Campaign for Justice

For over 40 years,  LAF has been the principal provider of legal assistance in Cook County. LAF staff make our justice system work -- demonstrating that lawyers, the law, and the courts are there to help all people -- not just those who can afford an attorney. LAF serves more people in more ways and in more neighborhoods than any other legal aid organization in Cook County.

But we have much more to do in support of the cause of justice. The need for LAF’s work is greater today than at any time in the agency’s history. A recent report on the Legal Needs of Low-Income Illinoisans make the case for the need to support LAF better than anything we can say. Only 16% of low-income households received legal assistance when faced with a serious legal problem. In other words, hundreds of thousands of poor people each year try to resolve complex legal matters, often with potentially serious consequences, on their own.

As members of the legal profession who fully understand the need for the work LAF does, we ask everyone to help this extraordinary organization continue to do the work so necessary for our justice system and our community.

Your contribution will make a significant difference in the lives of thousands of low-income and elderly residents living in Chicago and Cook County. Your financial support will breathe life into our justice system.


Campaign for Justice Co-Chairs

Lawrence R. Desideri, Winston & Strawn LLP
Charles W. Douglas, Sidley Austin LLP
Robert A. Helman, Mayer Brown LLP
Richard F. Klawiter, DLA Piper US LLP
Emily Nicklin, Kirkland & Ellis LLP
Jerold S. Solovy, Jenner & Block LLP
Sheldon T. Zenner, Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP

2009 Annual Luncheon Raises $550,000!

The Legal Assistance Foundation of Metropolitan Chicago (LAF) heralded the official start of summer on Monday, June 22nd with its Annual Campaign for Justice Luncheon. Over 500 people joined LAF at the Palmer House Hilton. The event raised $550,000 in support of LAF’s mission to provide high-quality legal services to low-income and senior residents of Cook County.

Left: LAF Board President Philip H. Corboy, Jr. with Executive Director Diana White

 LAF Board President Philip H. Corboy, Jr. welcomed the guests and thanked the Co-Chairs of the Campaign for Justice who worked hard to make the luncheon such a success: Lawrence R. Desideri, Winston & Strawn LLP; Charles Douglas, Sidley Austin LLP; Robert A. Helman, Mayer Brown LLP; Richard F. Klawiter, DLA Piper US LLP; Emily Nicklin, Kirkland & Ellis LLP; Jerold S. Solovy, Jenner & Block LLP; and Sheldon T. Zenner, Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP. He then introduced LAF Executive Director Diana C. White, who spoke about the challenges LAF has met over the past year, and the grave circumstances our clients face in their everyday lives as they struggle to remain afloat. In these difficult economic times, she asked that everyone strengthen their commitment to equal justice and continue to make advocacy on behalf of the poor a priority.

“I believe in equal justice in all its forms, and in my work every day, I contribute a little bit toward the ideal of ensuring that a person, by virtue of his or her poverty, does not face injustice, or indifference.”

                         - Cynthia Sadkin, 2009 Recipient of the Jerold S. Solovy Equal Justice Award  (above, with Jerold S. Solovy of Jenner & Block)

LAF Board Fundraising Committee Chair Mary Hutchings Reed introduced a moving video highlighting the effect LAF’s work has had on individuals and families. Pamela Napier, one of the clients featured in the video, then shared her story with the luncheon audience. Pamela had been a victim of rescue fraud -- a new sophisticated scam that targets vulnerable homeowners who have significant equity in their homes. Pamela came to LAF and Supervisory Attorney Jim Brady when she was about to lose her family home. It was a long and difficult fight but Pamela has her home back and her gratitude for LAF’s work could not be greater.

Above: LAF client Pamela Napier with LAF Supervisory Attorney Jim Brady;  Right: Luncheon attendees watch a special video highlighting LAF's work and clients' stories

The luncheon concluded with Emily Nicklin presenting LAF’s Lifetime Achievement Award to the McDonald’s Corporation in recognition of the incredible pro bono work the company’s legal department has done with LAF and other local legal aid programs. Over the past several years McDonald’s paralegals have been working with LAF to ensure that poor people obtain the medical benefits to which they are entitled. Gloria Santona, McDonald’s Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary; and Pauline Levy, Senior Counsel of the McDonald’s Corporation were on hand to accept the award.

  Above: LAF Board Member Emily Nicklin of Kirkland & Ellis presenting the Lifetime Achievement Award to McDonald's Corporation; Right: Pauline Levy, Senior Counsel and Gloria Santona, Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of the McDonald's Corporation accepting the LAF Lifetime Achievement Award

Thanks to all who joined us this year and made the luncheon such a success! We look forward to seeing you again in June of 2010.

If you want more information on the Campaign for Justice, or would like to make a contribution to LAF, please contact the LAF Development Office at 312.347.8382 or visit our online donation page .

  Photos courtesy of Jennifer Girard Photography