Business & Work
Worried about doing this on your own? You may be able to get free legal help.
If you need legal help with an unemployment appeal, you can:
- Contact the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) to see if you qualify for a free lawyer, or
- Hire a lawyer.
Free lawyers through the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES)
The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) works with private lawyers to provide free legal services.
Call IDES after you receive a decision against you or a notice of appeal. They can help you set up a meeting with a lawyer about your case. If that lawyer finds you have a valid claim or defense, they can represent you at the appeal hearing.
Visit the IDES Legal Services Program page for more information.
Hiring your own lawyer
If you do not qualify for a free lawyer through IDES, you can hire a lawyer to represent you. Here are some things to think about when you are hiring a lawyer:
- Be sure the lawyer has experience in unemployment appeals.
- It is a good idea to contact more than one attorney. This will let you compare prices and find a lawyer who is a good fit.
- Make sure that you have an agreement, called a “retainer agreement,” signed by you and the lawyer. This should say what the lawyer will do for you and how much you have to pay. Make sure that you get a copy of this agreement.
Worried about doing this on your own? You may be able to get free legal help.
