RULE 756(k) PRO BONO AUTHORIZATION FORMS

For Inactive, Retired and Out of State Lawyers and Sponsoring Entities


Under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 756(k) retired and inactive attorneys, as well as attorneys admitted in another state but not in Illinois, may perform pro bono services as long as they do the following:

  1. file a registration form with the ARDC;
  2. work with an approved sponsoring entity (such as a legal aid organization or law clinic);
  3. complete any training required by the sponsoring entity; and
  4. annually register with the ARDC ongoing participation in a pro bono program.

The necessary forms are included below. (More information and a list of sponsoring entities is available on www.illinoislegalaid.org.) House counsel admitted under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 716 may perform pro bono service without any additional registration or affiliation requirements.

Completed forms forms should be returned by regular mail, facsimile, or email to:


ARDC Registration Department
One Prudential Plaza
130 E. Randolph Dr., Suite 1500
Chicago, IL 60601-3219
FAX:  (312) 565-0997
registration@iardc.org

Important Note: The lawyer AND the sponsoring entity must notify the ARDC at registration@iardc.org when the lawyer's participation in the pro bono program has ended.


Form:  Inactive/Retired Authorization

For use by inactive and retired lawyers seeking authorization to provide pro bono legal services under the auspices of a qualified sponsoring entity.


Form:  Inactive/Retired Renewal
For use by inactive and retired lawyers seeking annual renewed authorization to provide pro bono legal services under the auspices of a qualified sponsoring entity. The second section of the form is to be completed by a representative of the entity sponsoring the pro bono legal service program in which the lawyer participates.


Form:  Out of State Authorization
For use by out of state lawyers seeking authorization to provide pro bono legal services under the auspices of a qualified sponsoring entity. The second section of the form is to be completed by a representative of the entity sponsoring the pro bono legal service program in which the lawyer participates.


Form:  Out of State Renewal
For use by out of state lawyers seeking annual renewed authorization to provide pro bono legal services under the auspices of a qualified sponsoring entity. The second section of the form is to be completed by a representative of the entity sponsoring the pro bono legal service program in which the lawyer participates.


Form:  Sponsor Authorization
For use by not-for-profit legal service organizations, governmental entities, law school clinical programs, and bar associations, seeking to serve as sponsoring entities for inactive, retired and out of state lawyers to perform pro bono legal services.