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Welcome to the Chicago Council of Lawyers

The Chicago Council of Lawyers (CCL) is Chicago’s progressive public-interest bar association. Founded in 1969, CCL works to promote the rule of law, strengthen democratic institutions, and advance a justice system grounded in fairness, equality, transparency, and respect for human dignity.

Through rigorous legal analysis and public advocacy, we seek practical reforms when the legal system falls short of these principles.

Our current work focuses on three areas:
  • Defending the rule of law and democratic governance, including responding to actions that threaten judicial independence, constitutional norms, and equal justice under law.
  • Advancing equal justice in the Illinois courts, with particular attention to fairness, access, and the equitable treatment of all communities.
  • Evaluating judicial candidates, in partnership with the Alliance for Judicial Screening, and sharing nonpartisan evaluations widely to inform and educate voters.

Ready to join us?

The work of the Chicago Council of Lawyers is sustained by dedicated members who believe in judicial integrity, accountability, and equal access to justice. We need your support now more than ever before!

I have been a member of the Chicago Council of Lawyers for almost as long as I have been a lawyer. I’m privileged to know some of the people who were present for the Council’s founding in 1969, and to be part of what they started and have sustained for more than 50 years. Participating in the Council’s work has consistently given me the feeling of being on the correct side of history. Our work has improved the quality and performance of the courts, and the public corruption we oppose no longer feels like “just a fact of life” in Chicago. Other bar associations exist for the benefit of their own members. This one exists for the public good.

Bob Slobig

The Chicago Council of Lawyers, Chicago’s public interest bar association, brings lawyers together not to advance professional self-interest, but to strengthen the justice system by insisting that it honor the principles that animate constitutional governance: fairness, human dignity, personal autonomy, compassion, and fidelity to truth. At a time when policies of the Trump Administration repeatedly transgress those principles, the Council’s independent voice is more important than ever.

Robert Lehrer

I have been a member of the Chicago Council of Lawyers since my first year of practicing law, nearly 40 years ago.  What drew me to the Council then – and why I am still an active member now –is the Council’s unwavering commitment to the public interest.  From serving as an independent advocate for fairness, integrity, and competence in the state and federal court systems, to speaking out against public corruption and systems that prioritize private and  political influence over the public good, to working to advance systemic reforms designed to ensure that substantive laws and procedural requirements are applied with equal fairness to everyone who finds themselves caught up in the justice system, to promoting transparency and accountability in government – the Council has never lost sight of its original goals and values, regardless of the political climate or the popularity of the reforms for which the Council may be advocating.  I am proud to be a member of the Chicago Council of Lawyers.  I hope you will join us in the fight.

Carrie Huff

Our Partner Organization

The Chicago Council of Lawyers works alongside The CCL More Perfect Union Fund, a non-profit charitable organization dedicated to promoting, defending, and advancing the principles of justice and the rule of law in our communities.
While CCL is an independent public-interest bar association dedicated to promoting excellence and integrity in the administration of justice as a 501(c)(6), The CCL More Perfect Union Fund supports charitable and educational activities through tax-deductible contributions as a 501(c)(3).

Featured News
Highlighted here are some of our recent updates. Visit our Latest News page to check out more on what we’ve been up to!

Chicago Council of Lawyers

224-301-5808
ccl@chicagocouncil.org

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1101 Davis Street
Evanston, IL 60204

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Are you available November 14-15 and looking for a meaningful way to support the next generation of legal advocates? Northwestern University’s annual Mock at the Rock Invitational is seeking volunteer judges! Learn more: https://chicagocouncil.org/event/northwestern-universitys-mock-trial/
“The rule of law is under serious threat today.” In this highlight from the More Perfect Union Fund Luncheon, Chicago Council of Lawyers President Robert Held explains why today’s challenges go beyond isolated incidents and represent a broader, systemic threat to the rule of law. Watch the full luncheon program on our YouTube channel (link in bio) for a deeper discussion on justice, accountability, and protecting democratic institutions. Be sure to follow along as we continue to share more highlights and thank you for your continued support.
The Illinois Supreme Court Rules Committee will hold a public hearing on proposed rule changes, offering attorneys, stakeholders, and members of the public an opportunity to provide input on the future of Illinois court rules. Learn more about the hearing on September 3rd, 2026, at 10 a.m. and how to participate: https://chicagocouncil.org/event/supreme-court-rules-committee-to-hold-public-hearing/ (Click ‘Events’ in link in bio!)
One week ago, we came together for the Chicago Council of Lawyers’ More Perfect Union Fund Luncheon. Thank you to everyone who attended, supported, and helped make this year’s event such a meaningful success. If you weren’t able to attend or if you’d like to continue supporting our mission, you can still get involved by joining or renewing your membership, making a charitable donation, and more by visiting our website chicagocouncil.org. (Link in bio!) We’ll be sharing more videos highlighting inspiring moments and conversations from our program soon. Thank you for standing with the Chicago Council of Lawyers and for helping us build a more perfect union.
We look forward to seeing everyone today at the Chicago Council of Lawyers’ More Perfect Union Fund Luncheon at the University Club of Chicago. Although registration is now closed, you can still support by making a charitable donation that reflects your commitment to advancing justice, accountability, and the rule of law. Visit our website to learn more: https://chicagocouncil.org/event/more-perfect-union-fund-luncheon/ (Link in bio!) We are grateful for your commitment to our mission and ongoing work to strengthen democratic institutions, promote judicial integrity, and advance equal access to justice! Stay tuned for more highlights from the event, and if you’re attending, be sure to share your photos and reflections from the luncheon and tag us!
Is money in politics a threat to American Democracy? What is money’s role in politics? Has it gotten out of hand, and if so, what might we, as voters or states, with policymakers, do? Join us at 11:30 AM CT Friday, 6/26, at the Union League Club of Chicago for a lively discussion of some competing views and proposed answers to these and other questions. https://chicagocouncil.org/event/civil-disagreements-is-money-in-politics-a-threat-to-american-democracy/ (Click ‘Upcoming Events’ in link in bio!)
Join the Chicago Council of Lawyers on June 23rd at the University Club of Chicago for the More Perfect Union Luncheon. This year's program features Liam Connell of the Patriotic Millionaires discussing economic inequality and the reforms needed to build an economy that works for everyone. The event will also feature a conversation between Cara Hendrickson, Executive Deputy Attorney General of Illinois, and Professor Sharon Fairley on federal accountability, civil rights, and the rule of law. Together, these discussions will explore some of the most important legal, economic, and civic challenges facing our communities today. Learn more and reserve your seat today! (Link in bio!)
The Chicago Council of Lawyers is working to strengthen its impact at a critical moment for the rule of law and access to justice. David Melton, the Acting Executive Director, encourages you to join us on June 23rd at the University Club of Chicago to support the Council’s ongoing work and help build a stronger future for the organization. Learn more & support: https://chicagocouncil.org/event/more-perfect-union-fund-luncheon (Link in bio!)
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