CBA Record October 2017

Save November 18 For The CBF Fall Benefit Join the CBF for a fun, casual evening at the Museum of Science and Industry.This event provides an unfor- gettable night in one of Chicago’s most iconic museums. Highlights of the evening will include Christmas Around theWorld and Holidays of Light, with more than 50 unique trees from around the globe on display, along with this year’s special exhibit, Robot Revolution. Save the date to join us on November 18 as we celebrate the CBF’s work with food, fun, and friends! Learn more at www.chicagobarfoundation.org/fall-benefit. THE SUPREME COURT’S PRO BONO REPORTING ROLE AND YOU All Illinois lawyers can expect to receive their annual ARDC registration statements this month, which again will include questions about their pro bonowork and related financial contributions over the past year pursu- ant to the pro bono reporting requirement adopted by the Supreme Court in 2006. If you haven’t taken a pro bono case or made a financial contribution yet this year, it’s not too late. There’s still time for you to get involved and contribute before you complete your registration. Beloware some resources to help you do that. As the Comments to the amended Rule 756(f) of the Illinois Supreme Court Rules underscore, the pro bono reporting requirement is intended to serve as an annual reminder to Illinois lawyers that pro bono legal service is an integral part of a lawyer’s professionalism. Rule 756(f) requires all attorneys licensed in Illinois to report, in connection with the attorney’s annual ARDC registration, pro bono legal services provided and qualified monetary contributions made during the preceding 12 months. Pro Bono Resources The CBF is your source for many helpful resources for CBAmembers whowant to do pro bonowork but aren’t surewhere to start. Check out the CBFwebsite formore information at: chicagobarfoundation.org/pro-bono. Qualifying Financial Contributions under the Rule Providing your financial support for local pro bono and legal aid organizations is just as important an invest- ment as donating your time, as lawyers depend on these organizations to be their partners in pro bono work. Pro bono and legal aid organizations provide the necessary infrastructure to support pro bono work for area lawyers and law firms (e.g., pro bono programs with solid screening, referral, training and support functions for volunteers). These programs also provide critical legal assistance to the most vulnerable members of our community in matters where pro bono is not a practical solution. Lawyers canmake qualifying contributions under the Rule to the CBF, which supports all themajor pro bono and legal aid organizations serving the Chicago area, and by contributing directly to one of these many outstanding organizations. Check out the CBF website, chicagobarfoundation.org, for more information. For those with offices outside Cook County, more information on organizations that qualify under the Rule is available at www.illinoislegalaid.org/legal-information/pro-bono. Additional Questions about the Rule The CBF is here to help youwith other questions about the Rule as well. Contact Samira Nazem, CBF Director of Pro Bono & Court Advocacy, at 312/554-8356 or snazem@chicagobar.org.

Stretching Your Comfort Zone Another big benefit from pro bono is the chance to stretch your comfort zone with the safety net of training, support, and the malpractice coverage that a good pro bono or legal aid organization can offer. One of the most important skills we all need to learn and master is the ability to think on our feet and adapt to changing circumstances. By pushing your limits and taking on new or more advanced pro bono assignments, you will become more comfortable doing that throughout your practice and better positioned to adapt to the changing tides of our profession. Onward and Upward These are just some of the many impor- tant ways pro bono can help make you a well-rounded lawyer and set you up for a successful and fulfilling career while help- ing meet real needs in our community. Check out the sidebar and other parts of this special Pro Bono Week edition of the Record to learn more about how you can get involved today. Pro bono work provides lawyers with oppor- tunities to give back to the community, but there are other career benefits as well. Newer lawyers can gain experience, confidence, and connections both inside and outside their firms, while more experienced attorneys can gain greater visibility as well as case-management and leadership skills. This panel discussion will help you discover how pro bono work can be an essential part of your career development. 1 hour of CLE credit subject to approval. Register at www.chicagobar.org/probonoweek. Learn more about the career benefits of pro bono work at this Pro Bono Week CLE program! How Pro Bono Contributes to a Successful Career Wednesday, October 25, 12:00-1:00 pm The Chicago Bar Association, 321 S. Plymouth Ct.

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