Cook County Legal Hotline Reaches One Million Free Consultations Provided
CARPLS Legal Aid, a free legal hotline based in Cook County, including projects statewide, has reached one million consultations provided to low- and moderate-income Illinoisans.
Founded in 1993, CARPLS helps residents find solutions to their everyday legal matters. CARPLS has a singular focus to ensure anyone in need can access legal justice.
"We cannot be more honored to accomplish one million consultations provided in our 30-year history" said Allen Schwartz, CARPLS executive director. "We are so proud of and grateful to our entire staff who work day in and day out for access to justice. We believe that no one should face their legal problem alone and we are here for them."
Before the pandemic, one in five Americans may have been eligible for free legal assistance but only half could access important legal resources. Now the demand for free legal help is even greater.
Asghar, who lives on Chicago's South Side, was CARPLS' one-millionth consultation! "I called CARPLS just wondering what I could do [about a landlord issue]. They really helped me take action to figure out what to do next. I followed the attorney's advice; she was very encouraging. I would definitely recommend CARPLS to people who have a legal need."
About CARPLS Legal Aid:
Whether counseling someone on how to file for unemployment, navigate family custodial agreements, or communicate with their landlord, attorneys at CARPLS provide essential services to our community.
CARPLS has led the Cook County legal aid community's response to overwhelming and evolving demands for help with debt, unemployment, evictions, family law, wills, and many more issues.
Serving 1 out of 4 legal aid cases in Cook County, CARPLS is the hub of the legal aid network. CARPLS resolves 85% of cases in-house and refers 15% of cases to more than 40 legal service partners. 45% of CARPLS clients are living below the poverty line and the majority have never spoken to an attorney prior to calling.
CARPLS is a lead partner with New Leaf Illinois, Eviction Help Illinois, Cook County Legal Aid for Housing & Debt Early Resolution Program, the Illinois Armed Forces Legal Aid Network, and COVID HELP Illinois.
Contact:
Email Nicole NeSmith, Director of Communications, at nnesmith@carpls.org or call (706) 728-7784.