Hotline Number 312-738-9200

August 2017  
CARPLS COUNTS ITS BLESSINGS
CARPLS just completed fiscal year FY17 (July 1, 2016-June 30, 2017). At the end of the year, we take stock of our accomplishments and look to the future. By June 30, CARPLS provided 53,661 services to clients on a variety of legal matters, marking a 5% increase over last year's total numbers. 

However, our services are always focused on each individual client we reach.This year, we conducted over 3,000 surveys and more than 9 out of 10 reported a high satisfaction rate with our services.

As one client noted, "CARPLS gave me the confidence I needed to move forward with a decision I knew was best for me."

Just like our clients, CARPLS attorneys help move the justice system forward by sharing best practices. We are proud to be a part of the vital legal aid community serving Cook County, the state and the nation.

Pat Wrona, CARPLS Legal Director reflects, "The rest of the legal aid community, judges and the general bar look to CARPLS attorneys for input and expertise on the legal problems that face our clients. As the front door to legal aid in Cook County, where we have the largest consolidated court system in the country, CARPLS attorneys are on the front lines of emerging poverty law legal issues and the many challenges that pro se litigants have to face."

CARPLS attorneys are often sought after in the civil legal matters of housing, family law and consumer law. For instance, we serve on Access to Justice committees to streamline statewide court forms, speak at national legal aid conferences, assist court domestic violence services to develop materials and services for self-representing clients and we provide input on consumer law statewide legislative matters.

CARPLS is most grateful to our many funders, supporters, staff and volunteers that make our mission of providing everyday justice to everyday people possible. Here is to another year of service at CARPLS. 
JOIN THE ASSOCIATE BOARD

At CARPLS, we strive to make a lasting, impactful difference in the community by providing access to justice. You can play a role in this vision by joining our Associate Board. We are seeking young professionals that want to expand our work through fundraising, volunteering, creating community awareness and serving as a emissary for our mission.

CARPLS Associate Board members play a crucial role in our organization and have a wonderful esprit de corps that is notable in all our meetings and events and form a vital professional and social network.

Chris Hamway, Associate Board Board President notes, "Collaborating with fun, innovative professionals on the CARPLS Associate Board has been a great honor for me personally and professionally. Our members are given the perfect opportunity to grow as leaders and unearth creative energies, all while working towards everyday justice." 

Board members are asked to commit for one year at a time. Please contact Tanya Pietrkowski at tpietrkowski@carpls.org if you are interested in learning more. 


YOUNG PROS SOCIAL WITH LANDMARKS ILLINOIS
ARE YOU LOOKING TO ESTABLISH A NEW LAW PRACTICE?

The Justice Entrepreneurs Project (JEP), Chicago's law practice incubator, is now searching for its tenth cohort of talented and entrepreneurial lawyers to begin JEP programming in November, 2017. Over the course of 18 months, the JEP empowers lawyers to start, grow, and sustain innovative, socially conscious, and successful law practices that serve regular folks throughout Chicagoland. Participants receive substantive law and business training, mentorship and practice experience, physical and electronic resources including office space and software. The JEP, a project of the Chicago Bar Foundation, also gives participants unparalleled access and insight into Chicago's legal services delivery ecosystem. Links to learn more, register for an information session, or to apply are live on www.jepchicago.org. Applications must be in by Friday, September 8, 2017 to be considered for the November 2017 JEP cohort.


CARPLS  |  17 N. State Street  |  Suite 1850  |  Chicago  |  Illinois  |  60602  | carpls.org