CBA Record October 2017

PRO BONOWEEK 2017– FOR THE SAKE OF THE COMMUNITY

Interested in learning more about this topic and engaging with some of the transactional pro bono oppor- tunities mentioned? Consider attending this Pro BonoWeek CLE program to hear from the authors directly. Community Development Through Pro Bono Monday, October 23, 3:00-5:00 pm; followed by a kick-off reception Ropes & Gray LLP (191 N. Wacker Dr.) Pro bono doesmore than help individuals; it also helps communities. Small businesses, creative professionals, and entrepreneurs are vital parts of every community, but they can face legal challenges when launching a business, protecting a creativework, or navigating rules and regulations. Learn how to use your transactional skills to strengthen communities and empower individuals and businesses through pro bono.Two hours of CLE credit subject to approval. Register at www.chicagobar.org/probonoweek.

School in Uptown has been a steadying hand in the slow metamorphosis of that community from one of the city’s poorest to an area with serious gentrification issues, all the while bringing the joys of classical music to thousands of kids–absolutely free of charge. With the help of a pro bono attorney referred to him by Lawyers for the Creative Arts, silk-screen artist Peter Mars overcame his contractual problems, and now creates OpArt for everything from theWilliamClinton Library to theWXRT Lobster Bash, while his West Loop gallery is part of one of the fastest growing areas of the city. The rewards of representing artists pro bono are both practical and psychic. Our pro bono hours for the poorest of artists and arts organizations often generate com- mercial activity and well-being far beyond the specific work of the artist. At the same time, the commercial and societal benefits made possible by our pro bono work for artists would not happen if the art at the center of it all did not have value on its own. When we help an artist or arts organization to create art, we enable the appreciation of art by others. Our pro bono work for small busi- nesses, social enterprises, non-profits, and artists yields something unique and important–intrinsic value, and tremen- dous economic and social benefits for our shared communities. Anne Dodge is the Executive Director of the University of Chicago Mansueto Institute for Urban Innovation. Angie Hall is a Staff Attorney with the Community Law Project of the Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights. Jan Feldman is the Executive Director of Lawyers for the Creative Arts. WHAT’S YOUR OPINION? Send your views to the CBA Record, 321 South Plymouth Court, Chicago, IL 60604, or to Publications Director David Beam at dbeam@ chicagobar.org.Themagazine reserves the right to edit letters prior to publishing.

goal to add creative expression to our cul- ture. The work of pro bono arts clients is ineffable, possessing an intrinsic value that is unique, sometimes hard to describe, and yet capable of being appreciated even when it seems to have little commercial value. Despite political attacks on arts funding, there’s a widespread understanding and acceptance of the value of the arts. During the SecondWorldWar, Winston Churchill was asked why he wasn’t cutting arts fund- ing. He responded, “Then what would we be fighting for?” Americans believe in the arts in overwhelming numbers: 87% believe arts and culture are important to their quality of life. The arts stand on their own, providing their own justification for our hard work and hard-earned money. The arts also contribute to the economy

and quality of life. And that contribution is immense. Nationally, the arts account for $166.3 billion in economic activity, sup- port 4.6 million jobs and contribute $27.5 billion in government revenue. Studies of local communities demonstrate that a high concentration of the arts in a community is associated with greater civic engagement, higher child welfare, lower poverty rates, and more social cohesion. These earlier examples illustrate just a few of the ways the arts contribute to our community. The Old Town School of Folk Music is both a musical mecca and a huge generator of commerce. From the staff, teachers and construction workers to the restaurants, parking lots and baby sitters, it is an engine of community-based commercial activity. The People’s Music

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The Chicago Bar Association

Standing over the entrance to the CBA Building is the male figure of Justice by sculptor Mary Block. The cast aluminum sculpture balances on the book of law while holding a bird (peace) in his right hand and a globe (the global nature of life) in his left.

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