Court & Hearings
Worried about doing this on your own? You may be able to get free legal help.
Apply Online
You can apply online through this website to several legal aid organizations in Cook County that provide free legal services.
Call the free CARPLS legal aid hotline (312) 738-9200
CARPLS lawyers give legal advice and other help. If a pro bono or legal aid lawyer might be able to take your case, CARPLS lawyers will tell you where to call.
- The hotline is very busy. You may be on hold for up to 20 minutes
- If you get a busy signal, call back at another time. Keep trying.
- Helps people up to 350% of the Federal Poverty Level
- You can book an appointment online for $25
- Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-4:30pm (open until 7:30pm Mondays and Wednesdays)
Learn about your legal issue and complete court forms
You can learn about your issue, apply for legal help online, and use programs to help you complete and print your courts forms easily.
For live help e-filing court documents, please visit Illinois Court Help.
Visit a help desk
There are many help desks in Cook County where you can get help. This often includes legal advice from a lawyer.
Visit the Cook County Circuit Court website to get up-to-date information.
Consider paying for a lawyer
JEP Lawyers
JEP lawyers offer affordable services. Many offer fixed fees and flexible representation options, including limited scope representation. The cost will depend on how much the lawyer does, and how much you are willing to do on your own.
For more information, visit The Justice Entrepreneurs Project or call (312) 546-3282
Chicago Legal Clinic
The Chicago Legal Clinic charges clients fees depending on their income.
For more information, visit The Chicago Legal Clinic or call (773) 731-1762
Chicago Bar Association lawyer referral service
- Makes referrals to lawyers who charge fees in Chicago
- $30.00 administrative fee to the CBA for the first consultation
- Visit the Lawyer Referral Service website or call (312) 554-2001. Hearing impaired people may call (312) 554-2055.
Illinois State Bar Association lawyer referral service
- Makes referrals to lawyers who charge fees in Illinois
- $25 for the first, 30-minute consultation
- Search the IllinoisLawyerFinder directory for lawyers in your area or call ISBA's Lawyer Referral Service at (800) 922-8757 and speak to an ISBA operator.
Other Lawyer Referral Services and Directories
Different bar associations in Cook County have lawyer referral services and directories:
Worried about doing this on your own? You may be able to get free legal help.
