Plain-English explanations of laws and procedures that commonly affect people in Chicago and Cook County. These articles are general information, not legal advice.
Housing & Tenants
A plain-English guide to Chicago's Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO): who it covers, security deposits, repairs, notice rules, lockouts, and how evictions work in Cook County.
Injury & Accidents
What to do after a car crash in Chicago or Cook County: reporting duties, documenting the scene, Illinois insurance basics, comparative fault, and filing deadlines.
Traffic & Driving
How Chicago parking and camera tickets differ from moving violations in Cook County traffic court, plus supervision, license suspensions, DUI basics, and when to call a lawyer.
Consumer Protection
How the Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act protects Chicago consumers, common scams and disputes, where to file complaints, and deadlines to know.
Family Law
An overview of divorce in Cook County: Illinois residency and grounds, the court process, property division, maintenance guidelines, child support, parenting time, and orders of protection.
Criminal Defense
Know your rights when police want to talk, how Cook County criminal cases work after the Pretrial Fairness Act, misdemeanor vs. felony basics, and when to contact a defense lawyer.
Real Estate
How residential real estate deals work in Chicago: attorney review, inspection periods, the Illinois Residential Real Property Disclosure Act, condo documents, and closing issues to watch.
Employment
A guide to Chicago workplace rights: the Chicago minimum wage, the Paid Leave and Paid Sick and Safe Leave Ordinance, final pay, the Illinois Human Rights Act, and filing deadlines.
