Legal Aid Chicago

Legal Aid Chicago Legal Aid Chicago provides high-quality civil legal services to low-income and disadvantaged people The American legal system is complex for anyone.

But for someone who is living in poverty and unable to hire an attorney, our legal system is downright intimidating. For more than 50 years, LAF has provided people living in poverty in metropolitan Chicago with free professional legal services. Each year, LAF makes equal justice a reality, impacting the lives of about 30,000 of the most vulnerable members of our community. Each issue is unique, a

nd each of LAF’s 80 full-time attorneys and staff gives their clients individualized attention. Their work results in such successes as the gaining custody of a child, obtaining an order of protection against an abusive spouse, preventing an unfair eviction, or getting justice for a victim of consumer fraud. LAF’s work starts by making the legal system accessible to clients and concludes with a resolution that changes their lives and gets them back on track. LAF’s work is more important than ever. The number of people living in poverty in Cook County has increased by half a million people. In a single year, LAF helped over 1,600 families whose homes were in foreclosure. In that same year, LAF kept 6,400 people from homelessness by preventing unfair evictions or saving subsidized housing vouchers. Furthermore, 60 percent of LAF’s clients are women, many of them raising children on their own. Today, governmental budget cuts are a financial reality. But LAF’s services have never been more needed. So LAF relies on private donations to fulfill its mission.

Creating access to justice starts with building the spaces and infrastructure that make our work possible. As Legal Aid ...
06/18/2026

Creating access to justice starts with building the spaces and infrastructure that make our work possible.

As Legal Aid Chicago prepared for its move into a new office in February 2026, Volunteer of the Year honoree Stacy Osmond and her team at DLA Piper provided invaluable pro bono counsel throughout more than a year and a half of lease negotiations.

Stacy advised on every stage of the process and helped Legal Aid Chicago negotiate and finalize office space that will support our work and meet the needs of our staff, clients, and community for years to come.

At this year’s Annual Luncheon, we were proud to recognize Stacy for her thoughtful guidance, patience, and dedication in helping us navigate this important milestone and position Legal Aid Chicago for the decade ahead.

Thank you, Stacy, for helping strengthen the foundation that allows equal justice to reach more people across Cook County.

After 30 years serving Legal Aid Chicago as a paralegal, Volunteer of the Year honoree Kate McCartin returned from retir...
06/18/2026

After 30 years serving Legal Aid Chicago as a paralegal, Volunteer of the Year honoree Kate McCartin returned from retirement to continue serving clients through our Client Screening Group.

Since returning as a volunteer, Kate has devoted nearly 1,500 hours helping clients navigate public benefits issues involving SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, and more.

Her lifelong commitment to public interest work and unwavering compassion continue to make an extraordinary impact on our clients and staff.

We were proud to honor Kate at last week's annual luncheon. Thank you for everything you do, Kate!

Legal Aid Chicago’s Order of Protection Appeals Project, in partnership with Dentons, provides appellate representation ...
06/18/2026

Legal Aid Chicago’s Order of Protection Appeals Project, in partnership with Dentons, provides appellate representation for survivors who have been wrongly denied protection.

Volunteer of the Year honorees Shalin Shah, Sean Kirwin, and Shari Klevens stepped forward to advocate for a client seeking safety and equal treatment after enduring abuse and harassment.

Their dedication helped ensure the client could appeal a wrongful denial and continue fighting for protection and justice.

Our pro bono volunteers help ensure that individuals and families across Cook County can continue accessing free civil legal services when they need them most. We were thrilled to honor this Dentons team at last week’s annual luncheon.

Legal Aid Chicago’s Divorce Litigation Project helps clients navigate one-issue divorce cases with the support of pro bo...
06/17/2026

Legal Aid Chicago’s Divorce Litigation Project helps clients navigate one-issue divorce cases with the support of pro bono attorneys.

Volunteer of the Year honoree Maciej Sokolowski has dedicated more than a decade of service to the project, contributing over 140 hours of pro bono representation.

Maciej combines deep family law expertise with a compassionate and steady approach, helping clients navigate emotionally difficult legal processes with dignity and support.

Our pro bono volunteers help ensure that individuals and families across Cook County can continue accessing free civil legal services when they need them most. We were thrilled to honor Maciej at last week’s annual luncheon.

Through the Divorce Litigation Project, volunteer attorneys help clients move through the divorce process with guidance,...
06/17/2026

Through the Divorce Litigation Project, volunteer attorneys help clients move through the divorce process with guidance, advocacy, and support.

Volunteer of the Year honoree Vani Sahi quickly became a trusted advocate after joining the project in 2025. Her thoughtful, client-centered approach helps clients feel informed, comfortable, and supported during difficult transitions.

Vani’s compassion and commitment have already made a meaningful impact on the individuals and families she serves.

Our pro bono volunteers help ensure that individuals and families across Cook County can continue accessing free civil legal services when they need them most. We were thrilled to honor Vani at last week’s annual luncheon.

The Order of Protection Litigation Project provides direct legal representation to survivors of domestic violence seekin...
06/17/2026

The Order of Protection Litigation Project provides direct legal representation to survivors of domestic violence seeking protection in court.

Volunteer of the Year honoree Hannah Amundsen has been a compassionate and tireless advocate for survivors navigating difficult and emotional legal proceedings.

Whether negotiating agreements or litigating contested hearings, Hannah’s representation helps ensure clients feel supported, empowered, and protected throughout the process. We were thrilled to honor Hannah at last week’s annual luncheon.

Our pro bono volunteers help ensure that individuals and families across Cook County can continue accessing free civil legal services when they need them most.

Today's Katten Diego Legal Clinic has been cancelled due to severe weather conditions in the area. Please stay safe!
06/17/2026

Today's Katten Diego Legal Clinic has been cancelled due to severe weather conditions in the area. Please stay safe!

Legal Aid Chicago’s Low Income Tax Clinic helps working individuals and families navigate tax disputes, avoid costly fil...
06/15/2026

Legal Aid Chicago’s Low Income Tax Clinic helps working individuals and families navigate tax disputes, avoid costly filing mistakes, and better understand their rights and responsibilities as taxpayers.

Volunteer of the Year honoree Karen Lobl played a critical role in launching the clinic after recognizing the growing need for tax-related legal support among Legal Aid Chicago clients. As both a CPA and attorney, Karen continues to provide invaluable expertise across the organization, supporting clients and staff alike.

From helping clients resolve IRS disputes to using her financial expertise to protect families from losing critical child support payments, Karen’s compassion, creativity, and dedication have made a lasting impact.

We were thrilled to honor Karen at last week's annual luncheon. Thank you for everything you do, Karen!

Through Legal Aid Chicago’s ADAPT Project, volunteer attorneys help clients secure critical estate planning documents in...
06/15/2026

Through Legal Aid Chicago’s ADAPT Project, volunteer attorneys help clients secure critical estate planning documents including powers of attorney, living wills, and transfer on death instruments.

Volunteer of the Year honoree Jack Frisbie has become one of ADAPT’s most consistent and compassionate advocates. In 2025 alone, his work helped families avoid more than $122,000 in probate-related costs while giving clients peace of mind and security for the future.

Jack approaches every client with care, patience, and thoughtfulness, ensuring families can plan ahead with dignity.

We were thrilled to honor Jack at last week's annual luncheon. Thank you for everything you do, Jack!

Thank you for joining us at the Legal Aid Chicago Annual Luncheon! Because of you, yesterday's event was a tremendous su...
06/12/2026

Thank you for joining us at the Legal Aid Chicago Annual Luncheon! Because of you, yesterday's event was a tremendous success. We are so grateful for the community that shows up — year after year — to celebrate and support this work.

If you haven't yet made a gift, there is still time. Your support ensures that Legal Aid Chicago can continue fighting for those who need it most. Every contribution makes a difference.

Give today: https://legalaidchicago.org/donate-annual-luncheon-2026/

Address

200 N. La Salle Street, Ste 1400
Chicago, IL
60601

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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