Chicago Community Loan Fund (CCLF) highlighted the work of pro-bono attorneys in a recent press release. The Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights (CLCCR) administers Pro Bono Works, a prominent pro bono initiative in Chicago, connecting attorneys with individual clients, small businesses, nonprofit organizations, and community-based groups.
According to the press release, CCLF is able to keep interest rates low for borrowers not only because of its many social impact investors but also because of the invaluable contribution of pro-bono attorneys. In fact, in 2022 alone, pro-bono attorneys provided CCLF with legal services valued at $783,628. This crucial contribution facilitated the closing of nearly every loan during that year. The assistance provided through the CLCCR's Pro Bono Works program totaled over $7.5 million worth of annual support.
According to a press release by CCLF, David Shapiro, Executive Director of CLCCR, said, “We work across various civil rights areas, among them community development and housing, education equity, and voting rights. Racial equity and community-driven advocacy animate every aspect of our work. I think that’s one of the reasons private attorneys want to partner with us—we listen with open minds and open hearts to the community organizations we work with, allowing their priorities to drive our work. We don’t come into a room thinking we’re the smartest people or have all the answers just because we’re lawyers. That approach allows for a more authentic relationship between lawyers and their clients, and I think it’s one of the reasons attorney volunteers love working with us.”
The involvement of pro bono attorneys has also resulted in substantial cost savings for CCLF. According to the press release, the organization has realized savings of $4.2 million in the last five years, primarily attributable to the extensive involvement of pro bono attorneys in overseeing the majority of CCLF's loan closings.
According to a press release by CCLF, David Shapiro said, “Working with CCLF is a dream. CCLF does such great work to promote racial and economic equity in Chicago, and we share a set of common values. Chicago Lawyers’ Committee is so proud of the work we do to help CCLF in its work to support thriving communities and narrow the racial wealth gap in Chicago.”
The collaboration between CCLF and pro-bono attorneys has proven to be a vital partnership in supporting the organization's mission to promote racial and economic equity in Chicago. Their combined efforts have not only facilitated loan closings but have also contributed to the overall success of CCLF in creating thriving communities and narrowing the racial wealth gap.