The State plays an important role in funding legal aid programs. The Illinois Equal Justice Act codifies the State’s unique responsibility to provide financial support for legal aid services in Illinois through the creation and funding of the Illinois Equal Justice Foundation (“IEJF”). The CBF was one of the leaders in the coalition that helped pass the Illinois Equal Justice Act and continues to be a lead partner in the Equal Justice Illinois Campaign, which educates policymakers and the public about the need for legal aid and advocates for adequate IEJF funding. This IEJF funding allows tens of thousands of less fortunate Illinoisans to obtain legal information and resources to effectively handle less complicated legal issues themselves.
Now, more than ever given the fragile economy, the state needs to be strategic about how to spends its resources, and meaningful IEJF funding needs to remain a priority for the following reasons:
There is increased need in the current economy. In the current economic climate, there is a significant increase in demand for legal aid services at the same time that the other major sources of funding for this work are declining or under severe stress (such as sharply reduced interest income from IOLTA accounts)—which has only exacerbated the existing access to justice gap.
Legal aid is fundamental to our democracy. The failure to provide meaningful access to all not only has devastating consequences for those shut out from the system; it also distorts the basic principles of our democracy.
Legal aid funding saves money. Civil legal aid is a wise long-term investment for Illinois that saves taxpayer money for costlier social services and increases the efficiency of the court system. Outlays for civil legal aid are budgetary pennies that save many dollars. A foreclosure prevented is an eviction avoided, a family kept from homelessness — and a considerable burden lifted from the government’s social-service safety net. Failure to ensure equal access to justice has an undeniable impact that ripples broadly throughout our State.
For more information on The Chicago Bar Foundation’s advocacy work relating to state funding of legal aid programs and to get involved, please contact Danielle Hirsch at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 312-554-4952.
