Providing Access to Justice for 30 years


CARPLS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Yes, we have an unusual name, but we do serious work. We are Cook County’s largest provider of free legal services through our main hotline. We also help low- and moderate-income Illinoisans through our special projects.

Founded in 1993 (then known as the tongue-twisting Coordinated Advice & Referral Program for Legal Services), CARPLS has helped over 800,000 residents find solutions to their everyday legal matters.

Legal Advice

Our experienced, compassionate attorneys have helped clients effectively handle divorce and custody issues, landlord-tenant disputes, foreclosures, consumer debt and much more. To learn more about our Cook County and Statewide projects click below.

Telephone Hotline

CARPLS operates a free telephone hotline where people talk directly to attorneys who offer legal advice and assistance, often solving problems in a single call. The first of its kind in the nation, our hotline has served as a model for legal assistance providers across the country.

Court-Based Help Centers

CARPLS offers legal advice and document preparation assistance at four court-based self-help centers. These services are provided for people representing themselves, as we do not represent clients in court.

By the Numbers

82,000+

legal consultations provided last year

85¢

of every dollar raised goes directly into client services

2/3

of new clients have never spoken to an attorney prior to calling

25+

years’ legal experience on average for our attorneys

94%

of our clients would recommend us to a friend

13

practice areas