreme Court Rule 756(f)(1).
The service is open to private pro bono attorneys, legal aid organizations, or other nonprofits so long as a supervising attorney oversees the project.
Law Student Participation
2Ls, 3Ls, 4Ls, and LLM law students who are interested in volunteering with the program can sign up on PILI’s website. As projects become available, they will be assigned to students on a first-come, first-serve basis.
At this time, PILI is limiting participation to five students per Illinois law school. If the project garners enough interest, PILI will open the program to more law students at a later date.
For additional information about the Illinois Pro Bono Research Alliance, contact PILI’s Senior Managing Attorney Brent Page by email or at 312-832-5128.
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