The Jerome Mirza Foundation

Welcome to The Jerome Mirza Foundation

Jerome Mirza Certificate

The Jerome Mirza Foundation is dedicated to honoring the legacy of Jerome Mirza, a distinguished attorney and philanthropist. Our foundation is committed to empowering future leaders through education and enhancing access to justice. We provide scholarships to aspiring law students and support various educational initiatives to foster academic excellence. Additionally, we fund legal aid programs that offer crucial services to underserved communities, ensuring that justice is accessible to all. Through our efforts, we strive to continue Jerome Mirza's lifelong passion for the law and his unwavering commitment to community service.

About Us

Jerome Mirza in Theatre

The Jerome Mirza Foundation supports programs in education and the arts through the legacy of Jerome Mirza, an attorney, legal advocate, and scholar. Jerome Mirza was a role model for other lawyers both because of his tremendous success in the courtroom and because of his contributions to legal education. Mr. Mirza had numerous multi-million dollar verdicts and authored a variety of books, including "Illinois Tort Law and Practice" and "Winning Litigation the Mirza Way." He founded the Jerome Mirza College of Advocacy at Illinois Wesleyan University and the University of Illinois. His influence stretched beyond Bloomington-Normal and Illinois, with cases referred to him by other lawyers. A perfectionist driven to succeed, he was a past president of the Illinois State Bar Association and past president of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association. It was said of Mr. Mirza that he was in a class by himself - the standard for plaintiff's lawyers.

Programs

The Jerome Mirza Foundation has a rich history of supporting various programs that promote education and the arts. Notably, the foundation has funded the Mirza Jazz Residency at Knox College, bringing internationally acclaimed jazz artists to engage with students and the community through masterclasses, workshops, and performances. This program has featured notable musicians like Matt Wilson, Ben Allison, and Donny McCaslin, and has expanded its outreach to local schools and larger community venues.

In addition to its commitment to the arts, the foundation has supported legal education and advocacy. It provided a significant grant to Illinois Wesleyan University's School of Theatre Arts and has funded the Public Interest Law Initiative (PILI), promoting public interest law and pro bono service across Illinois. These contributions help cultivate a lifelong commitment to public service within the legal community. Through these diverse programs, the Jerome Mirza Foundation continues to honor Jerome Mirza's legacy of legal excellence and community service.

Grants

The Jerome Mirza Foundation awards grants exclusively through its board of three directors, focusing on three primary areas: legal education, the arts, and advocacy. Notably, the foundation has funded significant projects such as the Mirza Jazz Residency at Knox College, where internationally renowned jazz artists engage with students and the local community. Additionally, the foundation has supported the Public Interest Law Initiative (PILI), which promotes public interest law and expands pro bono legal services across Illinois. If your organization aligns with these areas, learn more about our grant application process and discover how you can secure funding for your impactful projects.

News & Events

Jerome Mirza News

The Jerome Mirza Foundation has played a crucial role in creating and supporting several key theatres. The Jerome Mirza Theatre at Illinois Wesleyan University, a professional-grade performance space within McPherson Hall, hosts a variety of productions, from classic plays to contemporary musicals, and is integral to the university's vibrant arts community. Additionally, the foundation supports the Wilmette Theatre, a historic multi-arts center in downtown Wilmette, which offers a wide range of events including first-run movies, live performances, and community activities. Through these contributions, the foundation continues to enrich the cultural landscape and provide vital venues for artistic expression and community engagement.

Contact Us

If you have any questions or would like to get involved with The Jerome Mirza Foundation, please reach out to us. We look forward to hearing from you.

Jerome Mirza Foundation
202 N. Center St., Ste. 1A
Bloomington, Illinois 61701-4105
Phone: (309) 827-8011
Email: anna@mirza.foundation

Headquarters: Bloomington, Illinois
Founded: 1999

We look forward to connecting with you and supporting impactful projects in legal education, the arts, and advocacy.