General Information
The Trial Bar Pro Bono Program is governed by
Local Rules 83.35 – 83.41. Admission to the trial bar and accompanying responsibilities are governed by
LR83.11.
If you have general questions about the Trial Bar Pro Bono Program, please contact
ProBono_Registration_ILND@ilnd.uscourts.gov.
Conflicts of Interest
Potential conflicts with prior or current clients are at times waivable for pro bono recruitments under the Trial Bar Program. We have established key points of contact with government entities that will assist in reviewing the potential conflict and providing a waiver. Relevant contact information is available
here.
Reimbursement of Expenses
Pursuant to
LR83.40 , expenses incurred by counsel assigned pursuant to
LR83.36 , or the firm with which counsel is affiliated, may be reimbursed from the District Court Fund in accordance with Local Regulations.
Regulations Governing the Prepayment and Reimbursement of Expenses in Pro Bono Cases,
here.
To request prepayment or reimbursement, please use the Court’s Pro Bono Expense Form,
here.
Prisoner Cases
Written Materials
Guide for Recruited Lawyers in Section 1983 Cases
“
So you've been asked to take a prisoner litigation case ”, by Stanley Wasser Federal Civil Practice Illinois State Bar Association, Vol 14 No. 4, June 2016, reprinted with permission.
Local Prisoner Litigation Manual (update in progress)
Other helpful resources:
Prisoners’ Litigation Self-Help Manual, by John Boston (available for purchase)
Prisoner Civil Rights Video Library
Columbia Law School Jailhouse Lawyers Manual
November 9, 2016 audio file - Anatomy of a Prisoner Civil Rights Case
November 9, 2016 audio file - Prisoner Medical Claims
February 8, 2017 video file - Chapman Morning Training
February 8, 2017 video file - Chapman Afternoon Training
For Additional Assistance
Alan Mills, Executive Director of the Uptown People's Law Center, is available to assist attorneys recruited by the Court to represent plaintiffs in prison-related claims pending before the Court.
You may contact Mr. Mills by email, preferred, at alan@uplcchicago.org or at 773-250-0357.
Training Videos:
# |
Title |
MP4 Format |
1 |
Prisoners' Rights Introduction |
|
2 |
Prisoners' Rights Pleadings Part I - The Amended Complaint |
|
3 |
Prisoners' Rights Pleadings Part II - Specific Causes of Action |
|
4 |
Prisoners' Rights Motions in Limine |
|
5 |
Prisoners' Rights Motions in Limine - Client's Criminal Record |
|
6 |
Prisoners' Rights Request to Produce Documents, Part I |
|
7 |
Prisoners' Rights Request to Produce Documents, Part II |
|
8 |
Prisoners' Rights Request to Produce Documents, Part III |
|
9 |
Prisoners' Rights Prisoner Transfers |
|
10 |
Prisoners' Rights Taking Pictures and Measurements in a Prison |
|
11 |
Prisoner's Rights Meeting with Your Client in Prison |
|
12 |
Prisoners' Rights Preparing the Prisoner Client for the Deposition |
|
13 |
Prisoners' Rights Proof of Damages |
|
14 |
Prisoners' Rights Taking the Deposition of a Prison Correctional Officer, Part I |
|
15 |
Prisoners' Rights Taking the Deposition of a Prison Correctional Officer, Part II |
|
16 |
Prisoners' Rights What Due Process is Due a Prisoner |
|
17 |
Prisoners' Rights Failure to Provide Medical Treatment of a Prisoner, Part I |
|
18 |
Prisoners' Rights Failure to Provide Medical Treatment of a Prisoner, Part II |
|
19 |
Prisoners' Rights Failure to Provide Medical Treatment of a Prisoner, Part III |
|
20 |
Prisoners' Rights Correctional Officer's Failure to Intervene and Joint and Several Liability |
|
21 |
Demonstrative Evidence How to Make Your Prisoner's Civil Rights Case Come Alive on a Limited Budget |
|
22 |
Settlement When, Amounts and What to Look out For |
|
23 |
Creating a Prima Facie Case For Trial on the Merits |
|
24 |
How to Deal at Trial With Your Client's Felony Convictions |
|
25 |
Preparation for Trial Presenting the Case |
|
26 |
Preparation for Trial The Order of Proof |
|
27 |
Opening Statements |
|
CLE Programs to help you with your case are offered several times per year, and on-line training will be available in the near future.
Resources regarding
Pavey Hearings are available
here .
Resources regarding
Settlement Assistance are available
here .
Employment Cases
Attorney’s Guide to Employment Litigation (2012)
ADA and ADEA Handbook (2012)