Municipal Court Advice Desk
 
Circuit Court of Cook County, The Chicago Bar Foundation and Coordinated Advice and Referral Program for Legal Service (CARPLS)
Richard J. Daley Center, Room 602
50 West Washington Street
Chicago, Illinois 60602
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except court holidays
No appointments – first come, first served
Spanish interpreter is available
CARPLS HOTLINE: 312.738.9200
 
Sponsored by the Circuit Court of Cook County, The Chicago Bar Foundation and Coordinated Advice and Referral Program for Legal Service (CARPLS), the Municipal Court Advice Desk provides free legal assistance to low income pro se defendants in municipal court cases. (Pro se defendants represent themselves in court.)  The Desk is staffed by attorneys, interns and law student volunteers who interview and advise defendants. General legal advice, help with the preparation of court-required documents such as pleadings and motions, and assistance with settlement negotiations are available.  Referral will also be made when direct legal representation is required through a special arrangement between CARPLS and the Chicago Legal Clinic.

Clients should arrive before 8:30 a.m. and check in with in-take staff in Room 602.  Clients arriving later in the day may see an attorney if time permits.
 
Assistance for the following types of cases is provided at the Municipal Court Advice Desk: