CBA Record October 2018

For more information on all the activities celebrating Pro Bono work in Chicago, go to www.chicagobarfoundation.com/ probonoweek There are many other examples too, including a victim of domestic violence or someone with a disability who finds out their polling place is not accessible for them to be able to vote. Those are examples of actual people you can help by attending one of this year’s Pro Bono Week trainings and learning how to get involved. And you can find out about the many other ways to get involved at this year’s Pro Bono and Community Service Fair during Pro Bono Week, or by checking out the CBF pro bono resources at chicagobar- foundation.org/pro-bono, which include the CBF and Paladin’s new online pro bono opportunities guide (also available at cbf. joinpaladin.com). Wherever you are in the legal com- munity, you have the power to stand by someone who needs your help, giving them a powerful voice in the legal system that only you can provide. You can protect and empower them, and make justice real for them. So this Pro BonoWeek, stand by some- one who needs you, in a way only you can as a lawyer. RUBY RECEPTIONISTS Ruby Receptionists is a virtual receptionist service dedicated to creating personal connec- tions with every caller. Ruby offers a platform by which law firms can deliver exceptional customer experiences over the phone and grow their practices. Plus, as a member of the Chicago Bar Association, you receive exclusive pricing–get started today at www.callruby. com/chicagobar or call 866/611-7829.

THE SUPREME COURT’S PRO BONO REPORTING RULE AND YOU All Illinois lawyers can expect to receive their annual ARDC registration statements this month, which again will include questions about their pro bono work and related financial contributions over the past year pur- suant to the pro bono reporting requirement adopted by the Supreme Court in 2006. If you have not taken a pro bono case or made a financial contribution yet this year, it is not too late. There is still time for you to get involved and contribute before you complete your registration, and the CBF is here 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 a number of helpful resources for anyonewhowants to do pro bonowork but is not surewhere to start. Check out the CBFwebsite formore information at: chicagobarfoundation.org/pro-bono, including the CBF and Paladin’s new online pro bono opportunities guide (https://cbf.joinpaladin.com/). Qualifying Financial Contributions under the Rule Providing your financial support for local pro bono and legal aid organizations is just as important an investment 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 (i.e., pro bono programs with solid screening, referral, training and support functions for volunteers). These programs also provide critical legal assistance to the most vulner- able members of our community in matters where pro bono is not a practical solution. Lawyers can make qualifying contributions under the Rule to the CBF, which supports all of the major pro bono and legal aid organizations serving the Chicago area, and by contributing directly to one of thesemany outstanding organizations. Check out the CBF website, chicagobarfoundation.org, for more information. For those with offices outside of 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. Save the Date! The CBF Fall Benefit is November 17 Bring the family and join us for a fun, casual evening at the Museum of Science and Industry! From eye- opening exhibits and unique activities for kids, to a sprawling silent auction, the CBF’s biggest annual event is an unforgettable night in one of Chicago’s most iconic museums. Highlights of the evening will include Christmas Around theWorld and Holidays of Light, alongwith this year’s special exhibit,The Science Behind Pixar. Join us to celebrate the CBF’s mission with food, fun, and friends!

Learn more at www.chicagobarfoundation.org/fall-benefit.

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