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COVID-19 Updates

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Legal Aid Matters Podcast
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COVID-19 Updates

    Housing insecurity in the United States and the role of legal aid

    The Legal Services Corporation Housing Task Force has released their brief on housing insecurity and the role of civil legal aid in helping low-income … Continued

    Untangling the Path to Erasing Criminal Records

    Legal Aid Chicago’s Pro Bono & Community Partnerships Supervisory Attorney, Regina Hernandez joins WTTW Channel 11’s FIRSTHAND: LIFE AFTER PRISON project to discuss and … Continued

    ABC 7’s Jason Knowles talks to Legal Aid Chicago client about her unfair eviction.

    Legal Aid Chicago was recently featured in the local news. Click here to see consumer reporter Jason Knowles’ interview with our client.  

    UChicago Medicine, Legal Aid Chicago launch bedside program to provide in-hospital legal support for trauma patients injured by violence

    New $2.6 million pilot project will help patients and families focus on healing as lawyers navigate public benefits, housing assistance, employment and more The … Continued

    Próximos Pasos en el Proceso Legal Para los Recién Llegados a los Estados Unidos

    Orientación legal de unos procesos importantes de inmigración para inmigrantes recién llegados, unos derechos bajo la ley, y las obligaciones ante las agencias de … Continued

    A federal time bomb perpetuates cyclical trauma in the foster care system

    Publisher: The Chicago Tribune Published: December 1, 2022 Written: Melissa Staas (Legal Aid Chicago) and Candace Moore (Ascend Justice) For the past 25 years, more … Continued

    Remembering Donald B. Hilliker

    We sadly announce the passing of Donald B. Hilliker on August 29, 2022. Don is remembered by family, friends, and colleagues “as a tireless … Continued

    REMEMBERING JIM LATTURNER

    We are saddened by the passing of our dear friend and former colleague, James Orris Latturner, who passed on August 30th. Jim worked at … Continued

    Migrant Farmworker Project to collaborate with UIC’s new Great Lakes Center for Farmworker Health and Wellbeing.

    Legal Aid Chicago to partner with first Illinois center focused on farmworker health and safety opening in Chicago. The University of Illinois Chicago will … Continued

    Domestic Violence Committee Recommends Expanded Service for Domestic Violence Victims

    The Circuit Court of Cook County Committee on Domestic Violence Court makes recommendations for expanded service for domestic violence victims. The committee, which was … Continued

    Order of Protection Apppeal Victory.

    In 2021, our client, a survivor of domestic violence, was wrongfully denied a Plenary Order of Protection; despite her abuser, a trained in MMA … Continued

    Melissa Picciola Receives The Jeffrey D. Coleman Access to Justice Award.

    Director of Pro Bono and Community Partnerships, Melissa O. Picciola, receives the Supreme Court of Illinois’ Jeffrey D. Coleman Access to Justice Award. This … Continued

    Richard Cozzola Remembrance

    It’s with deep sorrow that we announce that Richard T. Cozzola, Legal Aid Chicago’s Supervising Attorney of Training, passed away on Saturday, April 16, … Continued

    PSA: Chicago Department of Housing awards $7.1 million to provide better housing for renters facing eviction

    PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: From Lawyers’ Committee for Better Housing (LCBH) April 5, 2022, Chicago, IL – Lawyers’ Committee for Better Housing (LCBH) today announced it will … Continued

    PSA: Pritzker Admin Encourages Residents to Apply for $150 million in Utility Assistance

    PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: From the office of Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) March 30, 2022, SPRINGFIELD, … Continued

    Chief Information Officer​ Vivian Hessel featured on Talk Justice podcast!

    Every year the legal aid tech community meets at the LSC sponsored Innovations in Technology Conference where they share their work and bring new … Continued

    Legal Aid Chicago Client Speaks up for Migrant Workers

    USA TODAY December 17, 2021 By Maria Pérez What led to a migrant worker’s death from heatstroke? He was just 24. And no one … Continued

    Barbara Richardson Rememberance

    It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the passing of our dear friend and colleague Barbara “Barb” Richardson. Barb came to … Continued

    Legal Aid Chicago Files Federal Civil Complaint For Twenty-Four Agricultural Construction Workers

    Twenty-four Agricultural Construction Workers Allege RICO, Human Trafficking, and Federal Wage Violations against Illinois H-2A Employers in U.S. Bankruptcy Court.  AUGUST 10, 2021, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – Legal Aid Chicago, with the Law Offices of Jordan & … Continued

    The Stigma of a Scarlet E

                  Chanque Jones’s lawyers had to convince her landlord in Warsaw, Ind. that she was not an eviction … Continued

    Chicago advocates press chief judge on domestic violence court access, treatment of survivors

    Changes are underway at Cook County’s domestic violence court, following an outcry from advocates about the treatment of survivors and barriers to court access … Continued

    Chicago domestic violence killings, state helpline calls spike in pandemic, even as 911 calls drop. Black, Latino victims most at risk, new report shows.

    Three weeks after Esmeralda De Luna got an order of protection against the father of her four children, he returned to their apartment in … Continued

    Racial Justice Pro Bono Work Is Up In Year After Floyd Murder

    A year after the murder of George Floyd sparked worldwide protests, legal aid experts say that there has been a noticeable and sustained increase … Continued

    State education officials order CPS to fix special education issues for students behind bars

    Update (April 14, 6:10 p.m): After this story was published, the Illinois State Board of Education sent Injustice Watch a heavily redacted copy of … Continued

    Know Your Rights – Gender Discrimination in Housing

    Know Your Rights – Gender Discrimination in Housing

    Legal Aid Matters Podcast on The Eviction Crisis and Early Resolution

    This week our hosts, Colleen Connolly and Naeem Nulwala, speak to Susan Theiss, an attorney in our Housing Practice Group, and Rae Kyritsi, Programs … Continued

    Juvenile Expungement: Running a Court-Based Help Desk During a Pandemic

    Foot traffic from within the Juvenile Center and proximity to its partners fueled a momentum that resulted in more people visiting the Juvenile Expungement … Continued

    Chicago-Kent Students Volunteer to Secure Benefits for Those Affected by COVID-19 Crisis

    One client, recently let go from a job due to COVID-19, was besieged by hospital bills. His dire medical situation didn’t help. Another lived … Continued

    Legal Aid Matters Podcast on Migrant Farmworkers and The Pesticide Case

    This week our hosts, Colleen Connolly and Naeem Nulwala, speak to Lauren Dana and Katie Johnson, members of our Immigrants & Workers’ Rights practice … Continued

    Legal Aid Chicago Hosts Event on Unemployment Healthcare Coverage

    PDF version of flyer: FB Live Healthcare Enrollment

    Family and Informal Caregivers are now Eligible for Vaccination

    For PDF versions of flyers see below: COVID 19 Vaccination Flyer for Informal Family Caregivers SPANISH Covid 19 Vaccination Flyer for Informal Family Caregivers … Continued

    Legal Aid Matters Podcast Answers the question: What is Legal Aid?

    Our hosts, Colleen Connolly and Naeem Nulwala, speak this week on what “legal aid” is, the type of work that it encompasses, and how … Continued

    Mayor Lightfoot Establishing New Gender-Based Violence Advisory Group

    CHICAGO, IL — Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot today kicked off the newly established Gender-Based Violence Advisory Group. Part of the City’s overall violence reduction strategy, the … Continued

    Naeem Speaks on Family Law and the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority

    Current podcast host, Naeem Nulwala from Legal Aid Chicago’s Children and Family Practice Group, joins our previous host, Nubia Willman, to discuss the Illinois … Continued

    Legal Aid Chicago’s Attorney, Lawrence Wood, Funniest Man in America?

    Lawrence Wood is the funniest man in America. “Oh, God, no,” he protests. “You can’t say that.” Why not? The University at Buffalo law … Continued

    Legal Aid Chicago Attorney, Regina Hernandez, Talks Gov. Pritzker’s Nearly 500,000 Cannabis Expungements

    Just before the new year, Gov. JB Pritzker announced his administration expunged nearly 500,000 cannabis arrest records and issued thousands of pardons for low-level marijuana convictions. … Continued

    Housing Issues During the Pandemic

    Dominique Lucas, a recent Legal Aid Chicago client, faced sexual harassment at her landlord’s hands after he repeatedly solicited her for sex. Dominique refused … Continued

    Migrant Farmworkers Repeatedly Sprayed with Pesticides in Illinois Sue Pioneer Hi-Bred and Pesticide Applicators

    CHICAGO – During the afternoon of July 23, 2019, a helicopter sprayed toxic pesticides on migrant farmworkers working in central Illinois’ cornfields, clearly visible in neon orange hats and … Continued

    Chapman, Legal Aid Chicago Launch App To Clear Records

    For people with past arrests or convictions, expunging or sealing their records can open back up access to social services, housing, eligibility for jobs … Continued

    Legal Aid Chicago Receives Technology Grant from the Legal Services Corporation

    WASHINGTON – The Legal Services Corporation (LSC) announced today that Legal Aid Chicago will receive a $163,679 Technology Initiative Grant (TIG) to improve the … Continued

    Housing Opportunities for Women (HOW) Hosts Virtual Luncheon with Dennericka Brooks

    On October 15th community members interested in learning about the timely topic of eviction will come together virtually to join Housing Opportunities for Women … Continued

    Chicago Rents Initiative

    The Chicago Rents Initiative aims to “recruit and support landlord partners to fill their units with a purpose”. This initiative aims to house more … Continued

    REPLACEMENT SNAP BENEFITS FOR FAMILIES AFFECTED BY THE 8/10/2020 STORM

    Downloadable flyer with form: Replacement Snap Benefits

    Legal Aid Chicago Wins TRO Against Dorothy Brown’s Office!

    On Monday, a judge granted Legal Aid Chicago’s request for a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the Clerk of the Circuit Court requiring she … Continued

    Legal Aid Chicago Files Lawsuit Against Dorothy Brown, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County

    Clerk’s Office failure to comply with the law puts survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault at risk. (Chicago, IL) July 31, 2020 — Legal … Continued

    New Rule Will Improve Administration of Justice in Eviction Courtrooms

    There is a common misperception that eviction cases are simple and routine matters involving relatively low stakes. This misconception leads some to conclude that … Continued

    We Stand in Solidarity in the Fight Against Racism and Systemic Oppression

    The horrifying murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and others have wrenched hearts across our nation and caused enormous pain, suffering, and trauma. A … Continued

    Legal Aid Chicago Updates during COVID-19

    Important Information From Legal Aid Chicago: Employment – Sick Leave and Unemployment Insurance How to Get Your IRS Stimulus Payments (Updated 2022.02.04) – en … Continued

    Legal Aid Chicago is continuing to serve our clients

    Dear Friends of Legal Aid Chicago: As our country confronts the pandemic, the leadership here is taking all appropriate steps to ensure the health … Continued

    Defining Trafficking and Fighting Trafficking with Legal AId Chicago

    This week, Colleen and Naeem have a conversation with Eduardo Cisneros and Anna Maitland of Legal Aid Chicago’s Immigration & Worker’s Practice Group on … Continued

    Legal Aid Chicago ReceIVes $600,000 NOVO Foundation Grant

            Legal Aid Chicago ReceIVes $600,000 NOVO Foundation Grant TO ADVANCE SYSTEMS-BASED SOLUTIONS TO COMMERCIAL SEXUAL EXPLOITATION New Funding Will Support … Continued

    Jamie Schulte on Education Law and the School to Prison Pipeline

    This week, Colleen and Naeem sit down with Jamie Schulte from Legal Aid Chicago’s Children and Families Practice Group to dive into education law. … Continued

    Farewell and Congratulations to our former Chief Litigation Officer, now the Honorable Judge Jennifer Payne

    Jennifer Payne, Legal Aid Chicago’s former Chief Litigation Officer, has worked at Legal Aid Chicago for 30 years, handling a wide variety of cases, … Continued

    Melissa Picciola on WGN discussing Marijuana Expungement

    CHICAGO — Even though recreational marijuana use will be legal in Illinois, some people are still paying the price for low-level cannabis cases. “You … Continued

    Legal Aid Chicago’s Ruby Smith Makes Crain’s Notable Leaders in HR!

    As chief operating officer, Ruby Smith oversees human resources and training at the nonprofit with a staff of 150. Smith enhanced the performance management … Continued

    Happy Holidays from Legal Aid Matters

    Join our co-hosts Colleen Connolly and Naeem Nulwala as they recap the topics we’ve covered in 2019 and introduce some episodes to look forward … Continued

    HIV Project with Marissa Korte

    In acknowledgement of World AIDS Day (December 1), our co-hosts sit down with SOAR paralegal Marissa Korte to discuss Legal Aid Chicago’s HIV project … Continued

    Social Work and Legal Aid with Jenelle Pedroza and Alexa Bell

    This week, co-hosts Naeem Nulwala and Colleen Connolly chat with Jenelle Pedroza and Alexa Bell, both social workers at Legal Aid Chicago, about the … Continued

    Chicago’s Office of New Americans with Nubia Willman

    Legal Aid Matters is back! Colleen Connolly, new co-host and staff attorney at Legal Aid Chicago, sits down with former Legal Aid Matters host … Continued

    Chicago Daily Law Bulletin: 40 Under 40

    Firm: Legal Aid Chicago 120 S. LaSalle St., Suite 900 Chicago Law School: Loyola University Chicago School of Law Area of Practice: Housing law, … Continued

    Sexual Assault Survivor and Legal Aid Chicago’s Battle Against CPS Ends Victorious

    Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is currently responsible for over 350,000 children. Each day parents entrust schools to provide their children with an education in … Continued

    Legal Aid Chicago Protects Seniors Rights & Joins Elder Abuse Task Force

    To combat the more than 20,000 annual reports of abuse of adults over age 60 and younger adults with disabilities, the Illinois Senate by … Continued

    Rare Student Loan Victory Granted

    Ryan believed in the American Dream. He believed that hard work and dedication could overcome any obstacle. Ryan always had a strong interest in … Continued

    Legal Aid Chicago’s 2019 Annual Luncheon

    Legal Aid Chicago’s 2019 Annual Luncheon honored Sidley Austin LLP partner and Legal Services Corporation Board Chair, John G. Levi as our Champion of … Continued

    LAF is now Legal Aid Chicago!!!

       

    Meet Kevin

    Legal Aid Chicago focuses on particularly vulnerable populations including seniors and veterans. Kevin is a U.S. Army veteran and a single father to his … Continued

    Meet Richard

    Legal Aid Chicago focuses on accessing and protecting benefits for basic human needs. Over 25% of Legal Aid Chicago’s clients are people with disabilities. … Continued

    Meet Kathy

    Legal Aid Chicago works to help survivors of violence and trafficking begin new lives. Legal Aid Chicago attorneys, specializing in several different areas of … Continued

    Meet Veronica

    Legal Aid Chicago advocates for the safety and well-being of families in Cook County. We handle an array of cases involving personal safety and … Continued

    Meet Julia

    Legal Aid Chicago focuses on cases that protect safe and affordable housing for tenants and homeowners, including preventing eviction or termination from subsidized housing, … Continued

    Meet Johnnie & Dariaye

    Legal Aid Chicago advocates for the safety and well-being of Chicagoland families. Take Johnnie – proud mother of Dariaye … At 13-months-old Dariaye was … Continued

    Meet Jerry

    Legal Aid Chicago works to ensure that low-wage Chicagoland workers receive the equitable support that they deserve. We help our clients receive unemployment insurance … Continued

    Meet Vincent

    Legal Aid Chicago focuses on cases that protect safe and affordable housing for tenants and homeowners, including preventing eviction or termination from subsidized housing, … Continued

    Crain’s Chicago: 20 in Their 20s

    Rachel Zemke 28 | Staff attorney | LAF Chicago legal aid lawyer Rachel Zemke has carved out a necessary practice at the intersection of … Continued

    Legal Aid Chicago’s Naeem Nulwala talks ICJIA

    Naeem from Legal Aid Chicago’s Children and Family Practice Group joins Nubia to discuss the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority and how it applies … Continued

    John Gallo Talks Legal Aid Chicago with Joan Esposito

    WCPT-AM 820 – Chicago’s Progressive Talk Interviewed on: May 10, 2019 Interviewer: Joan Esposito

    Legal Aid Chicago’s Bankruptcy Help Desk

    VISTA Martin Martinez and Dan Lindsey from consumer chat with Nubia about the Bankruptcy

    How A DLA Piper Help Desk Is Aiding Tenants Facing Eviction

    By Emma Cueto of Law 360 www.law360.com Walking into a Chicago eviction courtroom can be intimidating — it’s crowded, noisy, chaotic, and the average … Continued

    School Closing Victory—The Fight to Save NTA

    If Chicago Public Schools (CPS) decides to close your school, you get two minutes. Whether you are a parent, a student, or a community … Continued

    Women Veterans Project with Kathryn Socha

    Happy Women’s History Month Legal Aid Chicago’s own Kathryn Socha shares her work on the women veterans project

    Legal Aid Chicago’s Myka Held Talks Legal Services for Survivors

    Episode 10 Attorney Myka Held from Children and Family Services chats with Nubia about Legal Aid Chicago’s CLASP project.

    Legal Aid Chicago’s Michelle Weinberg talks Consumer Law in Chicago

    Michelle Weinberg of Legal Aid Chicago’s consumer practice groups chats consumer law in Chicago and the work she does, supporting and advocating for seniors.

    Tuesday Twist: Lisa Palumbo interviews Nubia Willman

    In this episode of Legal Aid Matters, Lisa Palumbo director of our Immigrants and Workers Rights Practice Group interviews our show’s host Nubia Willman. … Continued

    Ombudsman Project with Robert Graham and Suzanne Courtheoux

    The Legal Aid Chicago (formerly LAF) Ombudsman project advocates for senior citizens living in assisted living and skilled nursing facilities. Listen as Nubia, Robert, … Continued

    Domestic Violence Awareness Month with Caitlin Cervenka

    In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, this October Caitlin Cervenka of Legal Aid Chicago’s Children and Families Practice Group joins Nubia in conversation … Continued

    Legal Aid Chicago Ambassador Chair performs for Law Rocks on September 27th

    On September 27th at Lincoln Hall, Barry Horwitz, co-chair of LAF’s Young Professionals Board will be competing alongside his band Guy Incognito in the … Continued

    Regina Hernandez Talks Legal Clinics and Pro Bono Opportunities

    Regina Hernandez is a staff attorney with Legal Aid Chicago’s (formerly LAF) volunteer services unit where she recruits and manages volunteers to stretch our … Continued

    Honoring Tim Hufman, a Legal Aid Chicago Legend

    Advocating for people living in poverty is a demanding job. Doing so requires a level of caring and devotion that is difficult for the … Continued

    Legal Aid Matters: Employment, Harassment, and #MeToo

    On the latest episode of the Legal Aid Matters podcast, Nubia sits down with her colleague within Legal Aid Chicago’s Immigrants and Workers’ Tights Practice Group, … Continued

    Meet Larry Wood, Housing Group Director at LAF

    In today’s episode, we hear from Larry Wood Director Legal Aid Chicago’s (formerly LAF) Housing Practice Group Larry has spent the last 28 years … Continued

    Meet John Gallo!

    In the debut episode of Legal Aid Matters, we hear from Legal Aid Chicago (formerly LAF) CEO & Executive Director John Gallo about how … Continued

    We stand with National Teachers Academy (NTA)

    Chicago Public Schools (CPS)  wants to close a high-performing elementary school in the South Loop. We’re teaming up with Eimer Stahl LLP and Chicago … Continued

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Legal Aid Chicago provides free legal assistance in civil cases to people living in Chicago and suburban Cook County

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