News

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20 Feb 2007

DLA Piper’s Juvenile Justice Project donates over 350 books and magazines to Illinois Youth Center in Joliet

Firm launches Chicagoland book drive on behalf of incarcerated youth

Press Release

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(Chicago) – DLA Piper US LLP today announced that its Chicago office has gathered over 350 books, magazines, videotapes and other learning materials to be donated to the Illinois Youth Center (IYC) library in Joliet, Ill. through a book drive organized by the firm’s pro bono Juvenile Justice Project.

In partnership with Northwestern University's Bluhm Legal Clinic, DLA Piper’s Chicago office launched a pro bono Signature Project focused on juvenile justice issues in 2004. Through this Juvenile Justice Project the firm has handled over 80 cases for Chicagoland youth ensnared in the Cook County Juvenile Court system and represents juveniles incarcerated in various facilities throughout the Illinois Department of Corrections, including IYC Joliet.

One of the firm’s clients, R.H., recently wrote a letter to Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White requesting additional educational materials for IYC Joliet’s library. In seeking more books for the library, R.H. wrote, “Just to let you know that no one told me to write this letter but I care about my future and can never stop learning.”

Inspired by R.H.’s letter, DLA Piper attorneys contacted IYC Joliet and proposed holding a small book drive for the facility’s all-male residents, who range in age from 14 to 21.

“The staff at IYC Joliet was immediately enthusiastic,” said Anne Geraghty, Pro Bono Manager for DLA Piper’s Chicago office and one of the attorneys handling R.H.’s case. “As soon as we heard that there was interest in growing their library, we knew we could help.”

DLA Piper quickly launched a book drive amongst its Chicago office employees, which generated a strong response and caused the firm to find extra space to house all of the donated books that had accumulated.

Though a donation of over 350 books has already been collected, the book drive will continue, expanding to accept donations from law firms throughout Chicago.

Thrilled that his letter sparked such an enthusiastic response, R.H. feels empowered by the knowledge that his actions can make a difference in the world. In a thank you letter addressed to members of the firm, R.H. said: “There are young men here who [want] to change their lives. With the help and support of everyone who played a part in donating books, I want to offer my sincerest Thank You, and to let everyone know it really means a lot to me and every youth it touches. These books will be used, and greatly appreciate[d].”

“Books are an elemental part of education and play an integral role in equipping these youths with the necessary skills to succeed once they leave the Youth Center,” Geraghty added. “If every firm in Chicago held a similar drive, just imagine how much we could improve the learning tools available to all of Illinois’ incarcerated youth.”

DLA Piper encourages all who are able to get involved. Law firms interesting in participating in this book drive for IYC Joliet should contact:

Anne Geraghty
Pro Bono Manger, DLA Piper
(T): 312- 368-3966;


About DLA Piper
DLA Piper has 3,200 lawyers in 24 countries and 62 offices throughout the U.S., U.K., Continental Europe, Middle East and Asia. It has leading practices in corporate, finance, human resources, litigation, real estate, regulatory and legislative, tax, and technology, media and communications. In certain jurisdictions, this information may be considered attorney advertising.

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CONTACTS:
Jason Costa, Media Relations, DLA Piper, 212.776.3739 or jason.costa@dlapiper.com
Brian Kiefer, Media Relations, GreenTarget Global Group, 312.252.4113 or