The Sixth Judicial Circuit has a Pro Bono Committee that initiated the Ask-a-Lawyer project. Twice a month from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Self Help Center on the first floor of the courthouse, pro bono attorneys volunteer their time to provide legal advice for self-represented litigants, who meet certain criteria:
- The litigant must be proceeding in the matter for which they are seeking assistance on a self-represented basis and not be receiving the assistance of an attorney in the matter
- The litigant’s household income must be within 200% of federal poverty guidelines
- The litigant must not have received assistance through the Help Desk previously on this matter.
Litigants are seen on a first come first serve basis, and have about 30 minutes to speak with the lawyer. So far, dates have been added through August: June 4th and 19th, July 2nd and 16th, August 6th and 20th.
Attorneys or paralegals who want to volunteer their time, can sign up here.
Photo from Champaign County Illinois Facebook page