Springfield, IL-(Effingham Radio)- Secretary of State, Supreme Court and The Chicago Bar Foundation Partner
to Help Guide Litigants Through Legal System
A new pilot program utilizing the state’s public libraries to improve court access will offer guidance for Illinoisans struggling to navigate the legal system on their own.
The goal of the pilot is to help people without lawyers—who may have limited technology capabilities or transportation challenges—more easily access legal information and assistance at their local public library.
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias’ office partnered with the Illinois Supreme Court’s Commission on Access to Justice and The Chicago Bar Foundation to establish Court Access Library Centers in selected public libraries that offer space and dedicated equipment for residents without lawyers to appear in court remotely, obtain legal information and resources, and e-file and access court documents online.
“Our libraries have always served as a hub for learning and finding answers. Adding legal guidance as a supplement to the knowledge already available just makes sense,” Giannoulias said. “Bringing services directly to the people has been a top priority of my administration, and we will continue to find innovative ways to work toward that goal.”
“This impactful statewide partnership will significantly enhance access to justice, enabling many individuals to meaningfully engage in their court cases,” said Lake County Judge Jorge Ortiz, Chair of the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice. “This is particularly vital for those who face barriers such as limited access to legal services, technology, or transportation to the courthouse. We are thrilled to collaborate with the Illinois Secretary of State and The Chicago Bar Foundation in this important initiative.”
“Libraries have long been a trusted place where people can find help right in their own community,” said Bob Glaves, Executive Director of The Chicago Bar Foundation. “We are thrilled to be part of this innovative partnership with the Secretary of State and the Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice to expand the information and resources that libraries already offer their communities so they can better assist people facing legal problems on their own.”
Using a data-driven approach, 18 libraries across the state were selected for the pilot phase based on the volume of litigants without lawyers, geographic and/or transportation limitations to local courthouses, broadband internet access constraints and interest from public libraries in the area.
Each pilot location has been provided with court access training for the librarians who volunteer. Additionally, some librarians will be trained as certified “Court Library Navigators” to offer more customized legal information to patrons. The Court Library Navigators’ training sessions will focus on specific types of cases, including: divorce and child custody; domestic violence; wills, trusts and estates; housing; and consumer debt.
For more information about Court Access Library Center locations and resources, litigants are encouraged to call Illinois Court Help at (833) 411-1121.
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