History

CVLS was founded June 2, 1964 by a group of young attorneys who recognized that the access to justice enjoyed by clients of their large Chicago law firms was a far cry from that of many Chicagoans. In announcing the new initiative, founder John Ferren told area social service organizations, "I hope you will feel free to refer to us clients who need legal advice and do not appear able to afford legal counsel. Perhaps through such referral you can help us bring some measure of justice to situations in which the poor man otherwise would have no resource."

Key Milestones

2009 2,900 volunteers provided free legal services to 17,000 low income clients
2007 Accepts appointments to serve as guardians ad litem for disabled adults
2006 Began administering Chancery Court Access to Justice Program
2003 Began supervising Cook County Guardianship Assistance Desk for Minors
2000 Awarded President's Service Award by National Points of Light Foundation
1998 Accepts Probate Court appointments to serve as children's guardians ad litem
1994 First Race Judicata^® with more than 500 runners
1982 Creates Panel Referral Program, adding 500 volunteer attorneys
1979 Schiff Hardin becomes 1st law firm to adopt CVLS clinic
1972 Incorporates as a nonprofit. Received tax exempt status the next year.