News

Hiding Issues "Saves" Them for Leverage Whenever you have concerns about how things are going with a rental property, the first step is to take the time to explore the situation. Don't let issues pile up without addressing them! Many landlord-tenant problems can be resolved informally with clear and prompt ...

Margaret Benson, CVLS Executive Director On September 14th, the ISBA community came together at the breathtaking Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel for an event that radiated appreciation and recognition. The stars of the evening? None other than the remarkable 2022-23 ISBA Award Recipients! We are absolutely bursting with pride as we congratulate ...

Sandra Emerson, Emerson Law Firm, LLC Chlece Walker-Neal-Murray, Chicago Advocate Legal Each year, law firm software company Smokeball recognizes the exceptional pro bono work of legal professionals with its prestigious Beacon Award. Potential winners are nominated by colleagues familiar with their work. In 2023, two CVLS volunteers were recognized by ...

Ana came to our Erie Neighborhood House (ENH) Clinic in early 2023 to find a pathway to citizenship for her 17-year-old daughter. After her intake interview, it became apparent that Ana's daughter qualified for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) based on her father's abandonment. Given that her 18th birthday was ...

Security Deposit Returned to Low-Income Client Four years ago, Patricia moved into a subsidized housing unit in Evanston. She paid a $257 security deposit after signing her lease. When Patricia moved out earlier this year, she told us she left the apartment in good condition, but her landlord refused to ...

Kevin Lichtenberg, Hefler Lichtenberg LLC When Adult Protective Services (APS) alerted the Probate Court to the abuse of an adult with a disability, the Judge appointed CVLS as Guardian ad Litem (GAL) to investigate. APS was concerned that Ms. M., an adult with an intellectual disability and other diagnosed mental ...

SIJS Predicate Order Obtained Just in Time! As a single mother from Ecuador, Jenny is her 18-year-old daughter's entire support system. Jenny's partner left in 2007, leaving Jenny responsible for everything from physical care to financial support. Jenny's daughter recently had a child herself, and Jenny has been helping raise ...

Sidley Austin Attorney Successfully Defends Housing Disclosure Lawsuit Guadalupe came to CVLS in September of 2022 with a pressing legal probem. She had sold her house to a neighbor in 2020 in "as is" condition. As part of the sale, Guadalupe was required by Illinois law to fill out a ...

Eyvonne is a senior who has been a member of the Housing Choice Voucher program for 18 years. She drives a school bus for elementary school children in the mornings and afternoons, relying on her housing subsidy to supplement her modest income. During the pandemic, Eyvonne's son was released from ...

Since starting to volunteer, attorney Wendy Zun has been a vital part of the Child Rep program. She has handled some of the most unusual and complex court appointments. Wendy recently took on a case as Guardian ad Litem for a 17-year-old in a contested divorce. The teenage boy was ...