CBA Record May-June 2026

Chicago Bar Foundation Report

Bringing a Powerful Voice to Capitol Hill for Access to Justice L eaders from the CBA and CBF joined colleagues from the Illinois State Bar Association, the Illinois Supreme Court, and the American Bar Association in March to advocate for funding and policies that make our justice system fairer and more accessible and protect the rule of law. A core focus of the CBF’s federal advocacy is bolstering strong bipartisan support for the Legal Services Corporation, the pri mary federal funding for legal aid in Illinois and throughout the country. The advocacy team emphasized the real and measur able impact that legal aid organizations make across Illinois and beyond, providing essential services to individuals and families facing housing instability, domestic violence, loss of benefits, and more. The advocacy team also stressed the critical importance of funding the federal courts and judicial security, expressing grati tude to the Illinois Congressional delegation for their commit ment to strengthening the federal Judiciary with full funding for FY2026 in a challenging budget environment. The team urged continued investment in cybersecurity, IT modernization, and more, to ensure that the judiciary can meet its evolving needs and fulfill its constitutional mission. Another advocacy priority this year was the Countering Threats and Attacks on Our Judges Act, which will provide criti cal monitoring and response to the increasing number of serious threats against judges, court staff, and their families. With more coordination with the federal judiciary, these protections will promote better security across all levels of state and federal courts. This year’s trip to Washington was also bittersweet, as it was a time to thank outgoing members of the Illinois Congressio nal delegation for their leadership and support on these issues throughout their tenures in Congress. Along with thanking and By Roya Samarghandi, CBF Chief Advocacy & Innovation Officer

Pictured from left: Roya Samarghandi, ISBA President Judge Bridget Duignan, Aurora Austriaco, Rob Cimo, Justice David Overstreet, Juan Thomas, Greta Weathersby, CBF President Tom Panoff, Ian Morri son, Davida Yalley, Karen Richardson, Sandra Yamate, Jordan Arnot Leahey, Nancy Gerrie, Katie Liss, Vida Cruz, Nola Liss, and Kristi Gaines.

Pictured from left: Bob Glaves, Justice David Overstreet, Congress man Mike Bost, Chief Judge Virginia Kendall, and Tom Bruton.

presenting a special award to Senator Dick Durbin (highlighted on next page), the CBA and CBF expressed gratitude to outgo ing Representatives Danny Davis, “Chuy” Garcia, Robin Kelly, Raja Krishnamoorthi, and Jan Schakowsky.

18 May/June 2026