CHICAGO (CBS) — Maria Roque was just 34 years old when she was shot and killed on the steps outside her West Side Chicago home, in front of her 8-year-old daughter. Her daughter and her 14-year-old son both witnessed Roque take her last breath. In the weeks before she was killed, Roque repeatedly took all steps domestic violence victims are told to take. She got a protection order against her former boyfriend, Kenneth Brown. She also repeatedly went to the Chicago Police Department for help. She filed one police report after another and never gave up. But the system failed ..read more

Legal Aid Chicago is pleased to announce a new three year contract with the National Organization of Legal Services Workers, UAW Local 2320, AFL-CIO (NOLSW). Due to the hard work of both the Union and Management bargaining teams, we have reached a mutually beneficial agreement that honors the interests of both Legal Aid Chicago and our unionized staff while prioritizing the communities we serve. Key components include raises, increased paid time off, retention incentives, and workload management. Approved on May 6, 2024, this contract underscores the shared commitment of Legal Aid Chicago ..read more

April 30, 2024 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE COOK COUNTY, IL – April is Fair Housing Month, and Legal Aid Chicago and HOPE Fair Housing Center are partnering to spread awareness about an important fair housing topic – Eviction Record Screenings. Many housing providers have policies that automatically deny rental applicants with an eviction record, a practice that creates unfair and long-term barriers to securing safe housing — especially for people of color, who are targeted with eviction actions more aggressively and frequently by housing providers than white tenants, despite similar circumstances. L ..read more

April marks the observance of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about sexual violence, supporting survivors, and promoting prevention efforts. Sexual assault remains a prevalent and deeply concerning issue, affecting individuals of all genders, ages, and backgrounds. Survivors of sexual violence often face a myriad of challenges, including navigating complex legal systems, accessing essential support services, and confronting the stigma and trauma associated with their experiences. In the aftermath of an assault, many survivors may be unsure of their rights ..read more

April is Fair Housing Month, a time to reflect on the legal strides that promote equal housing opportunities for all individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. At the heart of this commemoration lies the Fair Housing Act, a landmark piece of legislation aiming to dismantle discriminatory barriers and foster inclusive communities across the United States. Its passage was a significant step forward in the ongoing struggle for civil rights, but despite the progress made over the years, challeng ..read more

April is Fair Housing Month, a time to reflect on the legal strides that promote equal housing opportunities for all individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. At the heart of this commemoration lies the Fair Housing Act, a landmark piece of legislation aiming to dismantle discriminatory barriers and foster inclusive communities across the United States. Its passage was a significant step forward in the ongoing struggle for civil rights, but despite the progress made over the years, challeng ..read more

Each March, we recognize the selfless work of our volunteers and extend our gratitude to these individuals for everything they do. 2023 marked a record setting year for our pro bono volunteers with an incredible 1,067 pro bono volunteers clocking in 10,230 hours of volunteer time! That is a 44% increase in the number of volunteers helping us carry out our mission towards equal justice. Legal Aid Chicago boasts twenty different Pro Bono initiatives with both in-person and virtually opportunities. These Pro Bono projects range from Criminal Record Relief to Illinois Appellate Court representatio ..read more

At Legal Aid Chicago, we work together to provide high-quality civil legal aid to people living in poverty and other vulnerable groups. Through advocacy, education, collaboration, and litigation we empower individuals, protect fundamental rights, strengthen communities, create opportunities, and achieve justice. In carrying out our mission, we treat everyone with compassion and respect. The leadership of our Board of Directors is instrumental to our ability to achieve our mission and serve our clients well. The Board is comprised of leaders from across multiple law practices and valued members ..read more

This month, many staff members across Legal Aid Chicago were promoted within the organization. Barbara Bertini Promoted to Associate Director, Pro Bono & Community Partnerships Barbara joined Legal Aid Chicago in 2021 as the Associate Director of Community Partnerships. This new role will allow Barbara to work more closely with all of the projects in PCG and to continue to center our client communities in all of our work. She joined Legal Aid Chicago to focus on enhancing and expanding the organization’s presence in the Cook County community.  She has experience as a government attor ..read more

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE LEGAL AID CHICAGO RECEIVES $3.6M GIFT FROM MACKENZIE SCOTT COOK COUNTY, IL – Today, Legal Aid Chicago received a $3.6 million gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, the largest private contribution in the agency’s history. These funds will support Legal Aid Chicago’s work to represent low-income and vulnerable clients to obtain housing, employment, health care, education, personal safety, and other necessities through the civil legal system. This incredible contribution from one of the world’s most respected philanthropists arrives during the 50th anniversary of the Le ..read more