The Northern District and the Chicago Chapter of the Federal Bar Association are seeking nominations – no later than March 3, 2026 – for exceptional pro bono and public interest representation in civil and criminal matters before the Court.
Factors considered include:
- dedication to pro bono or public interest work;
- outstanding achievement resulting from the representation of a large group of indigents, successful representation in a difficult case, outstanding negotiation and settlement skills in achieving a result without trial;
- extraordinary number of hours committed to pro bono work; or
- other distinguished performance.
Nominations must pertain to work performed in the Northern District on matters that are fully resolved and no longer pending before the Court.
Nominations using this fillable form may be emailed to: ProBono_Awards_ILND@ilnd.uscourts.gov. Awards will be presented at the Court’s twenty-sixth annual awards ceremony on Friday, May 1, 2026, at 1:00 pm.