Practice resources

These resources are written for legal professionals doing legal aid or pro bono work. If you do not have legal training, they may be difficult to understand. Visit resources from the main menu for legal information written and designed for the public. Note: IICLE resources are only available to legal aid employees.

Court & Hearings Resources
E-filing
(1 resources)
Illinois civil practice
Advanced content for lawyers. Information on Illinois Civil Procedure, from filing a complaint to post-trial motions to enforcement of judgments.
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Fees
(3 resources)
Illinois civil practice
Advanced content for lawyers. Information on Illinois Civil Procedure, from filing a complaint to post-trial motions to enforcement of judgments.
Text article
Civil appeals Illinois: State and federal
A handbook for lawyers on appellate practice in state and federal courts, covering post-judgment motions, standards of review, cross-appeals, interlocutory appeals, oral arguments, and more.
IICLE
Class actions
A lawyer resource on Rule 23 and class actions, covering investigation, discovery, notice, pleadings, motions, settlements, derivative suits, and attorneys’ fees.
IICLE
Starting a new case
(4 resources)
Request return of property - replevin
Use this form to sue for the return of your property wrongly being held by someone else.
Form download
Civil appeals Illinois: State and federal
A handbook for lawyers on appellate practice in state and federal courts, covering post-judgment motions, standards of review, cross-appeals, interlocutory appeals, oral arguments, and more.
IICLE
Inside and outside the jury box: Effective trial strategies
A manual for lawyers on trial strategy, covering trial psychology, community attitude surveys, change of venue studies, jury selection, witness preparation, demonstrative evidence, trial consultants, and post-verdict interviews.
IICLE
Federal Criminal Practice
A handbook for lawyers on federal criminal practice, covering jurisdiction, grand juries, bail and detention, plea bargaining, motions, jury selection, sentencing, habeas corpus, and appeals.
IICLE
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During a case
(4 resources)
Law basics: filing an appearance and answer
A video explaining what papers you need to file and what you need to do if you're being sued.
Video
How to request change of judge in your case
Your case may move to a new judge for reasons beyond your control, but you can also request that you have a new judge appointed using a Motion for Substitution.
How-To
Contempt of court
A video by Chicago Volunteer Legal Services about the power of the court to punish someone for interfering with the court process.
Video
Perils of voluntarily dismissing without prejudice
A video for attorneys by the Chicago Volunteer Legal Services about the issues you might have to overcome if you voluntarily dismiss a case.
Video
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Responding to an existing case
(4 resources)
Law basics: filing an appearance and answer
A video explaining what papers you need to file and what you need to do if you're being sued.
Video
Civil appeals Illinois: State and federal
A handbook for lawyers on appellate practice in state and federal courts, covering post-judgment motions, standards of review, cross-appeals, interlocutory appeals, oral arguments, and more.
IICLE
Federal Criminal Practice
A handbook for lawyers on federal criminal practice, covering jurisdiction, grand juries, bail and detention, plea bargaining, motions, jury selection, sentencing, habeas corpus, and appeals.
IICLE
Civil practice: Opening the case
A lawyer resource on attorney-client relationships, including case development, settlement, jurisdiction, venue, pleadings, affidavits, and related procedures.
IICLE
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After a case closes
(4 resources)
Post-trial relief
A lawyer manual about post trial relief. It covers certain aspects of motions to vacate default judgement, motions for relief from judgement, and other post trial relief for both jury and non-jury cases.
Lawyer Manuals
Contempt of court
A video by Chicago Volunteer Legal Services about the power of the court to punish someone for interfering with the court process.
Video
Civil appeals Illinois: State and federal
A handbook for lawyers on appellate practice in state and federal courts, covering post-judgment motions, standards of review, cross-appeals, interlocutory appeals, oral arguments, and more.
IICLE
Class actions
A lawyer resource on Rule 23 and class actions, covering investigation, discovery, notice, pleadings, motions, settlements, derivative suits, and attorneys’ fees.
IICLE
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Administrative hearings
(4 resources)
Reinstatement and issuance of restricted driving permits
Overview of relevant Illinois laws and regulations pertaining to the reinstatement and issuance of restricted driving permits. Does not include applicable case law.
Lawyer Manuals
The formal hearing process
Overview of the formal hearing process for reinstating a revoked or suspended driver’s license in Illinois. Includes how to request a formal hearing and all parts of the hearing itself.
Lawyer Manuals
Responding to a DCFS investigation
The Family Defense Center (FDC) offers a manual for responding to a DCFS investigation and is written with the "wrongly accused" person in mind.
Link
Administrative review
Explains the civil procedure and administrative review process for formal hearings related to the reinstatement of driving permits. Includes applicable case law.
Lawyer Manuals
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Legal Q & A
(2 resources)
What to know if you think Chicago police violated your rights
What to know if you think Chicago police violated your rights and you want to sue them a guide for the public produced by First Defense Legal Aid to provide general details about police misconduct lawsuits.

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What is limited scope representation?
Limited scope representation is a cheaper option if you believe you can do some of the work without a lawyer’s help. This article provides tips and information about how to divide responsibilities using an unbundled model for legal services.
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Appeals
(3 resources)
SSI and SSDI overpayments and appeals
This article for lawyers explains overpayments, Notices of Overpayment, SSA's appeals process, and SSA's options for collecting overpayment.
Text article
Civil appeals Illinois: State and federal
A handbook for lawyers on appellate practice in state and federal courts, covering post-judgment motions, standards of review, cross-appeals, interlocutory appeals, oral arguments, and more.
IICLE
Defending Criminal Cases: Trials, Sentencing, Appeals, and Post trial Issues
A resource for lawyers on Illinois criminal practice, covering trial strategy, evidence, sentencing, appeals, post-conviction hearings, and habeas corpus.
IICLE
About Lawyers
(1 resources)
What is limited scope representation?
Limited scope representation is a cheaper option if you believe you can do some of the work without a lawyer’s help. This article provides tips and information about how to divide responsibilities using an unbundled model for legal services.
Text article