Firm Expands Social Justice Partnership Program to the Midwest, Supporting Restorative Youth Justice
Hinckley Allen is proud to announce that The Teen Court Foundation of St. Clair County, based in Belleville, Illinois, has been selected as the firm’s 2026 Social Justice Partner, officially expanding the Social Justice Partnership Program into the Midwest. The partnership reflects the firm’s continued commitment to advancing social justice by supporting organizations that strengthen communities and create meaningful alternatives within the justice system.
The Teen Court Foundation of St. Clair County provides a restorative, peer-driven alternative to the traditional juvenile justice system for first-time, non-violent youth offenders. Through a structured process led by trained youth jurors, the program emphasizes accountability, community impact, and personal growth while helping young people avoid the long-term consequences of formal court involvement. At the same time, the organization fosters leadership development and civic engagement among participating teens, reinforcing positive outcomes not only for individual youth, but for the broader community.
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“Our Social Justice Partnership Program underscores Hinckley Allen’s unwavering commitment to supporting organizations that are deeply rooted in the communities they serve,” said Noble F. Allen, Partner and Chair of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee at Hinckley Allen. “The Teen Court Foundation of St. Clair County exemplifies the power of restorative justice to promote fairness, accountability, and opportunity for young people. We are proud to expand this program into the Midwest and to support an organization making a meaningful difference at the local level.” |
Hinckley Allen supports Social Justice Partners in two ways. First, the firm will make a one-time $10,000 financial contribution to The Teen Court Foundation of St. Clair County from the Hinckley Allen Social Justice Fund. These grants are flexible resources that Social Justice Partners can use at their discretion to address their most pressing needs.
Second, Hinckley Allen strives to develop a close, ongoing relationship with the organization and identify additional ways the firm can provide meaningful support. Depending on the organization’s needs, this support may include pro bono legal services, volunteer engagement, assistance with special events, board representation, and connections to other potential supporters.
Hinckley Allen’s selection of The Teen Court Foundation of St. Clair County also reflects the firm’s growing presence in the Midwest, where it opened a new office in 2024 to support its St. Louis Metro and Madison County, Illinois team and continues to deepen its engagement with the surrounding community.
| “Having seen firsthand the impact Teen Court has on young people and their families, I strongly believe in the power of its restorative justice model,” said Ann Hatch, Partner at Hinckley Allen and a member of Teen Court of St. Clair County’s Board of Directors. “By pairing its mission-driven work with Hinckley Allen’s resources, time, and long-term commitment, we have an opportunity to deepen that impact and help strengthen the community in meaningful, lasting ways.” |  |
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“We are honored to be named Hinckley Allen’s 2026 Social Justice Partner,” said Barbara Cempura, President of The Teen Court Foundation of St. Clair County. “This partnership supports our mission to provide young people with a second chance while teaching responsibility, accountability, and community values. Hinckley Allen’s commitment to both funding and hands-on support will help us continue expanding our impact across St. Clair County.” |
Hinckley Allen established the Social Justice Partnership Program in 2021 alongside the Rhode Island Foundation. Prior recipients of the Social Justice Fund include Connecticut Violence Intervention Program, The Center for Law, Equity, and Race at Northeastern University Law School, and the Jaylen D. Berry Foundation.