Effective in July, 2008, Illinois law (735 ILCS 5/2-807) establishes a presumption that any residual funds in class action settlements or judgments will go to organizations like the CBF that improve access to justice for low-income Illinois residents. Courts have the discretion to award up to 50% of these funds to other organizations that serve the public good as part of a settlement if the court finds good cause to do so. In any event, at least 50% of any residual funds in class action cases must go to one or more organizations that promote or provide access to justice for low-income Illinoisans.

More information on this state statute and organizations eligible to receive residual funds is available by clicking here.

Sample language that can be used for settlements of Illinois class actions is available by clicking here .

The CBF is an ideal place to direct awards of residual funds under Section 2-807. The CBF puts awards of residual funds immediately to use in our community to support more than 40 pro bono and legal aid organizations and related initiatives, helping tens of thousands of vulnerable Chicagoans each year. In addition, awards of residual funds have provided the “venture capital” for a number of groundbreaking special projects and initiatives that have made lasting improvements to our justice system, and the CBF’s continued receipt of these awards makes it possible for the CBF to maintain our support for these projects for the long term.

Among the projects that residual fund awards have made possible and continue to support through the CBF are various pro se advice desks serving our courts, including the Chancery Division Advice Desk; pro bono projects in partnership with the Courts, including the Access to Justice Program serving the Chancery Division; and support for a number of legal aid and mediation projects that serve the courts and community. 

For questions or additional information, please contact CBF Executive Director Bob Glaves at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 312-554-1205.