In Cook County, there are upwards of 45,000 state-registered attorneys. Thankfully, many of those lawyers are doing pro bono work in the city of Chicago.
When most people hear the words “pro bono,” they think it equals free. But it actually comes from the Latin phrase pro bono publico, which means “for the public good.” Many committed lawyers, law students, legal workers and legal aid clinics exemplify this phrase—they strive to uphold the justice system for the public good of their communities.
[pullquote]Committed lawyers, law students + legal aid clinics uphold justice for the public good. Listen in with @CHIRPRadio[/pullquote]
On this episode of “Volunteer: Stories of Philanthropy,” reporter Christopher Johnson speaks with pro bono lawyers working in various legal environments. Many of these lawyers have been a lifeline for people in need—lawyers like Flint Taylor, founding partner of the People’s Law Office, who has fought for some of the victims who suffered police brutality under disgraced former police commander Jon Burge. The firm’s dedication helped to make Chicago the first city to ever award reparations for victims of police torture.
Volunteer: Stories of Philanthropy is a production of CHIRP Radio. To hear a podcast of this story online and explore other episodes, visit chirpradio.org.