CCLA Mission Statement

The mission of Catholic Charities Legal Assistance (known as “CCLA”) is to provide access to compassionate and competent legal assistance to the economically disadvantaged in the Chicago area without regard to religious affiliation.

Mission Fulfillment

CCLA endeavors to fulfill its mission by providing various legal services to clients who live on a low income and cannot afford an attorney. As a part of Catholic Charities, CCLA is able to refer clients for assistance to other Catholic Charities social services programs and to provide legal assistance to existing clients of Catholic Charities.

Since 2005, CCLA has provided legal assistance to low income clients across a broad spectrum of legal issues. CCLA services are provided primarily over the telephone through its hotline where CCLA’s attorneys advise clients, provide direct legal services (including document review, limited document preparation, letters and phone call inquiries on behalf of clients) or make referrals where appropriate. CCLA also seeks pro bono representation for selected clients from its network of participating attorneys. Through its work in the Immigrant Survivors Project, CCLA provides representation to immigrant victims of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking for Orders of Protection, child support/maintenance, child custody, child visitation, exclusive possession of residence, and civil no contact orders. CCLA also provides community legal education and staffs advice desks on a monthly basis in Chicago and its suburbs.