Southern Illinois judge gives back with pro-bono effort

Jefferson County Resident Circuit Judge Jo Beth Weber is helping the Illinois Judges Association raise awareness of the need for retired judges and attorneys to provide no-cost legal advice to southern Illinois residents.

Weber, of Mount Vernon, is taking part in the statewide initiative launched by the Illinois Judges Association in partnership with the Public Interest Law Initiative. IJA President Barb Crowder has made legal assistance a focus of the group, which consists of approximately 1,250 active and retired judges throughout Illinois, and is seeking to enlist more retired judges and attorneys in providing pro-bono services.

"As judges, we see the need up close and personal," said Weber, who became a judge in 2012 and is the current chairwoman of the Second Circuit's Pro-Bono Committee.

"There are a lot of issues when it comes to domestic and substance abuse as well as mental health concerns," she said. "Providing legal services for people who need help navigating the system and resolving their legal issues provides them with the opportunity to move on, to hold a job and to take better care of their family."

For Weber, a lifelong resident of Jefferson County, the pro-bono mission is personal.

"When both parties in the courtroom have attorneys, it is more likely that justice will prevail, rather than having one person with an attorney and another person without an attorney, because they cannot afford one," she said.

"It's important that we as judges share in this responsibility because we are in a unique position to help encourage retired judges and attorneys to provide help to those who cannot afford to hire an attorney," she added. "I love my community, and we all have an interest in ensuring that all of our residents have the opportunity to be heard and succeed."

In addition to her work with the IJA and PILI, Weber started "The Hand Up Summit" event in 2017 that offers free legal advice, social services and job opportunities. Additionally, back-to-school services aimed toward helping children are included as well. PILI and Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, along with almost 30 other vendors, participated in the last event in August in Mount Vernon.

Crowder said Weber's efforts demonstrate that judges and attorneys have the ability to make a significant impact in their communities, "and ensure Illinoisans have access to justice, regardless of their financial situation."

She said the need for pro-bono services has only increased since the pandemic.

Judge Weber has served as the Resident Circuit Judge in Jefferson County since 2012.

She also served as associate general counsel for Southern Illinois University-Carbondale and as the deputy of the State Appellate Defender's office in Mount Vernon.

For more information on free legal help, visit www.illinoislegalaid.org.