Pro Se Advisory Committee
Improving access and support for the growing number of people going to court without lawyers.
Mission Statement
The CBF/Circuit Court Pro Se Advisory Committee brings together judges, judicial branch professionals, and justice partners to help make the Circuit Court of Cook County fair and accessible for people without lawyers. The Committee strives to improve coordination and effectiveness of court services for people without lawyers by drawing on the diverse experience and expertise of its members and collaborating with other local, statewide, and national partners working on these issues.
Work of the Committee
Since its creation in 2009, the Committee has convened quarterly to get updates on trends and emerging issues in the court system that impact people without lawyers. With this information, the Committee works together to identify and address challenges within the court system resulting from the myriad of people going to court without lawyers.
Create and disseminate referral and informational resources to help people without lawyers and the court stakeholders who work with them.
- Referral Sheets for Services for Cook County Courts
- Tips for Attending Court Remotely via Zoom
Recommend policy and rule changes to the court and support state legislative initiatives to simplify current court procedures.
- Best Practices for Remote Court Proceedings
- Plain Language and Process Simplification Legislation
Coordinate and develop presentations and training to help court stakeholders better serve people coming to court without lawyers.
- Addressing Mental Health Issues with Court Users
- How to Help People with Disabilities Access the Court
Committee Leadership
The Committee is currently co-chaired by Judge Jill Marisie, Presiding Judge for the Third Municipal District, and Judge Alison Conlon of the Circuit Court of Cook County. To join the Committee or learn more about its work, please contact Cortney Redman at credman@chicagobarfoundation.org.