Cook County-Legal Assistance

Local legal aid offices are gateways for veterans in need of civil legal assistance. Many veterans who served in combat zones are confronting legal problems—such as child custody, employment and homelessness.

Chicago Commission on Human Relations

Multiple locations

The City’s Veterans Resource Office helps U.S. veterans and family members navigate the maze of government benefits and civilian resources. The one-stop clearing house provides current information on programs and services available at all levels of government and community organizations. Staff can help veterans access earned benefits and connect with important resources for housing, employment, education, health care, daily living and more.

For additional information, please visit the City of Chicago Veteran's Resource Office. 

John Marshall Law School

315 S. Plymouth Ct.
Chicago, IL 60604
Phone: (312) 427-2737

The Veterans Legal Support Center & Clinic (VLSC) works on all aspects of Veteran Benefits Administration claims, from the initial, factual intake to the technical representation of claims at the appellate level.

  • Veteran’s benefits claims
  • Service-connected benefits
  • Survivor benefits
  • Education benefits
  • Pension benefits

For more information, please visit https://jmls.uic.edu/clinics/veterans/

Legal Assistance Foundation of Chicago Veterans Project (LAF)

120 S. LaSalle St.

Suite 900

Chicago, IL 60603

Phone: (312) 341-1070

The Veterans Legal Support Center & Clinic (VLSC) works on all aspects of Veteran Benefits Administration claims, from the initial, factual intake to the technical representation of claims at the appellate level.

  • Disability and pension claims
  • Dealing with consumer issues
  • Upgrading discharges
  • Obtaining or keeping employment or housing

For more information, please visit www.lafchicago.org.

Veterans' Legal Aid Society (VLAS)

3838 W 111th St.

Chicago, IL 60655

Phone: (773) 429-3838

The Veterans' Legal Aid Society (VLAS) was founded to provide essential legal services for America's vets, surviving spouses, and families who need assistance in paying for out-of-pocket medical expenses. The VLAS aims to help those who fought for our freedom when they need it the most.

For more information, please visit http://veteranslegalaid.org/.

Veterans Treatment Court (Circuit Court)

Criminal Division, Chicago, IL

2nd Municipal District Skokie, IL

3rd Municipal District, Rolling Meadows, IL

4th Municipal District, Maywood, IL

5th Municipal District, Bridgeview, IL

6th Municipal District, Markham, IL

The Cook County Veterans Treatment Court is a unique program specifically designed for individuals who have served in the United States military and have become involved in the criminal justice system. Eligibility requirements must be met.

Court Team consists of:

•The Circuit Court of Cook County

•The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office

•The Office of the Cook County Public Defender’s Office

•The United States Department of Veterans Affairs

•The Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs

•Community based treatment and support agencies

For more information, please visit http://www.cookcountycourt.org/ABOUTTHECOURT/CountyDepartment/CriminalDivision/SpecialtyTreatmentCourts/VeteransTreatmentCourt.aspx