Lake County Program Helps Navigate Courthouse
From the Associated Press
Navigating judicial red tape is no easy task.
Knowing what forms to file, where to file them, and who to ask for general information can be perplexing for many people wading through the legal system.
Judges aren't able to help with legal advice, lawyers are expensive, and missing one simple form or step can sometimes lead to major problems.
That intimidation and confusion is what led Lake County judicial leaders to implement the Illinois JusticeCorps program at the Waukegan courthouse.
Anna Aguilar, the full-time "fellow" for JusticeCorps, said the role of the program is to help people understand legal and procedural issues and navigate the miles of red tape.
"Most of the questions we receive are from people looking for their courtroom or trying to understand how to fill out and file forms," Aguilar said. "I think it's going really well. People seem very thankful that we are here."
Dressed in blue shirts bearing the JusticeCorps logo, the group's one full-time employee and four part-time student volunteers can be found at various times at one of the two main entrances, or in the William D. Block Memorial Law Library answering questions.
They are available to escort people to courtrooms and other court-related facilities, but also assist people who represent themselves in court to gain access to legal information and complete basic court forms.
"A courthouse is an intimidating place," Lake County Chief Judge John Phillips said. "Our hope is that these volunteers with their blue shirts and friendly faces help our citizens feel more comfortable moving around the court complex and better able to present their matters to the judge."
Read more in our daily News Update...
From the Associated Press
Navigating judicial red tape is no easy task.
Knowing what forms to file, where to file them, and who to ask for general information can be perplexing for many people wading through the legal system.
Judges aren't able to help with legal advice, lawyers are expensive, and missing one simple form or step can sometimes lead to major problems.
That intimidation and confusion is what led Lake County judicial leaders to implement the Illinois JusticeCorps program at the Waukegan courthouse.
Anna Aguilar, the full-time "fellow" for JusticeCorps, said the role of the program is to help people understand legal and procedural issues and navigate the miles of red tape.
"Most of the questions we receive are from people looking for their courtroom or trying to understand how to fill out and file forms," Aguilar said. "I think it's going really well. People seem very thankful that we are here."
Dressed in blue shirts bearing the JusticeCorps logo, the group's one full-time employee and four part-time student volunteers can be found at various times at one of the two main entrances, or in the William D. Block Memorial Law Library answering questions.
They are available to escort people to courtrooms and other court-related facilities, but also assist people who represent themselves in court to gain access to legal information and complete basic court forms.
"A courthouse is an intimidating place," Lake County Chief Judge John Phillips said. "Our hope is that these volunteers with their blue shirts and friendly faces help our citizens feel more comfortable moving around the court complex and better able to present their matters to the judge."
Read more in our daily News Update...