Cy Pres Awards
In nearly every class action lawsuit that results in a monetary award, a portion of the funds goes unclaimed by class members. These residual funds are often set aside for alternative purposes. The legal term for identifying an appropriate alternative use for these leftover funds is cy pres. Decisions about how to allocate cy pres funds to a non-profit are generally made by the attorneys and approved by the court, usually as part of a settlement agreement. Cy pres awards offer an opportunity to promote access to justice for those who need it most.
Why is Legal Aid Chicago an excellent fit for a cy pres award?
- Legal Aid Chicago provides critical civil legal services to people who cannot afford representation—helping them navigate issues like eviction, domestic violence, consumer fraud, and denial of public benefits. Cy pres funds expand that reach and ensure the justice system is not just for those who can pay.
- Many class actions involve consumer rights, employment violations, or housing issues—areas that Legal Aid Chicago regularly addresses. When direct distribution to class members isn’t feasible, giving funds to Legal Aid Chicago ensures the money still supports individuals affected by similar harms.
- Legal Aid Chicago is a trusted nonprofit with strong compliance, financial accountability, and measurable outcomes.
- Judges recognize that Legal Aid Chicago helps maintain the integrity and accessibility of the legal system—especially for those who would otherwise be left out.
- Cy pres awards can multiply their impact in the hands of Legal Aid Chicago—funding not only direct representation but also community education and systemic litigation. These efforts often benefit entire populations beyond individual clients.
How You Can Help
If you or your firm are involved in a class action case and are unable to fully distribute the settlement funds, your nomination of Legal Aid Chicago as a Cy Pres recipient can help make justice a reality for our clients in poverty.
For more information, please contact:
Daniel Lindsey
Chief Litigation Officer
dlindsey@legalaidchicago.org