Prairie State Legal Services

For over 40 years, Prairie State Legal Services has provided free civil legal aid to people who cannot afford an attorney and have a serious civil legal problem. Our mission is to ensure equal access to justice and fair treatment under the law by providing legal advice and representation, advocacy, education, and outreach that serve to protect basic human needs and enforce or uphold rights.

Prairie State has 12 office locations serving 36 counties in northern and central Illinois outside Cook County. We are a charitable not-for-profit organization and gifts are tax deductible under IRS section 501(c)(3).

Prairie State Legal Services provides free civil legal aid to people who cannot afford an attorney and who have a serious civil legal problem. Our office in DuPage County helps almost 1.700 people per year with public benefits matters (including denial and termination of Medicaid, SNAP, and SSI); housing issues (including eviction and foreclosure defense); expungement and sealing; and issues affecting older adults (including involuntary nursing home discharge and preparation of advance directives). Prairie State has an attorney present in DuPage County eviction court to help tenants, and also operates a project that provides legal help to people experiencing homelessness.

All of our services are free. Clients must meet certain financial and other eligibility requirements to qualify for services. Prairie State does not help with traffic or criminal matters.