A Legacy of Access to Justice For All
In 2022, Illinois lost a true pioneer for human rights and equal access to justice, Joe Dailing ‘61. A proud graduate of Alleman Catholic High School, Joe went on to earn his undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame in 1966 and his Juris Doctor from the University of Iowa in 1974. Rather than following a conventional legal path, Joe dedicated his career to public service and legal advocacy.
As the founding Executive Director of Prairie State Legal Services, Joe led the organization in providing legal advice, representation, and education to individuals across Illinois, protecting their basic human rights and needs.
Under Joe’s leadership, Prairie State grew to serve 30 counties, serving tens of thousands of people in need. His sister, Mary (Dailing) Lappe ’64 described Joe as an inspiring leader with a clear vision for Prairie State’s mission. He built not only a successful organization but also fostered a supportive, compassionate community.
Even after retiring from Prairie State in 2006, Joe’s work continued. He became the first Executive Director of the Illinois Coalition for Equal Justice, an access to justice entity created by the Illinois State Bar Association and the Chicago Bar Association. In that role he led statewide efforts to open 98 legal self-help centers, providing critical resources for countless individuals seeking legal assistance.
His passion for justice extended internationally, as he worked with the Republic of Georgia to help establish their legal aid system. He also consulted nationally to strengthen legal aid programs across the United States. His work earned him numerous awards, including the Seeley P. Forbes Memorial Award from the Winnebago County Bar Foundation, the Lawyers Trust Fund of Illinois Board of Directors’ Award, the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice Lifetime Achievement Award (2013), and the Illinois Bar Foundation Leadership and Dedication to the Law Award (2014).
Joe’s lifelong commitment to justice and compassion reflects the Gospel values at the heart of Alleman’s mission and serves as a powerful example of a life lived in service to others.