Illinois Bar Foundation

09/18/2026

In our latest episode, Jason Blumenthal (Hervas, Condon & Bersani, P.C.) sits down with former Illinois JusticeCorps Brock Freeman to discuss how the Illinois Justice Corps helps self-represented litigants navigate the court system and access critical legal resources.

Brock shares his experience serving nine rural courthouses across Southern Illinois, helping court users understand forms, procedures, and available resources. He also reflects on how the fellowship shaped his professional journey, led to his current role with Illinois Court Help, and strengthened his commitment to public service and access to justice.

This conversation offers an inspiring look at the real impact of the Illinois Justice Corps, both for the individuals it serves and for the next generation of legal and public service professionals.

🎧 Listen now and learn how this program is helping bridge the justice gap across Illinois.
https://youtu.be/ulKwgPA0Qro?si=yTQ1mRSPcBAajwuv

Former Illinois Justice Corps Fellow Brock Freeman joins Jason Blum...

09/18/2026

We had a wonderful evening at our Past Presidential Reception on Wednesday, September 16, honoring Hon. Bridget C. Duignan and Lauren N. Tuckey.

We are grateful to our generous sponsors for helping make this special evening possible and for their continued support of the Illinois Bar Foundation and our mission to advance access to justice and support lawyers in need.

Thank you for being an important part of our work! 💙



🔹Benefactor Sponsor
Illinois State Bar Association

🔹 Patron Sponsors�Cullen, Haskins, Nicholson & Menchetti P.C.�Weiss & Villalobos, LLC

🔹 Friend Sponsors�Coleman Lynch and Partners
Constant, Wawrzynek & Grove Law Office
Donner & Company Law Offices LLC
The Evans International Law Firms, LLC
Hon. Megan Goldish
Marcos A. Resendiz
Komie & Associates

Pictures of the evening coming soon!

09/17/2026

Congratulations to IBF 2nd Vice-President Judith Conway (Cooney & Conway), on this well-deserved recognition! We're proud to celebrate this accomplishment and all that Judy contributes to the IBF. 👏👏👏👏

🎉 Congratulations to Judy Conway on being named to Law Bulletin Media's 40 Under Forty!

Out of more than 1,500 nominations from across Illinois, Judy stood out as one of the state's most talented attorneys, honored for achieving success in a career built on skill, dedication, and integrity. This is a well-earned recognition, and we couldn't be prouder to celebrate this milestone. Join us in congratulating Judy on this incredible achievement! 👏

09/17/2026

Constitution Day - September 17

Today, we recognize Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, commemorating the signing of the U.S. Constitution and celebrating the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.

The Constitution provides the foundation for our nation's system of justice and protects fundamental rights for all. At the Illinois Bar Foundation, we work to help make those protections meaningful by supporting access to justice for people throughout Illinois, especially those with limited means.

Constitution Day is an opportunity to reflect on the principals that shape our justice system - and the importance of ensuring everyone has a meaningful opportunity to access it.

09/14/2026

There is still time to join us!

Wednesday, September 16
5:30 - 7:30pm
Hubbard Inn

JOIN US for our President's Reception on Wednesday, September 16, honoring Illinois State Bar Association President, 2025-26, Hon. Bridget C. Duignan, and IBF President 2025-26, Lauren N. Tuckey, for their service to the Illinois State Bar Association , the Illinois Bar Foundation, and the legal community.

Get your tickets and sponsorships today!
https://illinoisbarfoundation.org/event/presrec2026/

09/07/2026

Today we recognize the workers who keep Illinois moving.

This Labor Day we're proud to support a more just Illinois - where everyone has access to the legal help they need. Access to justice means making sure people have a fair chance to get legal help when they need it, to protect their rights, their livelihoods and their futures.

The Illinois Bar Foundation will be closed for Labor Day. Normal hours will resume on Tuesday, September 8.

Have a safe and happy holiday.

09/04/2026

The Illinois Bar Foundation is proud to welcome the 2026-2027 Illinois JusticeCorps cohort. We were honored by Justice Rena Marie Van Tine of the 1st District of the Illinois Appellate court and Judge Jorge L. Ortiz, Chair of the Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice for welcoming the new class of Fellows and swearing them in as AmeriCorps members.

08/27/2026

Join IBF President Juan Thomas (Clifford Law Offices) as he sits down with Jessie Reeves, Director of Events and Administration at the Illinois Bar Foundation and the newly installed President of the National Conference of Bar Foundations.

Jessie shares her journey with IBF, discusses the vital role bar foundations play in expanding access to justice, and reflects on the importance of storytelling, philanthropy, and supporting communities through legal aid initiatives nationwide.

Listen now and learn how bar foundations across the country are working to make the legal system more accessible for everyone.

🎧 Listen and subscribe to our channel on YouTube! https://youtu.be/wzlHt5OqERE

IBF President Juan Thomas talks with Jessie Reeves, Director of Eve...

08/26/2026

Where are they now?

We love hearing the stories of where our interns and program participants go next. ❤️

One of the law students featured in this story began his journey with Illinois JusticeCorps a program the Illinois Bar Foundation helps fund. From JusticeCorps to law school to an internship focused on access to justice—what a journey!

This is just one example of what the IBF mission accomplishes…creating opportunities and expanding access to justice!

We’re always happy to see where these stories lead.

Read the full story here! https://www.illinoiscourts.gov/News/1782/Law-student-interns-make-an-impact-through-access-to-justice-work-this-summer-August-2026/news-detail/

This summer, the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts’ Access to Justice Division...

08/25/2026

Congratulations to IBF President Juan Thomas on being named one of Crain's Chicago Business' 2026 Notable Leaders in Accounting, Consulting & Law.

Juan joins Clifford Law Offices founder and senior partner Robert Clifford and partner Shannon McNulty among this year's honorees.

This recognition is another well-deserved honor for Juan during an impressive year of leadership and service.

Congratulations, Juan! 🎉

Congratulations to three Clifford Law Offices attorneys: Robert Clifford, founder and senior partner; Shannon McNulty, partner; and Juan Thomas, of counsel, who have been listed among Crain's Chicago Business 2026 Notable Leaders in Accounting, Consulting & Law.

Read more here: https://bit.ly/45H0wdJ