Legal problems in the lives of the poor can seem insurmountable.  Faced with situations that often result in dire consequences, impoverished people understand the far-reaching impact a legal outcome will have on their family.  To make matters worse, they know they cannot afford to retain a private attorney.  Unfortunately, free legal services are in short supply in Chicago.  In a study conducted by the Chicago Bar Association, Illinois State Bar Association, Chicago Bar Foundation, Illinois Bar Foundation and Lawyers Trust Fund of Illinois, it was determined that fully 80% of the civil legal needs of Chicago’s impoverished and low-income individuals remain unmet.  One need only spend a few hours in family or housing court to confirm the study results. In case after case, individuals who cannot afford legal assistance stand before judges without representation, as the judges decide matters that we hold most private and dear—matters that relate to family, shelter and finances.
 
Because generous individuals and organizations across the United States subsidize our work, for just twenty dollars, CGLA provides a passionate, professional and caring attorney to the poorest and most vulnerable Chicagoans.  We sit with them and hear their stories; then we get to work.