Our Vision

A just society where all people can live safe, secure and equal lives.

Our Purpose

We simplify the law so that all people can resolve their problems.  

Our Values

At Illinois Legal Aid Online (ILAO), these core values guide our work:

People-centered

The needs of the people we serve are our first priority. We aim to ensure that they can easily understand if their problems can be addressed by the law and then provide the resources to do so.

Simplicity

Complicated systems and concepts are simplified and presented as clearly understandable explanations and processes.

Courage

We are not afraid to try new approaches, take calculated risks, and attempt to do things that may not have widespread support.

Learning and improving

We are driven to continuously improve in order to better serve more people. We learn from our successes, setbacks, and each other.

Connecting

We connect people to information, lawyers, solutions, and each other, so everyone can find the best resolution to their problems.

Our Goals

ILAO's current strategic plan (2018-2021) sets out 4 ambitious goals that are driven by our mission and vision for the future.

1. Proven impact drives our innovation and focus.

We demonstrate the positive change our work makes for people, leading to new approaches and better solutions.

2. Everyone who can benefit from ILAO knows we exist and what we do.

We make it easy for people to discover ILAO and benefit from our services.

3. A diversified revenue engine funds our ambition.

We have big plans that inspire investors and drive new revenue opportunities.

4. We stimulate progress to better serve tomorrow.

Our drive for solutions leads us to continually try new things.

History

Illinois Legal Aid Online (ILAO) was formed in March 2001 by 12 partner organizations as a unique and unprecedented statewide collaboration of legal services providers, funding entities, the private bar, and law schools. Substantial initial funding was donated by the Lawyers Trust Fund of Illinois, The Chicago Bar Foundation, and IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law, where ILAO was housed for its first four years. In March 2005, the organization was incorporated as an independent nonprofit.

The founding partners were instrumental in the formation and growth of the organization and provided early leadership, motivation, and vision. ILAO made its online debut in July 2001 by launching two websites, one for lower-income people seeking legal help and one for legal aid lawyers and pro bono legal professionals. In 2012, a Spanish-language site was deployed to serve Illinois' growing Spanish-speaking community.

ILAO's websites have undergone several iterations and have evolved significantly over the years, with new features and services being added regularly. In August 2016, ILAO unveiled this state-of-the-art website to replace the five sites and two mobile apps it previously hosted. More than 2 million people are expected to visit Illinois Legal Aid Online in 2018.

Recognition and Awards

ILAO has been nationally recognized as a leader in using technology to deliver legal services, and has won several awards over the years:

  • Technology Leadership Award, presented by Accenture and Lumity (2006)
  • Louis Brown Award for Legal Access (Meritorious Recognition), presented by the American Bar Association (2010)
  • Paul H. Chapman Award (for significant contribution to the improvement of justice in America), presented by The Foundation for Improvement of Justice (2010)
  • Public Interest Partner Award - IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law (2011)
  • Connection Award - LivePerson Software (2012)
  • Pro Bono Partnership Award - John Deere Global Legal Services Group (2012)
  • Technology Innovations Award - Law Technology News (2013)

To celebrate ILAO's 15th anniversary, Governor Rauner proclaimed March 8, 2016, as "Illinois Legal Aid Online Day" in the state of Illinois.

Our Supporters

Support for ILAO comes from: