People in communities in the Chicago area and throughout the state will have improved access to remote court proceedings and other legal resources thanks to an exciting new partnership between the CBF, the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice, and the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office. This innovative pilot project will create community access centers in libraries throughout the state.
Recognizing libraries as important community hubs for information and assistance, these access centers will provide new resources to assist patrons in navigating the legal system. People with limited technology capabilities or transit challenges can more easily get legal information and assistance, including with e-filing, and participate in remote court proceedings.
This project will build off the success of Illinois JusticeCorps and the Commission on Access to Justice’s Court Navigator Network and Illinois Court Help Program, while also leveraging the expertise and many existing resources in public libraries. Participating librarians will also have the opportunity to be certified as “community justice navigators” as part of the pilot project.
The project will be guided by a Steering Committee comprised of representatives from throughout the state, including from the courts, libraries, bar associations, legal aid organizations, and other key stakeholders. The Steering Committee will provide advice and oversight to help develop the pilot project, including the initial library locations for the pilot. We are grateful to the members of the Steering Committee for their commitment to this pilot project and for providing their unique perspectives.
We also want to sincerely thank the Commission on Access to Justice and the Secretary of State’s Office for being incredible partners in this exciting project. We also thank Judge Jill Cerone-Marisie for her diligence and enthusiasm in bringing this project together and for expertly chairing the Steering Committee.
For more information, please contact Roya Samarghandi at rsamarghandi@chicagobarfoundation.org.