Evanston Public Library Master List of Local Free & Low-Cost Legal Resources

Abogado.com

  • Investigue cualquier asunto legal utilizando nuestra colección de videos, preguntas frecuentes, artículos e infografías.
  • Búsqueda de abogados por asunto legal
  • https://www.abogado.com/

American Bar Association Free Legal Answers – Illinois

  • A free service that answers civil (not criminal) legal questions for low-income residents of Illinois.  After logging in to the website, answer a few questions to see if you qualify to use this service.  Those who qualify can ask volunteer attorneys a specific question about your civil legal issue.  You’ll receive an email telling you when your question receives a response, and then can log back in to see the response to your question and ask more questions.
  • Website: https://il.freelegalanswers.org/

American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Illinois – Legal Assistance

  • The ACLU of Illinois provides legal assistance to residents of Illinois whose civil liberties or civil rights have been violated. The website states that “The ACLU of Illinois’ Intake Department is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday-Thursday. During those hours an intake counselor is available by phone if you wish to explain your problem. Our counselors are dedicated volunteers, but they are not lawyers and cannot give you legal advice, but will simply obtain the facts pertaining to your problem. Depending on the nature of your problem, the counselor may give you an appropriate referral or present the facts of your case to a staff attorney for review. The ACLU cannot refer you to individual private attorneys. Contacting the ACLU to describe your problem will not guarantee the ACLU will represent you.
  • Phone:  312-201-9740
  • Email:  acluofillinois@aclu-il.org
  • Website: https://www.aclu-il.org/en/request-legal-assistance

Ascend Justice

  • We currently provide the following types of legal assistance to individuals and families:
    • Economic legal services for survivors of gender-based violence such as help with finances and housing
    • Family defense legal services for families who have DCFS investigations or appeals
    • Family law services for survivors of gender-based violence such as help with divorces, custody arrangements, visitation, and child support
    • Orders of protection services for survivors of gender-based violence
    • Immigration services for survivors of gender-based violence
  • Phone:  312.325.9155
  • Website:  www.ascendjustice.org

Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission of the Supreme Court of Illinois

Ayuda Legal Illinois

Bluhm Legal Clinic – Northwestern University

  • Bluhm Legal Clinic is staffed by Northwestern University School of Law students, under the supervision of experienced faculty members. There are 14 centers, addressing a variety of legal issues, many of which accept cases at low or no cost, if the case is accepted by the Clinic. The Centers include the Appellate Advocacy Center, Bartlit Center for Trial Advocacy, Center for Criminal Defense, Center for Externships, Center for International Human Rights, Center on Negotiation and Mediation, Center on Wrongful Convictions, Center on Wrongful Convictions of Youth, Children and Family Justice Center, Civil Litigation Center, Donald Pritzker Entrepreneurship Law Center, Environmental Advocacy Center, Investor Protection Center, MacArthur Justice Center, and Prison Reentry Strategies. If you are seeking legal assistance from one of the centers of the Bluhm Legal Clinic, please write a one-page letter describing your case to legalclinic@law.northwestern.edu.
  • Phone:  312.503.8576
  • Website: https://www.law.northwestern.edu/legalclinic/

Catholic Charities Legal Assistance

  • Catholic Charities Legal Assistance (CCLA) provides legal services to low income individuals who are not represented by a lawyer. Our telephone advice line assists clients who are representing themselves by advising them of their rights and responsibilities as well as how to navigate the legal process when necessary. CCLA also offers a variety of other legal services, including representation in a limited number of areas and advice desks for face to face consultations. Please see website for specific information.
    CCLA’s services are offered in both English and Spanish without regard to a person’s citizenship status or religious affiliation. Most of our services are provided free of charge. Clients who do not qualify for free services may be charged a minimal fee. CCLA will provide free services to clients who have a foreclosure related issue and whose income is below four hundred percent of the federal poverty guidelines.
  • Servicios están disponibles en Español.
  • Phone:  (312) 948-6821
  • Website:  https://www.catholiccharities.net/GetHelp/OurServices/LegalServices/CCLA.aspx

Center for Disability and Elder Law

  • A nonprofit organization which provides legal services to low-income residents of Cook County, Illinois who are either elderly or who have permanent disabilities.   CDEL volunteer attorneys represent eligible individuals with a broad range of civil legal matters, including: Powers of Attorney, Guardianship, Wills & Probate, Landlord/Tenant, Collections, Special Education, Real Estate & Mortgage Foreclosure, Family Law, Financial Elder Abuse, Family Law, ADA Discrimination, and Consumer Fraud.
  • Phone:  312- 376-1880
  • Email:  info@cdelaw.org
  • Website: http://www.cdelaw.org

Centro Romero Latin American Legal Assistance Services Program (LALAS)

  • Centro Romero is a community-based organization that serves the refugee immigrant population on the northeast side of Chicago. Our interrelated programs include adult education, women’s empowerment projects, legal assistance, and youth learning and leadership development as well as special projects such as Community organizing and HIV/AIDS Outreach and Education.
  • CENTRO ROMERO’S LEGAL DEPARTMENT ONLY REPRESENTS CLIENTS WITH IMMIGRATION CASES.
  • For new clients only, in the state of Illinois – To start a consultation with the Legal Department, please fill out our online consultation form at https://ww5.welcomeclient.com/4DCGI/web_handle_general_intake/get/61551 (If you are already our client do not use this link. Send us an email to legald@centroromero.org)
  • Para clientes nuevos en el estado de Illinois- Para empezar una consulta con el Departamento Legal , por favor llene la forma de consulta en línea online consultation form https://ww5.welcomeclient.com/4DCGI/web_handle_general_intake/get/61551 (Si usted ya es nuestro cliente, por favor no siga el enlace, envíenos un correo electrónico a legald@centroromero.org)
  • Address: 6216 N. Clark Street
  • Website:  http://centroromero.org/crweb/
  • Pnone: 773.508.5300

Chicago Bar Association Lawyer Referral and Call-A-Lawyer Service:

  • The Chicago Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral Service has over 300 prescreened, qualified lawyers experienced in almost every area of law. Cost: $30, if you meet with the lawyer you are referred to.
  • Phone:  (312) 554-2001
  • Website: https://lrs.chicagobar.org
  • You can also speak to a lawyer for free on the 3rd Saturday of every month, with the CBA’s Call-A-Lawyer program.  Call (312) 554-2001 from 9 a.m. to 12:00 noon on the program dates to speak to a volunteer Lawyer Referral Service attorney for general legal advice and self-help strategies.
  • See website for after-hours lawyers available on call for Criminal Defense, Domestic Relations/Family Law, and Personal Injury.

Chicago Bar Foundation – Limited Scope/Bundled Services

  • Find lawyers who offer limited-scope representation/unbundled services. These lawyers allow you to hire them for a specific task. This is less expensive than hiring a lawyer under a traditional, full-service model.  Some examples of limited scope services include:
    – Preparing legal paperwork for you;
    – Reviewing legal paperwork you prepared on your own;
    – Serving court papers on the other party;
    – Preparing a defense or a legal argument;
    – Drafting a demand letter or response letter;
    – Negotiating or reviewing a settlement agreement;
    – Coaching you on how to appear in court on your own; and
    – Appearing in court for a specific hearing (usually the most complicated or important one) while you appear in court on your own for all other scheduled dates.
  • Website: https://chicagobarfoundation.org/limitedscope/

Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights

  • Chicago Lawyers’ Committee was founded in 1969 as a group of civil rights lawyers and advocates working to secure racial equity and economic opportunity for all. Our vision is to root out and dismantle deeply entrenched systems of discrimination, racism, and economic oppression by using the power of the law to give voice to those most impacted by these civil rights issues.  Areas of assistance include:
    – Education Equity
    – Equitable Community Development and Housing
    – Legal Help for Nonprofits and Small Businesses
    – Voting Rights and Civic Empowerment
  • Website: https://www.clccrul.org/
  • Contact Email: info@clccrul.org
  • Phone Number: 312-630-9744

City of Chicago – Office of New Americans

Chicago Volunteer Legal Services

  • CVLS is an organization of over 3,000 volunteer attorneys who donate free legal services to thousands of low-income Chicagoans. Our services are free, accessible and real. With 22 legal clinics across the Chicago area, hosted evenings and weekends at community organizations and churches, where you can talk with an attorney about your legal problem, CVLS works to ensure that everyone has access to justice, not just those who can afford it.
  • Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday thru Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Friday
  • Phone:  312.332.1624
  • Website Address: http://www.cvls.org

Children’s Legal Center

  • The Children’s Legal Center focuses on providing legal services to children and families with children. Some common services we provide are:
    T Visas: victims of human trafficking
    Asylum (Petitions with USCIS and Defensive in Immigration Court)
    VAWA Petitions (Violence Against Women Act): available to children and families of United States Citizens who are the victims of domestic abuse )
    SIJS (Special Immigrant Juvenile Status): available to children who are victims of abuse/neglect by their parent(s)
    U Visas : victims of crimes
  • Address:  939 W North Ave., Suite 750 Chicago, Illinois 60642
  • Phone Number: (312) 722-6642 English, (312) 722-6648 Spanish
  • Website:  https://www.childrenslegalcenterchicago.org/childrens-legal-center

Clerk of the Cook County Circuit Court Self Help Center

  • The Self Help Center has links to resources for self-represented (pro se) litigants appearing before the Circuit Court of Cook County. Topics include:
    – Finding An Attorney,
    – Family, Juvenile, Adoption and Name Change
    – Criminal Cases and Traffic Offenses
    – Lawsuits, Injuries, Small Claims and Debts
    – Going to Court
    – Housing
    – Self Help Resources in and around the Daley Center
    – Wills, Probate, Estates and Guardianship
    The Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County also provides access to Cook County Court Forms and online access Case Documents from cases before the Circuit Court of Cook County. You can also find links to Circuit Court of Cook County and Illinois Court rules here.
  • Phone:  312-603-5030
  • Website:  http://www.cookcountyclerkofcourt.org/NewWebsite/Services/Self-Help-Center.aspx

Circuit Court of Cook County:  List of Free and Low Cost Legal Services

Cook County Law Library

  • Main Branch Location:  69 W. Washington Suite 1600 Chicago, Illinois 60602.  Phone:  312) 603-5423. Hours: M-F: 8:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Open Sat: 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. for attorneys presenting a current ARDC card and current photo ID, and for litigants presenting official court papers stamped within a year and current photo ID. Sun: Closed.
  • Skokie Branch: 5600 Old Orchard Road, Skokie, IL 60077. Phone: (847) 470-7298 Hours: M-F: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (closed for lunch 1-2 PM during COVID); Sat-Sun: Closed
  • The public can access the law library catalog online, access legal research online, view Cook County Ordinances online, contact reference staff for assistance with legal research, or visit the law library to access electronic resources such as Westlaw and Lexis, and to visit the library’s Self-Help Web Center.
  • Website:  https://www.cookcountyil.gov/agency/law-library
  • Email:  law.lawlibrary@cookcountyil.gov

Cook County Eviction Early Resolution Program

Coordinated Advice and Referral Program for Legal Services  (CARPLS)

  • Legal Aid Hotline for low-income residents of Cook County. Experienced attorneys answer questions on a wide range of civil law issues free of charge. Operates daily Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 4:30 pm and Wednesdays until 7:30 pm. Clients who do not qualify for free services may be charged a $25 fee. Referrals are given if in-court representation is required.
  • Phone:  312-738-9200
  • Website:  https://www.carpls.org

Equip for Equality

  • Provides legal services for disability-related issues, including abuse investigations, access barriers (including communication access), community integration, employment discrimination based on disability, health care/access to assistive technology, housing, self-determination and personal decision-making, special education, and transportation.
    To get legal help from us, start by contacting us in one of the following ways:
  • Online Intake Form:  https://www.equipforequality.org/about/contact-us/online-intake-form/
  • Telephone: 800-537-2632
  • TTY: 800-610-2779
  • Email: ContactUs@equipforequality.org
  • Fax: 312-541-7544
  • Postal Mail:
    Equip for Equality
    ATTN:  Intake
    20 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 300
    Chicago, IL 60602

Erie Neighborhood House

  • MISSION: To empower our community—Latinx immigrants alongside individuals and families of all backgrounds—through education, access to critical services and advocacy, working together to create a just and inclusive society.
  • Programs include Citizenship & Immigration classes and legal help, youth and adult education, and health, in English and in Spanish.
  • Locations:
    • West Town – House
      1347 W Erie St.
      Chicago IL 60642
      (312) 666-3430
    • West Town – Center
      1701 W Superior St
      Chicago IL 60622
      (312) 563-5800
    • Little Village
      4225 W 25th St
      Chicago IL 60623
      (773) 542-7617
    • Humboldt Park
      1313 N Claremont Ave
      Chicago, IL 60622
      Program: (312) 975-2637
      Site: (773) 534-4451
      *School-Age program only
  • Website:  https://eriehouse.org/

Evanston Care Network

  • Search for free and low cost resources in the Evanston area, including food, housing, legal help, childcare and more.
  • Website: https://evanstoncarenetwork.org/

Evanston Latinos

  • Somos una organización de promoción de la equidad e inclusión para la comunidad inmigrante, indocumentada, familias de estatus mixto y la comunidad latinx en Evanston.  (We are an organization promoting equity and inclusion for the immigrant, undocumented community, mixed status families and Latinx community in Evanston.)
  • Recursos /Resources
  • Address: 2113 Greenleaf St., Unit #6, Evanston, IL 60202
  • Phone: (224) 408-0579
  • Website:  https://www.evanstonlatinos.com
  • Email: evanstonlatinos@gmail.com

Eviction Help Illinois

  • Free Legal Help for Illinois Residents Who
    • Are renters facing potential eviction
    • Landlords not represented by a lawyer
  • To find out if you are eligible for FREE legal help:

Farmworker And Landscaper Advocacy Project (FLAP)

  • Provides free legal assistance to Migrant and seasonal workers, Landscaping workers, horticultural workers, Agricultural workers, Greenhouse workers, and Nursery workers in Illinois. (Abogados para Trabajadores Agricolas y Jardineros.) FLAP’s mission is to improve working conditions for migrant and seasonal workers in the agricultural and landscaping industries in Illinois. FLAP carries out this mission through: Litigation, Outreach and Community Legal Education. Se habla español. No client documentation necessary.
  • Among the many violations that our clients are exposed to are:
    • Nonpayment of wages (“wage theft”)
    • Denial of overtime wage rates
    • Illegal pesticide exposure
    • Hazardous housing
    • Unsanitary working conditions
    • Illegal deductions from wages [for visa, travel, housing, equipment and uniform expenses]
  • Address: 33 N. LaSalle # 900 Chicago, IL 60602; 154 S. Lincoln Street, Suite D Aurora, IL 60505; 62 N. Ayer St., Suite A & B Harvard, IL 60033
    60602
  • Website: http://www.flapillinois.org/
  • Phone: Clients 24 hr. hotline: 847-668-2114 | 815-909-0362 | 312-784-3522

FindLaw.com

  • FindLaw is a free online resource that provides legal information, lawyer profiles and a community to help you make legal decisions.  FindLaw has sections to help you learn about the law, find a lawyer, join an online discussion forum with other FindLaw users or chat with an attorney online, or find legal and business forms.
  • Website:  http://www.findlaw.com

Free Legal Answers (IL.freelegalanswers.org)

  • Free Legal Answers is a secure website (https://il.freelegalanswers.org/) where lower income Illinois residents can ask a lawyer for help with a legal issue. Qualified users post questions about civil legal problems then volunteer lawyers log onto the site and select questions to answer. It’s a virtual walk-in legal clinic.

Gale Legal Forms – IL

Greater Chicago Legal Clinic

  • GCLC offers a variety of programs and services to meet the legal needs of underserved individuals and families in Greater Chicago. We provide quality legal representation to help with everything from divorce, domestic violence, and other family issues to economic and housing stability to environmental law. While some of our services are free, others involve fees on a sliding scale based on income. Services available in English and Spanish at several Chicago locations.
  • Phone: 312.726.2938
  • Website:  www.gclclaw.org

Haitian Congress to Fortify Haiti

  • The mission of the group is to strengthen and organize members and friends of the Haitian community to make positive contributions towards the creation of a stable, peaceful and prosperous Haiti. Conducts Haiti relief efforts. Haitian Congress PAC works towards a fully integrated partnership between Haitians within Haiti and those who are citizens of other countries. This partnership is a vital link to the sustainable development of Haiti.
  • Address: Family Focus, 2010 Dewey 3rd Floor, Evanston, IL
    60201
  • Website: http://haitiancongress.org/about-us
  • Phone: 847-530-0851

Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society

  • Assistance with U.S. citizenship, family member immigration, refugee and resettlement services. Citizenship Preparation Programs.
  • North Suburban Office: 5150 W Golf Rd, Skokie, IL 60077, 847-568-5200.
  • Chicago Office: 216 W. Jackson Blvd., Suite 700 Chicago IL
    60606,  312-357-4666
  • Website: http://www.HIASCHicago.org

Hispanic American Community Education & Services (HACES)

  • Our current services focus on keeping families together, civic engagement, linkages to community resources and advocacy. Our programs are: Legalization, Immigrant Family Resource Program, Health Plans Enrollment and Navigation, Health Insurance 101, Citizenship and Naturalization, Linkages to Community Resources, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), School Parent Mentors, Bilingual GED Preparation and Volunteer Opportunities.
  • Address: 820 W Greenwood Ave., Waukegan, IL 60087
  • Phone: 847.244.0300
  • Website: https://www.haces.org/
  • Email: info@haces.org

Illinois Access to Justice

  • Illinois Access to Justice is an Illinois state-wide program that seeks to mitigate the devastating consequences of all forms of detention and incarceration and the resulting crippling effects on historically marginalized communities. Through a coalition of community-centered organizations, we are expanding the network of holistic community-based legal services, including direct legal representation and mass legal literacy campaigns led by Community Navigators.
  • Call 1-888-708-6125 to find a legal service provider in your area.
  • Website:  https://ilaccesstojustice.com/

Illinois Armed Forces Legal Aid Network

  • A statewide hotline that provides legal information, advice, brief services (including the preparation and review of legal documents), and referrals to veterans, service members, national guard, reservists, and their spouses and dependents.
  • CALL 855-IL-AFLAN (855-452-3526) TO TALK TO AN ATTORNEY if you are a veteran, service member, national guard, reservist, or spouse or dependent. Call to talk about discharge upgrades, benefits appeals, and civil legal problems like Family, Housing, and Consumer issues.

Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights

  • Educates and organizes immigrant and refugee communities to assert their rights; promotes citizenship and civic participation; monitors, analyzes, and advocates on immigrant-related issues; and, informs the general public about the contributions of immigrants and refugees.
  • Address: 55 E Jackson Blvd #2075, Chicago, IL
    60604
    Website:  http://icirr.org/
    Phone: 312- 332-7360

Illinois Compiled Statutes

Illinois Courts

  • The official website of the Illinois Courts has access for the public to
    • General Court Information (including how to find your court),
    • Approved statewide forms and resources for people without lawyers,
    • Laws and Rules of Illinois (and of the courts),
    • Information on Access for People with Disabilities, and
    • Juror Instructions
  • Website:  https://www.illinoiscourts.gov/public
  • Illinois Court Help:  call or text (833)411-1121 (MONDAY – FRIDAY | 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM), and our court guides help you understand and go through the court process, wherever you are in Illinois.

Illinois Legal Aid Online

  • Evanston Public Library partners with Illinois Legal Aid Online (ILAO) as a Legal Self-Help Center.  A legal self-help center is a place where you can learn about the law, your legal rights, and how to go to court. If you have a legal issue, you can come to the Evanston Public Library to:
    –  use a computer for free,
    –  search online for answers to your legal questions,
    –  chat online with legal navigators,
    –  find and prepare court forms,
    –  get referrals for additional legal assistance, and
    –  get other help navigating the ILAO website and services.
  • ILAO is an independent nonprofit organization that provides web-based legal help and information for lower-income Illinoisans.
  • Phone:  312-977-9047
  • Website:  https://www.illinoislegalaid.org
  • Contact Email: https://www.illinoislegalaid.org/node/add/support-ticket

Indo-American Center

  • Since its beginnings, the Indo-American Center has welcomed people of any nationality or creed. The agency serves over 30,000 from over 35 countries people annually and provides comprehensive support through the following interrelated programs and services: Adult Literacy, Civic Engagement, Cyriac D. Kappil Legal Clinic, Immigration & Citizenship, Public Benefits, Senior Services, and Workforce Development.
  • Address: 6328 N. California Ave, Chicago, IL 60659
  • Website Address: https://indoamerican.org/
  • Phone Number: 773-973-4444

James B. Moran Center for Youth Advocacy

  • Provides direct legal representation in several Legal Programs. The Social Services Program provides outreach, case management, short-term crisis intervention, and individual, family and group counseling. The Redirection Services help clients stay out of trouble and move toward a positive future. Programs serve low-income Evanston youth and their families.
    School-Based Civil Legal Clinic provides free information and legal assistance on a wide variety of non-criminal topics including adoption/guardianship, family law, housing, public benefits, immigration, bankruptcy, consumer protection, etc. The civil legal clinic serves families with children attending Evanston/Skokie School District 65.
    Expungement Help Desk:   Assistance in completing necessary forms to expunge or seal criminal records in Illinois.
  • Second Municipal District Courthouse (Skokie)
    5600 Old Orchard Rd., Room 136
    Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
  • Phone:  847-492-1410
  • Website: https://moran-center.org/

Justice Entrepreneurs Project (JEP)

  • The Chicago Bar Foundation Justice Entrepreneurs Project (JEP) is a network of independent lawyers who are committed to making quality legal services accessible and affordable for regular people by using set fees, offering flexible representation options, and leveraging technology to increase efficiency.
  • Lawyers in the JEP currently assist clients in the following areas:
    • Family Law – including divorce, spousal support, child support, custody, visitation and orders of protection
    • Landlord/Tenant – including eviction proceedings and security deposit claims
    • Consumer Law – including debt collection issues, consumer disputes and Chapter 7 bankruptcy
    • Estate Law – including wills, probate and guardianships
    • Employment Law – including discrimination and wage claims
    • Small Business/Non-profit – including business formation, contracts and intellectual property issues
    • Real Property Law – including foreclosure proceedings and real estate purchase/sale
    • Criminal – felonies/misdemeanors, traffic tickets, license suspensions and ordinance violations
    • Immigration Law – including visas, residency, family-based applications, naturalization, deportation and asylum
    • Social security disability
    • Education law
    • Personal injury defense
    • And more!
  • Phone:  312-546-3282
  • Website:   https://jepchicago.community.lawyer

Lambda Legal – Midwest Regional Office

  • Lambda Legal is a national organization committed to achieving full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people and those with HIV through impact litigation, education and public policy work. The Midwest Regional Office accepts Help Desk calls at any time during business hours (M-F 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.). Lambda Legal’s Help desk provides information and resources relating to discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, and HIV status.
  • Phone:  312-663-4413
  • Website:  https://www.lambdalegal.org/helpdesk

Latinos Progresando

  • Latinos Progresando provides professional, affordable immigration legal services to thousands of families every year, from more than 40 countries around the world. The agency is recognized by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and staffed by DOJ-accredited representatives.
  • Part of the flagship immigration legal service program, the VAWA Project provides full-service, completely free legal support to immigrants surviving domestic violence and sexual assault.
  • Address:  3047 W Cermak Rd., Chicago, IL 60623
  • Phone: Call Latinos Progresando’s Immigration Hotline/Llame a la línea directa de inmigración de Latinos Progresando:  (773) 542-7077 Ext: 10
  • Website: https://latinospro.org/

Law Center for Better Housing

  • Law Center for Better Housing has contracted with the City of Evanston, and will provide free legal and supportive services to improve housing stability for lower income renters while advocating for the rights of all renters until everyone in Chicago and Evanston has a safe, decent, and affordable place to call home.
  • Address:
    100 N. LaSalle St. Ste. #2500
    Chicago, IL 60602
  • Phone Number: (312) 347-7600
  • Fax: (312) 347-7604
  • Website: https://www.lcbh.org/

Legal Aid Society of Metropolitan Family Services

  • We at the Legal Aid Society of Metropolitan Family Services continue our commitment to securing access to equal justice by providing legal representation and assistance on domestic violence, family law, consumer and housing issues, elder abuse and financial exploitation, human trafficking, and victims of crime. We present “Know Your Rights” workshops on all the areas of law we practice and lead several legal clinics. In partnership with Metropolitan Family Services, we offer the most comprehensive services to our clients by providing meaningful opportunities to move up and out of poverty.
  • Phone: (312) 986-4105
  • Website:  https://www.metrofamily.org/legal-aid-society/

Legal Assistance Foundation (LAF)

  • Free legal aid for low income people in Cook County. Priorities are family law, human and civil rights, safety issues, and economic stability.
  • Phone:  312-341-1070
  • Website: https://www.legalaidchicago.org/get-help/

Legal Council for Health Justice

  • Provides free, expert legal assistance to low income individuals facing barriers due to chronic, disabling, and stigmatizing health and social conditions. We help clients with the following issues:  Child health | Confidentiality & testing | Debt collection | Discrimination | Education plans | Employment | Future planning | Health screenings | Immigration | Insurance | Lead poisoning | Public benefits and much more.
  • Phone Number: 312-427-8990
  • Website:  https://legalcouncil.org

Legal Information Reference Center

  • Legal Information Reference Center is an online database designed to assist the general public in legal matters of all kinds. It includes exclusive full text for many top consumer legal reference books, as well as thousands of legal forms. Access through https://www.epl.org/category/resources/legal/

Life Span

  • Services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault survivors include counseling, assistance with employment, immigration, referrals, and free legal services. Legal services are available in English, Spanish, Arabic, Hindi, Urdu, Korean, Russian and Polish..
  • For Counseling services, call 847.824.0382. For Legal services, call 312.408.1210.
  • Website:  http://www.life-span.org/
  • Email:  life-span@life-span.org

The Lilac Tree, Evanston

  • Legal, financial, and emotional counseling, workshops, seminars and support groups for women going through or considering divorce.
  • Phone:  847-328-0313
  • Website:  http://www.thelilactree.org

Loyola University Business Law Clinic

  • Represents entrepreneurs and small business owners, as well as individuals who are seeking legal assistance with not for profit organizations. The BLC is committed to providing clients with affordable quality legal services in keeping with Loyola’s commitment to serving the community. Legal services are provided to not for profit organizations on a pro bono basis. The Business Law Clinic adheres to the Rules of Professional Conduct of the Supreme Court of Illinois.
  • Phone: 312.915.7314
  • Website:  https://www.luc.edu/law/academics/clinical-programs/businesslawclinic/clientapplication/
  • Email: businesslaw@luc.edu

Loyola University Chicago Civitas ChildLaw Clinic

Loyola University Chicago Community Law Center Clinic

  • The Community Law Center Clinic serves clients whose main source of income is public assistance or SSI as well as those classified as the “working poor,” who are people struggling to meet their obligations even though they have jobs. Cases handled by the clinic focus on family issues, landlord-tenant conflicts and benefit questions.
  • Website: https://www.luc.edu/law/academics/clinical-programs/communitylawcenterclinic/
  • Phone:  312.915.7830

Mano a Mano Family Resource Center

  • Serving Lake and McHenry Counties, Mano a Mano is located in Round Lake Park and has community sites in Mundelein, Highland Park, and Wauconda.
  • Engaged Citizens Program Initiatives include:
    • Immigration Legal Services: providing affordable and trustworthy application processing for administrative processes adjudicated by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
    • Application processes supported include: naturalization, deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA), green card renewals, and re-inscriptions for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Mano a Mano provides one-on-one case management and support through these complex processes;
    • Outreach & Education: keeping the community up to date in the latest happenings in the immigration world, including any new laws or fraud alerts;
    • Beyond Legal Aid Clinic in conjunction with Beyond Legal Aid (a Chicago-based legal clinic), providing full legal representation before USCIS and the Department of Justice for complicated immigration cases, including: naturalization, U-visas, asylum petitions, and deportation defense.
  • To schedule an initial appointment for your case, call 847-201-1521.
  • For more information about the program or to schedule an Immigration Information Session in your community, contact Yanira Ramirez, Program Coordinator (email or by phone).
  • Website: https://mamfrc.org/
  • Email: info@mamfrc.org

Metropolitan Asian Family Services, Inc.

  • Provides community care program, hot meal program, senior opportunities and services, citizenship and immigration help, computer training, outreach and interpretation, light and heat energy assistance, English as a second language, youth program, and a summer youth program.
  • Address 7541 N. Western Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60645
  • Website: http://www.mafsinc.com
  • Phone: 773-465-3105

Metropolitan Tenants Organization

  • We are tenants’ rights advocates educating, organizing, and empowering tenants to exercise their human right to affordable and safe housing.
  • Website: https://www.tenants-rights.org/
  • Phone: Renters’ Rights Hotline 773-292-4988 (open M-F, 1:00-5:00pm).

National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys

  • Professional association of attorneys dedicated to improving the quality of legal services provided to seniors and people with special needs. Elderlaw Membership Directory can be used for referrals.
  • Address: 1577 Spring Hill Road, Suite 220, Vienna, VA
    22182
  • Website: http://www.naela.org/
  • Phone: 703-942-5711
  • Fax: 703-563-9504

National Immigrant Justice Center

  • The National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) is dedicated to ensuring human rights protections and access to justice for immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers. NIJC provides pro bono legal services to these groups and advocates for policy reform and broad-based systemic change.
  • Representation limited to low-income immigrants
  • Provides free legal information at Chicago Immigration Court Helpdesk Monday-Thursday. (525 W Van Buren St #500, Chicago, IL 60607) Group Information Sessions take place in the waiting area of the Chicago Immigration Court on Monday through Thursday at 8:45 a.m. & 12:45 p.m. Individual Information Sessions take place in the pro bono room at the Chicago Immigration Court on Monday through Thursday at 9-11:45 a.m. & 1-3 p.m.
  • Languages: Spanish and French (Español, Français)
  • Detained Adults: Call on Tuesdays from 11am – 2pm CT
  • Telephone for detainees: 312-583-9721, Telephone for family members calling about a detainee: 773-672-6599
  • LGBT Individuals (detained and non-detained): Call on Wednesdays or Fridays from 10am – 12pm CT Telephone: 773-672-6551
  • Detention facility speed dial code: 565
  • Address: 208 S. La Salle Street, Suite 1300 , Chicago IL 60604
  • Website: http://www.immigrantjustice.org/about/
  • Phone: (312) 660-1370

North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic

  • We provide accessible, quality, equitable, free legal services in the areas of domestic violence, housing, and immigration to give low-income, at-risk community members access to justice and the opportunity to live productive and secure lives.  There is no income requirement for domestic violence clients.
  • Servicios en español
  • Address: 3500 Western Avenue, Suite 2A
    Highland Park, IL 60035
  • Website:  https://nslegalaid.org/
  • Phone: (847) 737-4042

Northwest Center Against Sexual Assault (CASA)

  • Northwest Center Against Sexual Assault (Northwest CASA) is the only full service agency that provides free services to sexual assault survivors and their loved ones within the North and Northwest suburbs of Cook County.  Crisis intervention and counseling, legal and medical advocacy, education and prevention outreach programs.
  • Servicios en español
  • 24-hour Hotline 888-802-8890
  • Non-emergency phone:  847-806-6526
  • Website:  http://www.nwcasa.org
  • Email:  office@nwcasa.org

Northwestern University Donald Pritzker Entrepreneurship Law Center

Open Communities

  • Open Communities fights discrimination through Fair Housing education and advocacy; counsels local homeowners in Foreclosure Prevention; and works to create better living environments through its Landlord and Tenant Advice Program. Homesharing is a free service which matches persons seeking affordable housing with home providers who wish to remain in their homes.
  • Phone:  847-501-5760
  • Website:  https://www.open-communities.org
  • Email:  info@open-communities.org

Rainbow Railroad

  • Rainbow Railroad helps to find pathways to safety for LGBTQI+ people who are experiencing state-sponsored violence, persecution and discrimination by providing emergency travel support and other services.  Services include:- Help determining effective routes to safety
    – Assistance finding pre-travel and logistical support
    – Funds for airfare, visa and passport fees
    – Post-arrival support
  • Website:  https://www.rainbowrailroad.org/request-help
  • Email:  info@rainbowrailroad.org

Transformative Justice Law Project of Illinois (TJLP)

  • We provide free, life and gender-affirming legal services to everyone on the gender spectrum regardless of financial status. We especially prioritize folks who are low-income and street-based transgender and gender-nonconforming people targeted by the criminal legal system.
  • We create and distribute information, resources, and training curriculum for trans and gender non-conforming community members. We also provide workshops for organizations and groups looking to learn more about allyship for the trans, sex worker, and incarcerated communities.
  • We work when it’s best for our clients and best for our staff. Official hours:
    M/T/W/TH/F: 9:30am-5:30pm
    S/Sat: Closed
  • Website: https://www.tjlp.org/
  • Phone Number (312) 558-1472

University of Illinois at Chicago John Marshall Law School – International Human Rights Clinic

  • The International Human Rights Clinic promotes human rights domestically and around the world by providing direct legal representation to clients and organizations in international and domestic forums; documenting human rights violations in the United States and abroad; collaborating with other human rights organizations on cases and projects; and publishing and presenting reports, papers, and other materials related to human rights. We make a special effort to incorporate international human rights norms in our work within the United States–to “domesticate” international human rights law. This allows us to draw upon a broader range of sources of human rights protection for our clients and in our projects. It also allows us to use a more diverse array of approaches to human rights protection. Our innovative approach to domestic human rights protection expands the traditional domestic rights model and situates it within the broader international human rights movement.
  • Website:  https://jmls.uic.edu/clinics/international-human-rights/
  • We are accepting new cases. Our intake is open for prospective clients who seek to submit new asylum applications. Contact us at 312.427.2737 ext. 607 to schedule an interview!
  • Estamos entrevistando para nuevos casos de asilo. ¡Contáctenos al 312.427.2737 ext. 607 para hacer su cita!
    إننا نستقبل حالات جديدة. إن الباب مفتوح للعملاء السوريين المحتملين الساعين لتقديم طلبات لجوء جديدة. سوف نضع مواعيد المقابلات. الرجاء التواصل معنا على الهاتف رق312.427.2737 ext. 607 أو التواصل معنا على العنوان الالكتروني

U.S. Customs & Immigration Services

  • Chicago Field Office: 101 West Ida B. Wells Drive, Chicago, IL 60605
  • Phone: 800-375-5283 (for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability: TTY 800-767-1833) to access automated information through an interactive menu 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are outside the United States or a U.S. territory, you can call 212-620-3418. You can get live help from a USCIS representative Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern except on federal holidays.
  • Website: https://www.uscis.gov/about-us/find-uscis-office/field-offices/illinois-chicago-field-office
  • Online Tools: https://www.uscis.gov/tools

World Relief Immigration Legal Services

  • To schedule an appointment with World Relief Immigration Legal Services, please call the appropriate number below and leave a message. You will be contacted by someone on staff as soon as possible.
  • Para programar una cita con World Relief Servicios legales de inmigración, favor de llamar al número apropiado a continuación y deje un mensaje. Alguien del personal se comunicará con Ud lo antes posible.
  • Aurora: (630) 906-9546 o (630) 246-4405
    Chicago: (773) 583-9191
    DuPage: (630) 462-7660
  • نظرًا لإغلاق المكتب ، تم إلغاء جميع المواعيد الخاصه بخدمات قوانين الهجره في المكتب حتى 4 مايو 2020إذا كان لديك موعد في مكتبنا في الأيام المقبله ، فسيتم الاتصال بك لإعطائك موعد جديد خلال الأسابيع القليلة القادمة. سنجري عدد محدود من المواعيد عن طريق الهاتف أو مكالمة الفيديو ، سيقدم لك متخصصك القانوني مزيدًا من التفاصيل أذا تقرر عمل الموعد معك هاتفياً أو عن طريق الفيديو.تم مؤقتاً إغلاق جميع القنصليات والسفارات حول العالم. تم إلغاء كل المواعيد الخاصه بتأشيرات الهجره وأي تأشيرات أخري.أذا كان لديك موعد بالخارج في خلال الشهرالقادم, سوف تتلقي إشعاراً لتبديل الموعد. لمزيد من التفاصيل, يرجي مراجعة الموقع الألكتروني الخاص بالسفاره أو القنصليه التي لديك موعد بها: https://www.usembassy.gov.

 

 

 

 

Other free sources of law online:

  • Legal Information Institute (LII):  LII is a not-for-profit group that provides open access to legal materials online. Resources include federal law, the Constitution, U.S. Code, the Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.), Supreme Court cases, Federal Rules, State law resources, State statutes by topic, Uniform Commercial Code (U.C.C.), Uniform Laws, World legal resources, and the Wex Legal Encyclopedia, which explains legal terms and topics.  Website:  https://www.law.cornell.edu
  • Georgetown Law Library Research Guides:  learn about U.S. federal and state law, international law, how to conduct legal research, and legal history.  Website:  https://guides.ll.georgetown.edu/home
  • Social Science Research Network (SSRN):  a source of open-access journal articles on a variety of social science topics, including law. Use this website for access to legal (and other) scholarship:    http://www.ssrn.com/en/

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