Mandatory Pro Bono Reporting

Illinois Adopts Mandatory Pro Bono Reporting Hours

Since 2001 the Supreme Court's Pro Bono commission has studied and debated how to address the needs of low-income Illinoisans. Aided by a comprehensive report released last year on the needs of low-income Illinoisans the commission made its recommendations which were incorporated into amended Supreme Court Rule 756. The full text of the amendments effective June 14, 2006 may be found at www.iardc.org/rulesSCT.html.

While the reporting of hours and the nature of those hours is now mandatory the reporting is confidential and there is no minimum number of hours required. Lawyers have always had an ethical duty to serve those in need and the new rule does not change this higher duty. As Alexander Hamilton declared, "The first duty of society is justice." And in our society that duty falls first to the lawyer. The Illinois Safety Net Report well concluded: "A person who does not have meaningful access to our legal system does not enjoy the full benefits of citizenship, in the broadest sense of the word. A society that cannot make its system truly accessible to its citizens undermines the foundation of its democracy, its economy and its civil society."

George Washington declared, "The administration of justice is the firmest pillar of government." But for too many that pillar is crumbling. The intent of the Illinois Supreme Court was to encourage private attorneys to donate time and money to help Administer Justice to those in need. As the committee comments note: "The Special Committee recognized the vast unmet and burgeoning legal needs of persons of limited means in Illinois, and the unique role that lawyers play in providing greater access to these critical legal servises. Therefore, the rule is established to serve as an annual reminder to the lawyers of Illinis that pro bono legal service is an integral part of a lawyer's professionalism."

Administer Justice is working hard to partner with the local bar in helping to meet the needs in our community. We uniquely provide a range of services for clients to help with the emotional turmoil through conflict resolution, financial turmoil through financial counseling and help with law and tax issues through appointments with our professional attorneys and accountants. We are seeking to educate clients in how to help themselves in court, how to maximize working with an attorney, provide educational opportunities, and a new self-help center to guide clients through complex legal forms. For attorneys we provide limited engagement opportunities, malpractice insurance, and are implimenting a new system to allow attorneys to track their cases and time in a secure on-line environment. We also remain available to provide research and court assistance. In this unique way, we hope to provide opportunity for more attorneys to assist those in need. Together we can fulfill a high and noble duty to our society and our neighbors. If you would like to volunteer please call 847-844-1100 or e-mail us at help@administerjustice.org.