Hotline Number 312-738-9200 |
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Illinois Supreme Court Reduces Unnecessary Court Appearances During COVID-19 |
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The Illinois Supreme Court entered a temporary order, M.R. 30370, to reduce unnecessary court appearances during the COVID-19 pandemic. In entering this order, the Illinois Supreme Court and The Court Operations During COVID-19 Task Force made the courts easier to use for litigants.
"This will mean so much to thousands of litigants across the state and prevent them from having to make an appearance in court to request a fee waiver," notes CARPLS Supervising Attorney Ashlee Highland.
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Reserve Your Free Virtual Ticket!
CARPLS' Golden Gavel Celebration on Oct. 1!
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Susie Lees, Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, General Counsel & Secretary of The Allstate Corporation, is being presented the Golden Gavel Award in honor of her significant contributions to provide access to justice for all, and her exceptional pro bono commitment in the legal aid community.
“I am impressed with Susie’s dedication to service and her innovative approach to addressing important community issues. She is a leader for her team and others in the corporate and legal community,” notes Chuck Smith, Golden Gavel Dinner Chair and partner at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP.
We want everyone to come together to celebrate CARPLS’ mission and the amazing community response that continues to make our work possible. The virtual event will include client and staff voices, as well as an engaging discussion on the role of technology in legal aid with Susie Lees and Chuck Smith.
Register for your free virtual ticket on October 1st at 7:30 p.m. to toast our community!
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We'd also like to welcome our newest Founder sponsor:
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And our newest Partner sponsor:
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Ensuring Access To Justice During Crisis |
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With the rise of the shelter-in-place order in March, due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, CARPLS responded by providing uninterrupted hotline services remotely through the Cook County legal aid hotline and the statewide Illinois Armed Forces Legal Aid Network.
According to CARPLS Supervising Attorney Karla Chrobak, many tenants have been unable to pay their rent due to loss of income during the COVID-19 pandemic, often through job loss caused by having to care for a child outside of school or caring for a sick relative.
"Our current system has lacked the efficiency to connect clients with the income they need to sustain their lifestyles, as modest as they were before the Pandemic," said Karla.
Supervising Attorney Leslie Wallin said, "My biggest concern is an upswing in homelessness. The moratorium on evictions eventually will end, and when that happens we fear there will be a flood of evictions. Some tenants will receive aid, but many others will not. Homeowners, too, will struggle to make mortgage payments. And since unemployment compensation benefits are no longer cushioned by the $600/weekly additional stimulus, many families will find it even harder to make ends meet."
We are now in the process of expanding our statewide services to include the historic cannabis expungement project, and will continue removing systemic barriers.
With your continued support, we will help our clients through this crisis and beyond. New and increased donations will be generously matched.
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Know Your Rights: Illinois and Federal Eviction Protections in Light of COVID-19 |
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By Amy Lenz
Associate at Quarles & Brady LLP and CARPLS Professionals Board member
“Carl” called CARPLS after he was illegally threatened with eviction from his apartment during the pandemic. The unfortunate part of this story is that if had he called CARPLS right away after service of the eviction notice, CARPLS Supervising Attorney Karla Chrobak notes, "we could have prevented the whole thing."
This is because, in light of COVID-19, federal and state agencies have implemented eviction moratoriums, or suspensions, to prevent a homelessness crisis during the global pandemic. The filing of the complaint against Carl, which was for non-payment of rent, was in itself a clear violation. He panicked and moved out, but with CARPLS' advice, he could have asserted this defense and the order would not have been entered.
Knowing the statutes and rules recently passed both federally and in Illinois to protect renters will help you have a better understanding of the protections available and the upcoming deadlines you may face when it comes to eviction.
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"CARPLS Always Helped Me Through
The Cumbersome Legal Process"
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Malcolm called CARPLS because his landlord was withholding mail due to late rent. The CARPLS attorney advised him on how to proceed and assert his rights as a tenant.
He said: "The CARPLS team of lawyers have always given me expert advice pertaining to my legal problems throughout the years, whether it's suing unscrupulous mechanics, fighting a wrongful parking ticket or dealing with a difficult landlord. They've always helped me through the cumbersome legal process. I am eternally grateful!"
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CARPLS CLE On September 22!
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This one hour CLE presented by CARPLS Legal Aid will explore:
- The legal aid landscape in the greater Chicagoland area;
- The role of CARPLS Legal Aid and brief legal services is serving low income clients;
- What clients get legal aid and unfortunately who does not;
- How the COVID pandemic has affected clients, legal aid organizations and their work;
- The expected "wave" of COVID related legal issues that is coming soon;
- How the legal aid community is rallying to address the ongoing crisis;
- What you can do as a pro bono attorney to help address this coming need.
The session objective is to increase the lawyer's understanding of the need for legal aid in Illinois, how CARPLS Legal Aid is addressing that need, and the importance of pro bono volunteering especially during the COVID pandemic.
CARPLS has applied for 1 hour of Illinois professional responsibility course credit for this CLE session.
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CARPLS | 17 N. State Street | Suite 1850 | Chicago | Illinois | 60602 | carpls.org
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