Legal Aid Chicago - Chicago, Illinois

Law

I spoke with Ms Gibson Williams at Legal Aid Chicago on Friday. She was referred to me by my caseworker at Heartland Alliance.

I did my intake with her immediately because my situation was urgent. I was given an eviction order a month prior and because I entered a motion to delay the eviction, I attended court the previous Wednesday.

I let her know that the sheriff could come any day and there wasn't any way I could find out exactly when. She told me she would speak to me again Tuesday because Monday was a holiday. I sent two messages, one text message, and an email. I also called. Nothing.

I asked a simple question. "Is it possible that I can still remain in the apartment with your help, or should I begin seeking transitional housing immediately?"

Luckily, I always rely on myself first. I'm not about to wait for them. I'm executing my last resort plan. Rent a truck and storage space and move out as soon as I secure emergency or transitional housing.

I know I'm not entitled to their services. So this isn't a complaint as much as it's advice for anyone who may be relying on a service like this. Have a backup plan at all times.

After reading the other negative reviews, I see that putting faith in a service like this is a bad idea. They are likely overwhelmed with caseloads and all of them likely have the same urgent needs.

Kate Sullivan

Two stars because the person I talked to was awesome and responsive initially. Though, after the intake process (which was very positive and the financials looked like we were approved), I was ghosted completly. I felt led on and was left in a very precarious legal situation.

Genova Izguerra

My compliments and gratitude to attorney Joseph Garcia . Would've been near impossible to find justice for pregnancy discrimination were it not for legal aid Chicago.. Joseph has such a calming tone that it helped me walk through this stressful process and the back and forth.

Roger Byrd

As Minister of anti-domestic-violence-abuse I went to Legal Aid Chicago for help. However, not only was I not helped, but ignored, and lied on with false information. I felt dehumanized.
Overall, IMO this organization ignores the victim rights' and plight the plight of domestic violence survivors who are non-binary victims or physically limited, in favor of gender-biases and female clients. I would never recommend getting help from them if you are NOT of binary status quo favorite. Please be safe!
Minister RB

Nik S

I’d like to express my endless gratitude to this organization. I was represented by one of their attorneys - Mr. Bringardner for an appeal hearing that I had filed request for previously regarding the denial of my unemployment benefits. I couldn’t afford an attorney myself, considering the fact that I wasn’t getting charged for the service I was quite sceptical how much effort was gonna be put in by them in my case. That was quickly changed by the work of Mr. Bringardner since the day he was assigned as my attorney until the case was considered close. They make sure you are well prepared for the hearing, they are perfect during the hearing by their examination or cross examination, they are 100% on top of any detail regarding the case. Even tho since the beginning they clearly explained that their job is only to represent me on the hearing date, whenever I emailed him afterwards with a question regarding some letters from IDES he always took the time to answer my emails and give me an advice.
Thank you!

Lindsay

If you’re struggling financially and are dealing with DV don’t bother with these people it seems like winning is more important to them than safety.

Ge Ge

If you were referred to any case assigned to Dolores Ayala specifically- this review is for you. The paralegal was pleasant but not studious. Dolores is the lawyer the case was escalated to after requesting an additional review. Dolores is particularly rude and condescending. If you are reaching out for denial of any benefits, do not and I repeat do not bother - the case will be deemed to have “no merit” based on you already being denied and they will waste your time doing intake. The staff did not actually read through my case details or even my appeal information before making a determination.

Keith R Coburn

The staff was very kind and friendly and everyone was pleasant to interact with. The cause is just amazing and a very helpful organization to help folks who are lower-income.