Prairie State Legal Services, Inc. is a nonprofit law firm dedicated to achieving equal justice for low-income, elderly, and vulnerable individuals across Northern and Central Illinois. With over 45 years of service and 11 regional offices, the organization provides free legal assistance to those who cannot afford representation, focusing on critical areas like housing stability, personal safety, and financial security.
The firm adopts a community-centered approach, offering support through direct legal representation, education, and outreach. It serves clients facing poverty, domestic violence, discrimination, and other challenges, with specialized projects like the Fair Housing Project and Low Income Tax Clinic addressing systemic barriers. Prairie State Legal Services emphasizes accessibility, operating across 36 counties and providing resources in multiple languages to ensure inclusive support.
Services Offered
- Legal aid for low-income individuals
- Housing law assistance
- Domestic violence and safety protection
- Financial stability and debt relief services
- Fair housing discrimination cases
- Low Income Tax Clinic for IRS disputes
- Guardianship and family law matters
- Public benefits advocacy (SSI, VA benefits)
- Elder law services
- Consumer law and consumer rights
- Education and outreach for ESL communities
- Volunteer attorney programs
- Community legal workshops and resources
Prairie State Legal Services operates across 36 counties in Northern and Central Illinois, with offices in Bloomington, Galesburg, Joliet, Kankakee, Moline, Ottawa, Peoria, Rockford, Waukegan, West Suburban, and Woodstock. The organization is committed to language access and provides services to diverse communities, including those who speak English as a second language.
