Bridgeview Virtual Legal Advice Desk (VLAD)
Overview
The Virtual Legal Advice Desk (VLAD) within the Bridgeview branch of the Cook County Law Library is a cooperative effort of the Cook County Law Library and the Chicago Legal Clinic (CLC). VLAD provides free legal assistance to people representing themselves in cases pending in the Fifth Municipal District Courthouse. Generally, the legal assistance will consist of an interview and limited legal advice. Referrals to other programs or services will also be made when available. In certain circumstances representation by the participating organizations may be available.
- VLAD is available on 1st and 3rd Tuesdays from 9 a.m. – noon.
Location
Cook County Law Library
Fifth Municipal District Courthouse
10220 South 76th Avenue, Rm. 221
Bridgeview, IL 60455
Available Legal Services
Through VLAD, clients will have access to legal advice in the following areas of law:
- Children/family
- Consumer/consumer debt
- Housing
- Immigration
- Employment, and public benefits
VLAD attorneys do not provide advice in the following areas:
- Criminal
- Emergency Orders of Protection
- Personal injury
- Malpractice
- Workers’ Compensation
- Traffic violations
- Probate (wills/estates)
- Private pension cases
Intake Procedure
All clients must register at the Cook County Law Library, which is located in Room 221 on the second floor of the Fifth Municipal District Courthouse. Clients will be able to register for VLAD 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Upon registering, clients will be given a time slot for accessing VLAD services. Time slots will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
Disclaimer of Endorsement
This page is for informational purposes only and is not an endorsement by the County of Cook of the described services.