Consumer Collection Self-Help Desk

CARPLS’ Collection Self-Help Desk was launched in October 2005. It is located inside the Post-Judgment Collection Court in Room 1401 of the Daley Center . The Desk is designed to provide information, advice and referrals to the large numbers of pro se debtors and creditors who appear on the post-judgment collection call each day.  It is staffed by two CARPLS attorneys, two law-student interns and one client intake coordinator, and provides legal consultations and limited pleading practice to up to 26 pro se clients each day. Staffers at the Desk also distribute a series of informational brochures developed by CARPLS to provide basic answers to some of the most common legal issues presented in post-judgment collection cases. The Desk is currently open on Monday through Friday from 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM. Appointments are made on a first come first served basis. Services at the Desk are free to low-income residents of Cook County .

"We are happy and proud to have partnered with CARPLS in the establishment of a pro se self-help desk for the supplemental proceedings section of our court. It has been an extremely helpful and successful endeavor for the court in aiding pro se litigants. It embraces our goal of making the justice system accessible to everyone in need."

- E. Kenneth Wright, Jr.
Presiding Judge First Municipal District, Circuit Court of Cook County


CARPLS deeply appreciates the contributions of the many individuals and organizations which have led to the success of this project. In particular, CARPLS would like to thank   Judge Kenneth Wright, Judge Thomas Donnelly, Judge Sanjay Tailor, CARPLS Supervising Attorney, Ashlee Highland , the Chicago Bar Foundation and its Executive Director, Bob Glaves and the Illinois Equal Justice Foundation of Illinois.