We are not a traditional bar association. The Council is a member-based organization whose focus is the benefit of non-members, particularly poor and disadvantaged populations who often have unequal access to the justice system. In partnership with the Chicago Appleseed Center for Fair Courts, volunteers from the Council work on non-litigation pro bono projects meant to promote systemic reform, including increased access to justice, immigration court reform, criminal justice reform, children and family law, and projects on the federal courts. In addition, the Council provides well-respected evaluations of state judicial candidates and sitting judges, and evaluations of nominees to the federal bench in Chicago.
The Chicago Council of Lawyers Joins the American Bar Association and 50+ Others to Speak Out in Support of the Rule of Law
On March 26th, 2025, the Chicago Council of Lawyers joined more than 50 state, local, and specialty bar associations, including the American Bar Association (ABA) in a letter to “defend the rule of law and reject efforts to undermine the courts and the legal profession.” This letter, in full, is inc...
Celebrating 55 Years: Looking Back at the History of the Collaboration for Justice
On June 12th, 2025, Chicago Appleseed Center for Fair Courts and the Chicago Council of Lawyers will be hosting our annual summer social—this year celebrating the 55th anniversary of the Fund for Justice. As we gear up for that anniversary party, we’re looking back and the almost six decad...