Equal Access to Justice for All

Monique was a responsible driver—she had insurance. Unfortunately, her insurance company wasn’t as responsible. When she was in an accident, they filed suit against her to cancel the contract, claiming she’d lied on her application by failing to identify her boyfriend’s vehicle. Luckily, Monique had a good attorney to fight the insurance company After her client’s deposition, the insurance company dropped their case and agreed to fulfill their obligations to Monique.

Jia (Julia) came to CVLS’ AILA Legal Clinic after five unsuccessful attempts and 20 years of trying to get a green card. Because Julia needed proof of a 20 year old crime, her attorney visited courthouses looking for archived documents. She discovered that a police officer’s initial statement led to the original denial of Julia’s visa. They convinced the police department to issue a corrected statement for the immigration appeal. Success! Julia’s nonimmigrant visa will allow Julia to get a green card in three years and U.S. citizenship a few years later. After becoming documented, Julia thanked her attorney, saying, “My heart has been moved and touched. My life became light.”

Together, Charles and his sister took out a home improvement loan to repair the family home.

The sister paid the loan until she moved out of state. Charles, elderly and on a fixed income, could not afford the payments by himself. His attorney, Erik Diggs, negotiated an affordable payment plan and makes sure that Charles makes his payment, on time, every month.

A victim of domestic violence, Lithuanian native Jurgita had been living in the U.S. on a u-visa.

After three years, she wanted to become a permanent resident. CVLS volunteer Renae Yoo, made it happen, proving that her client qualified for a green card. Jurgita cried when she discovered she was able to stay in America for good. It meant she could finally visit her family in Lithuania assured that she would be welcome back into her new country.

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.

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 gave them the best Christmas present ever.