Illinois Bar Foundation

10/16/2026

Get your bids ready! The raffle & silent auction is now open for the 27th Annual Gala! All are welcome to bid on our unforgettable array of once-in-a-lifetime trips, dining and theater experiences, luxury beauty and spa finds, and so much more...whether you're joining us in person or not.

All are welcome to bid on silent auction packages and to enter the raffle.

You do not need to be present to enter!

Bidding ends at 10 pm Friday, October 16, 2026.

PLACE YOUR BIDS at https://aesbid.com/IBF/?force=True =1

10/14/2026

75 years, $75,000 dollars, statewide, 45 organizations

The IBF is pleased to announce $75,000 in additional grant funding for FY26 grantees in honor of the 75th Anniversary, creating a total impact of $475,000 in support of 45 organizations statewide serving more than 50,000 of Illinois most vulnerable people. We are excited to celebrate our history while impacting our future with these incredible organizations and the important work they do across the state.

10/07/2026

Join us for our 27th Annual Gala! Online sales end on Friday, October 9th!

You are cordially invited to join us for the 27th Annual Illinois Bar Foundation Gala honoring Larry R. Rogers, Jr. (Power Rogers, LLP). Mr. Rogers Jr.'s leadership in the Illinois legal and philanthropic communities coupled with his dedication to serving others through the practice of law have made him exceedingly worthy of the Foundation’s highest honor, the Distinguished Award for Excellence.

This year’s Gala will also mark the Illinois Bar Foundation’s 75th anniversary, giving us an opportunity to celebrate the long history and impact of the IBF as we look ahead to the next 75 years.

Tickets and information can be found at https://illinoisbarfoundation.org/event/2026-gala/

For questions, please contact Jessie Reeves, Director of Events & Administration, at [email protected] or312-920-4681.

10/06/2026

A conversation about legacy, leadership and giving back.

In the latest episode of the Illinois Bar Foundation podcast, IBF President Juan Thomas (Clifford Law Offices) sits down with Larry R. Rogers, Jr., (Power Rogers, LLP), the Illinois Bar Foundation's 27th Annual Gala honoree.

Larry shares the story behind his remarkable legal career, the profound influence of his father, the late Larry Rogers, Sr., and the importance of family, mentorship and civic service. He also reflects on the next generation of lawyers and the future of the legal profession.

It's a thoughtful conversation about where we come from, the people who shape us and the responsibility we have to give back to our profession and communities.

Listen to the latest episode now on YouTube https://youtu.be/yUgvvC0Spp4

And there's still time to join us in celebrating Larry at the 27th Annual Illinois Bar Foundation Gala on Friday, October 16th at the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago.

Tickets still available! See comments below to purchase tickets.

10/05/2026

October 5 is Mental Health Awareness Day, and we’re highlighting the importance of supporting the mental and cognitive health of Illinois attorneys.

As Illinois’ legal workforce ages, the Illinois Lawyers' Assistance Program (LAP) is seeing an increasing need to help attorneys and their families navigate concerns related to cognitive decline and the ability to continue practicing law.

To help meet this growing need, the Illinois Bar Foundation is proud to provide $25,000 in special grant funding to LAP. This support will help individuals who do not have insurance access more comprehensive cognitive evaluations when an initial screening raises significant concerns about their ability to function as a lawyer.

The funding will also help LAP support attorneys through the difficult transition out of the practice of law when an evaluation determines they are no longer able to practice.

Mental health and cognitive health are essential to overall well-being—and recognizing concerns early can make a meaningful difference. Through our Lawyers Care Fund, the Illinois Bar Foundation also provides assistance to Illinois lawyers facing financial hardship, including those challenges related to mental health.

We are proud to partner with LAP to ensure Illinois attorneys have access to the resources they need throughout their careers and beyond. It's organizations like theirs that help ensure no lawyer has to navigate these challenges alone.

10/05/2026

Congratulations to IBF First Vice President, Jo Anna Po***ck (Simmons Hanly Conroy), on being named a 2026 Illinois Legal Leader in the Leaders in Law category by Missouri Lawyers Media. Illinois Legal Leaders celebrates legal professionals who have shaped the legal community and advanced the practice of law across southern Illinois.

We are proud to see Jo Anna recognized for the leadership and service she brings to the legal community, and we are grateful for all she does to advance the mission of the Illinois Bar Foundation.

Congratulations Jo Anna, on this well-deserved honor!

09/30/2026

Congratulations to Clifford Law Offices and Simmons Hanly Conroy on being recognized by Law360 as 2026 Regional Powerhouses!

Both firms are longtime supporters of the Illinois Bar Foundation and champions of our mission to expand access to justice across Illinois.

We’re grateful for their continued leadership, partnership and commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. Congratulations to both firms and all honorees on this well-deserved recognition!

Law 360 - Regional Powerhouses 2026
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/bcvcox7g7rhfq10o2sqr7/The-2026-Regional-Powerhouses-Law360.pdf?rlkey=3c20swinv9s1c9cgtj1xp7rmp&st=an5h9ou7&dl=0

09/28/2026

What a wonderful evening celebrating leadership, service and the people who make our legal community so special.

We were honored to recognize Hon. Bridget C. Duignan 2025-26 ISBA President and Lauren N. Tuckey 2025-26 IBF President on Wednesday, September 16. The reception brought together ISBA and IBF members, past and present, along with some new faces joining us for the first time.

The evening was a reminder of the people and partnerships that continue to strengthen our profession and to advance the mission of the Illinois Bar Foundation.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, sponsored us and helped make the evening so memorable. We're grateful for this incredible community!

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!