Legal Aid Chicago

September 15th kicks off Latinx Heritage Month, when we acknowledge and honor the contributions and history of Latinx communities. These dates recognize the independence days of various countries such as Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and Nicaragua. Felices Fiestas Patrias from Legal Aid Chicago!

Last week, our Medical Legal Partnership (MLP) with UChicago Medicine was featured in an article published by The Trace, a non-profit newsroom that works to shed light on gun violence in America. In its first year of operation, our MLP (known as Recovery Legal Care) screened 366 patients. More than 97% had at least one health-harming legal need. A majority of those needs were related to public benefits that patients were not receiving. Read more about Recovery Legal Care here: https://bit.ly/4gn1Mqo

At this month’s meeting of our Executive Board, former client and current Board Treasurer, Veronica Gonzalez, was presented with a commemorative plaque for her brave and compelling testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee earlier this year. Vermont Senator Peter Welch, extended his gratitude with a hand-written thank you note and a picture to commemorate the event. Follow the link to see the full hearing: https://bit.ly/3xOq3nP

Are you interested in working at Legal Aid Chicago? Our Consumer Practice Group is seeking a full-time Consumer Protection Supervising Attorney. Click the link to learn more: https://bit.ly/3ZeOFBh

Just 15 more days till Justice is Served! Don’t wait, early bird tickets ends Monday! Tickets available here: https://bit.ly/44KKWf3

This summer, The Harris Poll conducted a survey to illuminate many of the common misunderstandings Americans hold about the civil justice system. Legal Aid Chicago’s largest funder, the Legal Services Corporation, commissioned this study to raise awareness of the value of free legal services for individuals and families living in poverty. At Legal Aid Chicago, we provide comprehensive legal services to clients facing a variety of civil legal issues, including public benefits, housing, debt, long-term case, family law, and much more. We also work to spread awareness about our civil justice system through public outreach and community education. To read more about The Harris Poll’s findings, click here: https://bit.ly/3X98sQ1

Please be advised that our offices will be closed on Monday, September 2nd, in recognition of Labor Day. Since it was first designated as an official federal holiday in 1894, Labor Day has honored and celebrated the inspiring achievements of American workers and the American labor movement. To our staff, our clients, and our supporters, Legal Aid Chicago wishes everyone a Happy Labor Day!

Update on our Domestic Violence Awareness Month feature: today, the Illinois First District Appellate Court recognized that financial security is imperative to safety and stated that judges may not decline to decide the issue of child support in Orders of Protection! This is a win for survivors across Illinois who are often forced to file a new case outside of the Domestic Violence Court in order to seek child support. Thank you to our OP Appeals Project partner, Dentons, for their fantastic commitment to DV survivors! To read the full decision, click here:https://bit.ly/4cKZBd5

Justice is Served! Happening on September 20th, is Legal Aid Chicago's Ambassadors Board annual fundraiser. Join us at Carnivale for award-winning cuisine, craft cocktails, great conversation, and an opportunity to support Legal Aid Chicago's mission. Special early-bird discount ends September 9! Justice is Served September 20, 2024 7:00 pm 702 W Fulton St Chicago, IL 60661

Please be advised that Legal Aid Chicago’s physical office will be closed the week of August 19th, and we will be operating remotely due to the Democratic National Convention. You can still reach us by phone at 312-341-1070 and online at https://bit.ly/3Rwj60z.