CBA Record March-April 2026

From Practice to Purpose: The CBF’s Young Professionals Board F or young lawyers looking to make a meaningful impact beyond their day-to-day practice, The Chicago the CBF’s grants process, offering a first hand look at how CBF-funded organiza tions deliver critical legal services across the community. Chicago Bar Foundation Report

By Emme Veenbaas, CBF Senior Manager of Communications & Events

A Platform for Emerging Leaders Service on the YPB offers more than vol unteer opportunities; it provides mean ingful leadership development. Members serve as ambassadors for the CBF’s mis sion within their firms, companies, and professional networks, helping to pro mote a culture of pro bono service and philanthropy throughout the Chicago legal community. Many YPB members go on to assume additional leadership roles with the CBF and other organizations. For young lawyers, the YPB offers a unique opportunity to deepen their understanding of how people most in need experience the justice system while build ing lasting relationships with peers who share a commitment to public service. A limited number of spots on the YPB are open each year. To learn more, contact CBF Senior Manager of Communications & Events, Emme Veenbaas, at eveenbaas@ chicagobarfoundation.org.

Bar Foundation’s Young Profession als Board (YPB) offers a way to engage with the broader legal community while advancing access to justice. The YPB is an active, diverse group of young attorneys and other legal profes sionals with strong ties to Chicago’s legal community. United by a shared commit ment to justice and fairness, YPB mem bers play an important role in advancing the CBF’s mission of improving access to justice for people in need and making the legal system fairer and more effective for everyone. Just as the YLS offers newer lawyers leadership opportunities within the CBA, the YPB plays a similar role within the CBF for younger lawyers and legal profes sionals. Below are a few examples of the many ways the YPB impacts the larger CBF mission.

In addition, YPB members participate in pro bono and volunteer service, often alongside CBF grantee partners. Mem bers also support the CBF’s development efforts by participating in CBF special events, the CBF Justice Society, and the annual Investing in Justice Campaign. These events help to ensure that critical legal services remain available to individu als and families in need. The YPB’s signature event, Passport to Chicago, is a food-focused gathering held each spring that brings together young professionals from across the legal com munity. The event is designed to increase awareness of the CBF’s work, raise criti cal funds to support access to justice, and foster a strong sense of community among emerging leaders in the profession. YPB members also play an active role in the CBF’s annual Fall Benefit, including leadership and participation in the event’s silent auction. Signature Events and Community Building

Leadership, Service, and Collaboration

Emme Veenbaas is The Chicago Bar Foundation’s Senior Manager of Communications & Events.

YPB Members support the CBF’s partner ship work by collaborating with the YLS and participating in site visits as part of

16 March/April 2026