Alumnus and Federal Civil Rights Clinic director Andrew Bequette '01 has been selected as the 2021 Community Legal Services Award recipient by the Public Interest Law Initiative (PILI). Bequette was honored during the Sixth Judicial Circuit CLE & Awards Presentation event on October 28. Of Bequette and his contributions to the community, PILI wrote:

"It is nearly impossible to estimate the number of hours that Andrew Bequette has volunteered because he works in so many courtrooms in Champaign County and in so many courthouses in central Illinois. As a strong proponent of pro bono, Andrew accepts appointments as a Guardian Ad Litem in guardianship cases for minors and for disabled adults. He also accepts appointments to represent alleged disabled adults in contested guardianship cases. He recognizes the dignity of each person involved in the litigation, and handles each case respectfully and skillfully. In cases where the proposed guardian is an unrepresented litigant, he gathers necessary information and drafts necessary paperwork so that orders can be entered in the best interests of the client. The community is enriched by Andrew’s knowledge, generosity, and commitment to pro bono service.

"Andrew graduated from the University of Illinois College of Law in 2001. Prior to attending law school, Andrew earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana. He currently works at Beckett Law Office, P.C."

Congratulations, Andrew!