Illinois Bar Foundation

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

08/24/2026

"85% of civil legal needs go unmet." "The justice gap is bigger than most people realize."

Access to justice remains out of reach for far too many people. In this clip from the Illinois Bar Foundation Podcast, Pro Bono Network Executive Director Molly MacCready joins Juan Thomas (Clifford Law Offices) as they discuss a staggering reality: 85% of low-income Americans' civil legal needs go unmet.

Learn how Pro Bono Network is working to close that gap and create meaningful opportunities for attorneys to make a difference.

Watch the full episode on our YouTube channel and subscribe today! https://youtu.be/aeAvY_eMuoU?si=CZOnIYsz5yNTXhTF

🔔 Subscribe today and join us for more conversations highlighting the people and organizations making a difference.

08/21/2026

We’re proud to celebrate two Illinois Bar Foundation Board Members who have been recognized in the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. ✨🎉⚖️

Best Lawyers® and related distinctions recognize attorneys who have demonstrated exceptional professional achievement within their practice areas and communities. Based entirely on peer review, these honors are widely regarded as a trusted indicator of legal excellence and professional respect.

🔹Judith Conway
Cooney & Conway
• Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs

🔹Jo Anna Po***ck
Simmons Hanly Conroy
• Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions - Plaintiffs
• Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs

Please join us in congratulating Jo Anna and Judy on this well-deserved recognition, as well as all the attorneys named to the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. Their commitment to excellence and the respect they have earned from their peers distinguish them within the legal profession.

https://www.bestlawyers.com/article/best-lawyers-awards-america-2027/8286

08/19/2026

The Illinois Bar Foundation's Access to Justice Grants help power the work of organizations like Pro Bono Network, expanding legal access and strengthening communities across Illinois.

Hear more between IBF President Juan Thomas (Clifford Law Offices) and Executive Director Molly MacCready on our YouTube channel https://youtu.be/aeAvY_eMuoU?si=CQuCnpKn_LobxUhn 🎥⚖️

08/19/2026

"There's a place for every attorney to volunteer."

How can lawyers make a meaningful impact, even with limited time?

On the latest Illinois Bar Foundation Podcast, Juan Thomas (Clifford Law Offices) talks with Molly MacCready of Pro Bono Network about expanding access to justice, supporting low-income communities, and creating flexible pro bono opportunities for attorneys across Illinois.

🔹✨Mark your calendars for **October 1st**, when the Pro Bono Network will host its second annual Training Conference in Chicago. This free event will feature nine different training sessions, offering participants the chance to earn CLE credits while connecting with fellow volunteers. It's an excellent opportunity for both seasoned attorneys and newcomers to learn, grow, and contribute to the cause.

If you’re interested in learning more or signing up, reach out to [email protected].

Listen now and learn how your skills can make a difference. ⚖️

In this episode of the Illinois Bar Foundation Podcast, IBF Preside...

08/18/2026

IBF Director of Events & Administration Jessie Reeves took office as President of the National Conference of Bar Foundations (NCBF) last week in Montgomery, hosted by our friends at The Alabama Law Foundation.

The NCBF aims to promote the integral role bar foundations have in advancing law-related philanthropy and build educational resources for bar foundations across the country to better carry out their charitable missions. Jessie is proud to follow in the board leadership footsteps of Sang Yup Lee, Director of Development at The Chicago Bar Foundation, who served as NCBF President 2025–26.

We’re thrilled to see Jessie represent the Illinois Bar Foundation on the national stage. Her leadership will help strengthen connections among bar foundations nationwide and advance the collective work of expanding access to justice and making a meaningful difference in our communities.

Congratulations, Jessie! We’re excited to see all that you’ll accomplish in this new role. 👏

For more info: https://ncbf.org/

08/17/2026

We're proud to see IBF President Juan Thomas (Clifford Law Offices) featured on the latest episode of NCBP National Conference of Bar Presidents "Leading the Bar" podcast.

Watch the full episode on NCBP's YouTube channel or listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!
https://ncbp.org/page/LeadingtheBar

Good leaders encourage others to a high level of integrity, creating cultures of respect and examples of servant-hearted civic leadership.

At a challenging moment for both the country and the legal profession, lawyers have an important role to play in upholding the rule of law and persevering in civility and professionalism.

As Juan Thomas begins his term as president of NCBP, in the newest Leading the Bar episode host Amanda Arriaga welcomes him to discuss his vision for the year ahead, the responsibilities of bar leadership, and how lawyers can lead with purpose while contributing to the health of the profession and their communities.

All episodes of Leading the Bar can now be watched on NCBP's YouTube channel, or can still be listened to on Apple and Spotify. Make sure to subscribe to Leading the Bar, so you never miss a conversation that matters: https://ncbp.org/page/LeadingtheBar

08/17/2026

A look back at a meaningful evening honoring the legacy of Warren Lupel at our Lawyers Care Legacy Reception held on Thursday, August 6th at Roanoke Restaurant.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, and to our sponsors, for helping make the evening possible and continuing the work Warren cared about so deeply.