Illinois pro bono law

Pro bono requirements in Illinois.

Pro bono rules, reporting obligations, and CLE credit eligibility for Illinois attorneys.

Overview

Illinois Pro Bono Rules

Recommended

50 hrs/yr

Service

Voluntary

Reporting

Mandatory

CLE Credit

Yes

Rule Citation

IRPC Rule 6.1 + Supreme Court Rule 756(f)

Recommended Hours

50 hours per year (voluntary)

Reporting

Mandatory — Annual ARDC registration statement (two mandatory questions on pro bono hours and financial contributions, even if zero). Individual responses are confidential.

Alternative

Financial contributions to qualified legal aid organizations (reported on ARDC registration).

CLE Credit for Pro Bono

1 credit per 2 hours (pilot) (max 5 credits per cycle)

CLE Notes

MCLE for Pro Bono Pilot Project (Rule 795(d), effective Jul 1, 2025). Through Illinois Free Legal Answers only. First time IL has allowed pro bono CLE credit.

Eligible Case Types

Persons of limited means; organizations addressing needs of persons of limited means; charitable, religious, civic, community organizations; pro bono training for legal service organizations.

Illinois CLE Requirements

Total Credits

30 / 2-year cycle

Deadline

June 30 (A-M surnames: even years; N-Z: odd years)

Carryover

Yes (up to 10 hrs)

Required Categories

Professional Responsibility (4h)Diversity & Inclusion (1h)Mental Health / Substance Abuse (1h)

Sources

Last verified 2026-03-02. Rules may change — verify with your state bar before relying on this information for compliance decisions.

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Pro bono requirements in Illinois.

Illinois Pro Bono Rules

Illinois CLE Requirements

Sources

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Illinois laws

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