Free Community-Based Legal Help Across Illinois

We’re a statewide coalition working to reduce the harms of detention, incarceration, and family separation in Black, Brown, and immigrant communities

ABOUT ILLINOIS ACCESS TO JUSTICE

Illinois Access to Justice (ILA2J) launched in 2020 to expand effective, holistic, community-based legal services. Co-administered by The Resurrection Project (TRP) and the Westside Justice Center (WJC), we support a growing network of 80+ partner organizations. Together we:

Expand legal services where people live and work
Train and elevate Community Navigators—local leaders who connect neighbors to their rights and resources
Share best practices to build capacity in nonprofits across Illinois.

Funding is provided by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), Office of Welcoming Centers for Refugee and Immigrant Services.

Learn more about the ILA2J administrators:

The Resurrection Project - TRP

Rooted in Chicago’s Pilsen community for more than 30 years, TRP’s Immigrant Justice team strengthens Illinois’ immigrant justice ecosystem through community legal services, know-your-rights education, and advocacy that advances pro-immigrant policies. TRP combines direct representation with empowerment programs to keep families informed, protected, and together.

Learn more…

Westside Justice Center - WJC

WJC is a non-profit legal aid organization providing legal services and education dedicated to community justice. We provide direct representation for criminal records relief, landlord/tenant disputes, estate planning (wills, power of attorney, transfer on death instrument) and immigration (bond hearings, temporary protected status and employment authorization documents). WJC works to reduce barriers to justice, mitigate the consequences of criminalization, and ensure underserved communities across Chicagoland can access a fair legal system.

Learn more …

LOCAL LEADERS, REAL SUPPORT

Trusted local leaders who share Know Your Rights information, assist with referrals, and provide accompaniments.

TYPES OF HELP

We provide community-based legal services to reduce the impact of the justice system. Areas include criminal, civil, administrative, and immigration law.

Criminal Record Relief

Clear or seal eligible records to unlock jobs, housing, and stability.

Family & Other

Family legal services and other common civil needs from trusted partners.

Immigration

Know Your Rights information, consultations, and representation for immigration cases.

Funding Opportunities

Opportunities for partners and providers

We provide funding opportunities each year to support organizations that serve diverse communities. These opportunities aim to expand access to legal literacy and navigation services.

Download the details of the upcoming funding opportunity below. If the new information is not yet available, you can review previous opportunities for reference. Subscribe to receive alerts about upcoming funding opportunities.

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Annual Reports

See our impact and how the coalition is growing

2024 Report

ILA2J providers have supported protesters through legal services, conducted mutual aid campaigns, and provided resources to community members.

2023 Report

We have witnessed ten of thousands of people throughout the country come together to call for racial justice and police accountability.

2022 Report

Trained 916 emergency community navigators in response to COVID-19 to share critical information and resources in the hardest hit community areas.

Our Trusted Partners

We proudly collaborate with 80+ community-centered organizations statewide, building stronger connections and supporting diverse communities. Scroll down the list below to find a partner.

Quick links