Happy New Year!

Hotline Number 312-738-9200

January 2020

Thank you for being a dedicated supporter of our vision to provide anyone with a legal need access to an attorney consultation through CARPLS.

Last year, we provided over 63,000 consultations to people in need—the most in our 26-year history. This year, we know we can help even more people because we have advocates like you in our corner.

Save The Date!

Help us build our vision and become a sponsor of our Golden Gavel Celebration on May 20, 2020. For more details, contact [email protected] .

Client Success Story: "10-Star Service!"

Our client, Nick, recently called CARPLS "a 10-star service."

Nick consulted with CARPLS attorneys when he faced a surprise debt judgment that he thought he had successfully contested 13 years ago.

First, a CARPLS attorney found that Nick had never been served properly. In an additional consultation, the attorney helped Nick file a motion to quash, or render the court's previous decision invalid. Nick won his motion and had the debt judgment removed permanently. He said, "Thanks to CARPLS, I got my case resolved!"

Allen C. Schwartz Awarded PILI's

Distinguished Public Service Award!

Al Schwartz, CARPLS Executive Director, was awarded the Distinguished Public Service Award at the PILI Annual Awards Luncheon on December 4.

Al was the first attorney hire at CARPLS in 1993 and was promoted to Executive Director in 2003.

David Williams, President of the CARPLS Board of Directors, said, "In his 26 years with CARPLS, Al has championed CARPLS' staff, volunteers, and board members to do the inspiring work that has helped so many. Al never loses sight of what's important: advocating for our clients."

Al said when he was first informed of the honor, all he could think about was everyone who helped him along the way. "The arc of my career in public service has been shaped by a variety of family, friends, and colleagues."

At the luncheon, he thanked "CARPLS staff and volunteers for their remarkable service on the front lines of the fight for equal justice. By the numbers, they may be the most productive working group in ALL of legal aid, providing more than 60,000 legal consults annually on over 30,000 cases. More impressive is the manner in which they approach their charge. Their compassion, dedication, and professionalism in the face of overwhelming need is nothing short of awe inspiring."

Start The New Year Right: Volunteer In 2020!

Our first volunteer training session of 2020 is January 15! Email [email protected] , or visit here for more information.

As an attorney, you have the skills to significantly impact lives and break down the barriers to justice people often face.

Everyday Justice Blog: The Pro Bono Network

CARPLS is proud of its partnerships with many Chicago-area and Illinois organizations, including this month’s feature on the Pro Bono Network. CARPLS’ Everyday Justice Blog is a showcase for all of us who are working towards the mission of access to justice.

In 2016, Forbes called Pro Bono Network (PBN) the “ Uber of Legal Aid .” With nearly 400 volunteer lawyers in their base, over 21,000 completed volunteer hours, and over 3,700 clients serviced to date, PBN is a force in the Cook County legal aid community.

Read the full blog post here!

Latasha Thomas Named To Crain's Chicago Business' 2019 Notable Minorities In Accounting, Consulting & Law

CARPLS Advisory Board Member Latasha Thomas, also a former, longtime Board of Directors member, was recently recognized by Crain’s Chicago Business' 2019 Notable Minorities in Accounting, Consulting & Law.

“I am honored to have received this recognition," Latasha says. "Early in my career, I aspired to realize success in politics and promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and I am proud to have made those goals a reality as I continue to push for diversity and uplift others in the workplace.”

View the full listing here .

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