Debra Davy, CVLS Volunteer

At a neighborhood block party Stephanie noticed a neighbor’s 19 month old run away from her aunt and into the street. Stephanie pulled the child to safety, but before she could take her home, the child darted back into the path of a CTA bus. This time, Stephanie couldn’t save her. When the child’s mother sued the CTA for the terrible accident, the CTA sued Stephanie for not protecting the child.

Experienced trial attorney Debra Davy represented Stephanie. After two years, 70 depositions and many court battles, the CTA released her client from the case with no liability.

Jeannine Broadnax, CVLS Volunteer

Florence needed an attorney to help her probate her husband’s estate. Their home was in her husband’s name and the mortgage company refused to communicate with her. Time was running out before the home went into foreclosure. She’d tried to represent herself but couldn’t navigate the paperwork or the process.

Attorney Jeannine Broadnax completed the case for Florence in short order and everyone was happy: The judge, who thanked her for her pro bono service at the final court appearance; her client, whose home was now safe; and Jeannine because, “The good you put out always returns.”

Sharief El-Gabri, CVLS Volunteer

Disabled, Ricky lived in subsidized housing for twenty years. When he and his brother had a fight in Ricky’s apartment, the Chicago Housing Authority terminated his voucher and tried to evict him. But, after the fight, Ricky was diagnosed with a mental illness and began to take medication and started therapy. He tried to convince the CHA to let him keep his voucher but he couldn’t articulate his defense. When he appealed the termination, the court appointed CVLS to represent him.

Sharief El Gabri and Joseph Deloney clearly communicated Ricky’s diagnosis and the changes he’d made. They convinced the CHA that he was entitled to a reasonable accommodation, noting his improved mental health and his family support. Thanks to their clear communications, Ricky is back in his apartment and back in the voucher program, safe and sound.

Kevin Hanbury, CVLS Volunteer

When her daughter died, Belinda petitioned for guardianship of her two grandchildren. But Belinda had a criminal history that included state and federal convictions and 14 years in prison. The Court appointed CVLS as Guardian ad Litem to investigate and report on Belinda—then and now.

Kevin Hanbury dug into Belinda’s past and got to know this grandmother. Belinda bared her soul, anxious to do what was necessary to provide for her grandchildren. After patiently investigating every facet of her story, Kevin told the court that Belinda “has a wisdom that was expensive to procure, and she, better than anyone, is positioned to teach her grandchildren about the horrible consequences and shattering cost of having followed her peers into a criminal life.”

Based on Kevin’s strong recommendation, the judge awarded Belinda guardianship of her grandchildren.

Roenan Patt CVLS Volunteer

Hui was driving a loaner car because his had been damaged while parked.

When his loaner car was stolen from a secure parking garage, the rental company demanded $26,000. CVLS volunteer Roenan Patt reviewed Illinois law and the car rental agreement. Then he sent the plaintiff a letter explaining that both the law and the contract limited his client’s liability to $2,000. Hui never hear from the plaintiff again.

Sandy Morris CVLS Volunteer

Nine year old Nicole had always lived with her grandmother, Mariela, in an apartment with her aunt and uncle right next door.

Last Christmas, Mariela’s adoption of Nicole was final. Now Nicole has Mariela’s last name. For Mariela and Nicole, their attorney Sandy Morris gave them the best Christmas present ever.

Sandra Durkin CVLS Volunteer

Joe Noonan CVLS Volunteer

Jason applied for and received a loan modification as soon as he fell behind on his mortgage. Problem solved? No. The bank misapplied his payments and filed for foreclosure. Even after the bank admitted its error, the foreclosure moved forward. Then Joe Noonan and Sandra Durkin stepped in and litigated Jason’s rights. After five long years, the bank eliminated the accrued interest, reduced his principal, reinstated Jason’s modification, and removed his past negative credit reporting.

Salvador Lopez CVLS Volunteer

Arnie and his wife asked his brother to co-sign a mortgage so they could buy a house. Unfortunately, they couldn’t manage the payments and the home went into foreclosure. Arnie desperately wanted to leave the property and protect what was left of his brother’s credit but the bank wouldn’t talk to him. Then his attorney, Sal Lopez, got involved. Within a matter of weeks Sal negotiated a deed in lieu of foreclosure. For Arnie, it was as if the weight of the world had been lifted off his shoulders.

CVLS is an organization of over 2,300 volunteer attorneys who donate free legal services to thousands of low-income Chicagoans. Our services are free, accessible and real.
 

With 24 legal clinics across the Chicago area, hosted evenings and weekends at community organizations and churches, where you can talk with an attorney about your legal problem, CVLS works to ensure that everyone has access to justice, not just those who can afford it.