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Public Information

FAQs for the public

Q. Can ISBA give me legal advice?

Sorry, no. If you need a lawyer but don't have one, consult the lawyer referral information on this website (if you’re from Chicago, the Chicago Bar Association’s lawyer referral number is (312)554-2001, and their web address is www.chicagobar.org), or try one of the Internet directories (e.g., http://www.wld.com or http://www.lawyers.com). The Chicago Volunteer Legal Services Foundation ((312)332-1624) provides referrals for low-income people in the Chicago area. For general legal information, consult our public information pamphlets.

Q. I want to file a complaint about a lawyer – what do I do?

The ISBA has no authority to investigate or act upon allegations of lawyer misconduct. That role is performed by the Illinois Supreme Court's Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission. To obtain a brochure and complaint form, write to the ARDC at 130 East Randolph Drive, Suite 1500, One Prudential Plaza, Chicago, IL 60601 or call (312)565-2600 or (800)826-8625.

Q. Can you tell me whether Attorney X is a member of the ISBA and give me his/her name and phone number?

Sorry, no. If you want to find out whether a lawyer is licensed to practice in Illinois, contact the ARDC at the address or phone numbers listed above (remember that ISBA membership is voluntary; lawyers don’t have to belong to ISBA to practice in Illinois). To find a lawyer’s name and address, you might consult one of the print directories (e.g., the Illinois Legal Directory or Sullivan’s Law Directory), which are available at many law school libraries (Sullivan's staff will also answer telephone and e-mail requests for address/phone information on lawyers- see their website at http://www.sullivanslawdirectory.com), or try one of the Internet directories (e.g., http://www.wld.com or http://www.lawyers.com).

Q. I think my lawyer’s fees are too high. Can you help?

We're sorry, but no. Clients seeking fee arbitration services should contact their local bar association.

Q. Does ISBA offer scholarships for college or law school?

The ISBA does not offer undergraduate scholarships of any kind. The Illinois Bar Foundation, the charitable branch of the ISBA, offers a few tuition scholarships to students in Illinois law schools, but only upon recommendation of the law school deans. For undergraduate scholarship or student aid information, contact the financial aid officers at the colleges to which you plan to apply for admission.

Q. Do you use cookies on your site?

Yes. To enable members to enter members-only areas without having to type in a username and password each time, our site issues a "cookie" to your browser the first time you enter this information. Thereafter, when you pass through a password gate, our server asks your computer if it has this cookie. No other information is requested or collected.