July 2025 Gavel IJA Summer Newsletter: Bridging the Courthouse and Community

We’re proud to introduce the refreshed edition of The Gavel, the Illinois Judges Association’s semiannual newsletter — now with a new look, enhanced content, and more ways to stay connected.

In each issue, you’ll find updates on IJA initiatives, spotlights on our members, highlights from committee work, and opportunities to engage with colleagues across the state. As part of our ongoing commitment to clear communication and community-building, The Gavel is your go-to source for all things IJA.

From judicial milestones to public service, wellness tips to upcoming events — we invite you to explore, share, and get involved.

Click below to see the whole newsletter: 

PRO BONO SPOTLIGHT: Michael Bergmann

Michael G. Bergmann, pictured here with IJA President Justice Rochford—who is not a judge but is close to many—has been instrumental in the pro bono community in Illinois and to the IJA in shaping and supporting the Pro Bono Committee. In 2020, as the incoming president of the IJA, Judge Barbara Crowder tapped Michael to help form the Pro Bono Committee, which has been supporting pro bono activities of both active and retired judges. Since then, Michael has stayed involved by serving as a special advisor to that committee, which has been supporting pro bono activities of both active and retired judges. Since then, Michael has stayed involved by serving as a special advisor to that committee.

In his day job, Michael is the Executive Director of the Public Interest Law Initiative or PILI. PILI’s mission is to engage, inspire, and empower organizations that advocate for equal access to justice throughout the state. PILI connects law students, graduates, and lawyers to public interest law and pro bono opportunities in Illinois. PILI funds and supports and provides internships for law students who seek pro bono work experience and recent graduates who serve in  post-graduate fellowships before joining their hiring law firm. PILI also recruits and trains volunteers to provide direct legal services where they are most needed. This includes providing help desks in select court houses, providing legal help for veterans through the Illinois Armed Forces Legal Aid network, and providing advice and information about non-criminal legal issues for low-income clients through Illinois Free Legal Answers. Judge Crowder got to know Michael when she served on PILI’s pro bono committee for the 3rd judicial circuit which, like similar committees throughout the downstate area, focuses on the pro bono needs of that circuit. Pro Bono Spotlight- Michael Bergman