CARPLS Information

CARPLS is an innovative free service that offers solutions to the everyday legal problems confronting low- and moderate-income Cook County residents. CARPLS’ Legal Aid Hotline and court-based Advice Desks give clients direct access to experienced attorneys who are trained to quickly assess and respond to a wide range of civil legal problems. Using cutting-edge technology, CARPLS attorneys resolve over 85% of all cases in-house by providing information, advice and brief services including the preparation and review of legal documents. Clients with more complex needs are referred by CARPLS to a network of specialized legal and social service providers. CARPLS’ unique “legal triage” system serves as a model for legal aid communities across the country and has increased access to justice by dramatically reducing the cost of legal aid services to the poor. Since its inception in 1993, CARPLS has helped over 800,000 clients find solutions for their basic legal problems at an average cost to CARPLS of $32 per case.