Metropolitan Family Services' Legal Aid Bureau was one of the first organizations in the nation to provide legal services for the poor. From the beginning it has helped provide "justice for all," regardless of ability to pay.
Mission
The mission of the Legal Aid Bureau is to protect and strengthen families by providing equal access to justice for our most vulnerable citizens, including those who are impoverished, the elderly and victims of domestic violence.
History
The Beginning
Providing equal access to legal representation - even if a client can't afford it - was a radical idea in 1886 when the Legal Aid Bureau was formed.
Then known as the Protective Agency for Women and Children, it was one of the nation's first organizations devoted to the poor's legal needs, staffed with one paid worker and a team of women volunteers.
As society's needs grew so did LAB. In 1905 it expanded its reach by merging with the Bureau of Justice and became known as the Legal Aid Society. This new organization focused on civil cases for men and women, handling almost 3,000 cases in its first year.
Then in 1919, LAS joined forces with Metropolitan Family Services (then known as United Charities) and was renamed the Legal Aid Bureau. The Chicago Bar Association helped finance its services, launching a tradition of financial support and volunteer service from the legal profession.
Once the Legal Aid Bureau joined United Charities, a unique relationship between social work and legal work was formed under one administration. That approach continues today, as LAB recognizes that legal problems often stem from deeper family and emotional issues.
Legislative Victories
Throughout its history the Legal Aid Bureau has fought for reforms such as:
- Creating the first law school clinic program at the Northwestern School of Law with Jane Addams and United Charities
- Helping pass the first child protection laws in Illinois
- Helping found the Chicago Municipal Court system
- Establishing the Mandel Clinic at the University of Chicago Law School
- Helping draft and pass the Illinois Domestic Violence Act
LAB Today
Today the Legal Aid Bureau continues its commitment to securing access to equal justice. It provides legal representation and assistance on domestic violence, family law, consumer and housing issues, elder abuse and financial exploitation. It presents "Know Your Rights" workshops for community residents on consumer, housing, elder law and domestic violence issues.
In addition, LAB actively works with Metropolitan's Public Policy team, local and state bar associations, domestic violence service providers and local court administrators to advocate for better laws and a system that is more responsive to its clients and to low-income families in general.
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