Hotline Number 312-738-9200
March 2020
Golden Gavel Celebration: May 20, 2020
More than 450 Chicago leaders are expected to attend the Golden Gavel Celebration gala to support CARPLS’ vision of ensuring that anyone in need can access an attorney consultation and prevent greater harms. CARPLS had a landmark event last year, celebrating 25 years and meeting our monumental fundraising goal of $1 million.

This year, CARPLS is pleased to present the Golden Gavel Award to Susie Lees , Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, General Counsel & Secretary of The Allstate Corporation. The award recognizes individuals, law firms and corporations that make significant contributions to further the mission of CARPLS to provide access to justice for all, and to pro bono commitment in the legal aid community.
Our longtime experience has shown that without legal help, people often make uninformed decisions that have life-changing implications. An attorney consultation can resolve most legal problems at very low cost, preventing minor problems from escalating into situations that impact families, homes, and livelihoods.

CARPLS has much gratitude for all the people who have made our work possible.
Deadline for sponsors to be included in the printed invitation:  March 16, 2020


To become a sponsor, email 
or call 312-421-4014.
Client Success Story: "It was priceless!"
Gladys missed eviction court that morning, and a judgment was entered against her. She filed an emergency motion to be heard that afternoon. In between court, she spoke with a CARPLS attorney, who clearly and compassionately explained the eviction process. Gladys reported being happy with our services.

“I can honestly say that CARPLS showed a major concern for my issues and gave help and insight to their fullest knowledge and capacity. I am very grateful for the help I was given—it was priceless—and I know a lot of people wouldn’t give that type of knowledge for free. But money wasn’t their objective—they were more passionate about your family’s pain and seeing you through your circumstances!”
What It Means To Be A Self-Represented Litigant
“People go to court by themselves because they want to.”

“Why wouldn’t they just get a lawyer?”

“What did they do that they needed a lawyer?”

“Why can’t they afford a lawyer?”

“Why do we call them self-represented and not unrepresented?”

With self-represented litigants, or “pro ses,” these are some common misconceptions one might hear.

In fact, an  estimated 3 out of 5 civil cases have at least one party appearing without a lawyer or pro se (meaning “for oneself” or “on behalf of themselves” in Latin) because the cost of a lawyer is too prohibitive and there aren’t enough legal aid and pro bono attorneys to meet the need.

In an ideal situation, cases are resolved before they come to the courts. However, many people end up filing and representing themselves. When a client ends up as a pro se, it’s only the beginning of a confusing web . There are numerous forms one needs to fill out or documents to draft, sometimes how and where to file is unclear, the filing fees may be problematic, and many court buildings feel like a maze. In addition, people are often unaware of their potential eligibility for court fee waivers based on income. The courts can be even more difficult to navigate when people have disabilities or speak English as a second language. Even though Chicago is fortunate to have more than 40+ legal aid agencies, we still see many people in a highly anxious state when they are representing themselves in one of the largest court systems in the country.

One initiative that works toward increasing access to the court system for self-represented litigants is Illinois JusticeCorps .

CARPLS CLE on April 6, 2020
Toolkit for Retired & Inactive Attorneys
Some of our best volunteers are retired or inactive attorneys. Did you know that the Illinois Supreme Court permits retired and inactive attorneys to practice law under the supervision of a qualifying legal aid or pro bono program?

Supreme Court Rule 756(k) allows retired and inactive attorneys to provide pro bono legal services without having to pay registration fees or meet MCLE reporting requirements as long as they partner with an approved legal aid or pro bono organization .

Learn more about Rule 756 and how retired and inactive lawyers can give back and stay engaged in the legal community with the CBF’s new Toolkit for Retired and Inactive Attorneys.
CARPLS | 17 N. State Street | Suite 1850 | Chicago | Illinois | 60602 | www.carpls.org

CARPLS Hotline: 312-738-9200 IL-AFLAN Hotline : 855-452-3526