Kane County Honors Attorneys for Their Pro Bono Service to the Community

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The Sixteenth Judicial Circuit, in partnership with the Kane County Bar Foundation and the Kane County Bar Association, recently recognized three local attorneys for their outstanding commitment to providing free legal assistance to those in need.

During a gathering in St. Charles, attorneys Peter Follenweider, Laura Conroy, and Shelly Johnson were honored for contributing dozens of hours of pro bono service. Each honoree received a modest monetary award and a plaque acknowledging their dedication to expanding access to justice. Collectively, Kane County attorneys have donated 1,058 hours of pro bono volunteer service this year.        

Distinguished guests included Illinois Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth Rochford and Chief Judge Robert Villa of the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit, who joined in celebrating the attorneys' contributions. 

Justice Rochford congratulated the honorees and all those who volunteer their legal services. “Each of you is a model in our legal and social communities, and together—one human being at a time—we are advancing the public's confidence in our justice system," said Justice Rochford.

Judge Divya Sarang served as Master of Ceremonies, remarking that the evening's honorees “exemplify the very best of our profession." She added, “They remind us that the law is a tool for compassion, fairness, and change."

Judge Kimberly DiGiovanni started the honorary introductions by reading from the nomination for the 2025 Pro Bono Award that went to Attorney Peter Follenweider.
“Throughout the years, Peter has volunteered countless hours—including 22 hours this year alone—contributing to the Lawyer in the Library program and other services. His willingness to donate his personal and professional time is nothing short of extraordinary," said Judge DiGiovanni. “He doesn't see volunteering as an obligation, but as an opportunity to expand access to the legal system and to justice."

Attorney and Kane County Bar Foundation President Katie Doyen introduced Attorney Laura Conroy, recipient of the 2024 Pro Bono Award (delayed by a year), highlighting her regular volunteer work with the Kane County Law Library & Self  Help Legal Center, the Divorce and Family Law Help Program, and the Lawyer in the Library program at Gail Borden Public Library in Elgin.
“She tirelessly dedicates her time to serve those in need," Doyen said. “Her bright smile and warmth, coupled with her knowledge and legal expertise, help give those facing the most stressful situations a sense of confidence in the legal system."

For the first time, a Pro Bono Impact Award was presented. The recipient, Attorney Shelly Johnson, was recognized for volunteering 58 hours of her time. She was introduced by Halle Eichert, Director of the Kane County Law Library & Self  Help Legal Center.
“Not only does she graciously donate her time to local legal aid programs like the Divorce and Family Law Help Program, Lawyer in the Lobby, and Administer Justice's Gospel Justice Center," Eichert said, “but she also serves as a Guardian ad Litem, Parenting Coordinator, and member of the Illinois Board of Admissions to the Bar—in addition to being an amazing mentor to local attorneys."

Kane County's annual recognition of pro bono service began in 2012 as a joint initiative of the Kane County Law Library & Self  Help Legal Center and the Kane County Bar Association's Delivery of Legal Services Committee. After a brief pause during the pandemic, the tradition continues as a way to thank attorneys who donate their time and to encourage others to volunteer.

Pro bono work, as defined under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 756(f), includes providing free legal services to individuals of limited means or to organizations that serve them. With one-third of Illinois residents living in or near poverty, the need for volunteer legal assistance remains significant.

Pro Bono Legal Assistance in Kane County

The Kane County Law Library & Self Help Legal Center offers free programs in partnership with local attorneys and organizations such as Prairie State Legal Services and Administer Justice.

Lawyer in the Law Library
• Divorce and Family Law Help (Walk-In): Mondays, 8:30–10:30 a.m. (Spanish interpreter available)
• Divorce and Family Law Help (Call-In): Thursdays, 11 a.m.–12 p.m.
• Driver's Privilege Clinic: First Wednesdays, 3–5 p.m. (in partnership with the Kane County Bar Association)

Lawyer in the Public Library
Volunteer attorneys provide 15-minute consultations, legal coaching, document review, eFiling assistance, and referrals.
• Aurora Public Library District, Santori Library: Second Thursdays, 6–7:30 p.m. (Spanish interpreter available)
• Gail Borden Public Library (Elgin): Fourth Thursdays, 6–7:30 p.m. (Spanish interpreter available)

Learn more at:
Kane County Law Library & Self Help Legal Center – https://www.kclawlibrary.org/
Kane County Bar Association – https://www.kanecountybar.org/