Cook County Public Defender's Office

Registration is open now for the September Driver's License Reinstatement Expo!

Registration for the 15th Driver’s License Reinstatement Expo is open! If you or someone you know are seeking to restore their driving privileges, mark your calendars for September 12, 2026 at Malcolm X College. Legal advocates and service providers will be at the expo to support individuals in reinstating their driver’s license!

Register at www.pilsenneigbors.org/dlre or scan the QR code

We are thrilled to share the Chicago City Council voted against the Parental Liability Ordinance that was introduced today. Thank you to the 33 Alderpeople who saw the ordinance for what it was—a penalty scheme that would punish vulnerable families. The best way to increase safety and trust in our communities is to create supportive options for teens and families, not imposing exorbitant fines and sowing fear.

Legal Action Chicago

Our 2026 Summer Law Clerk Volunteer Program is now underway, and we’re thrilled to welcome our largest cohort yet. A total of 189 law clerk volunteers from 33 law schools across the nation have joined us, bringing diverse perspectives and a shared commitment to public service. Across 17 divisions, in courtrooms and offices throughout Cook County, they’ll work alongside our defenders and gain invaluable hands‑on experience in client‑centered advocacy.

We stand alongside more than 40 partner organizations in opposing a harmful Chicago City Council ordinance that would amend chapter 8-16 of the municipal code. Despite being voted down by the Council's Public Safety Committee in 2023, the sponsor is now attempting to revive this ordinance through a motion on the floor at tomorrow's Council meeting.

This ordinance will not increase community safety, but it WILL punish some of our most vulnerable families. We urge City Council to reject punitive fines and other penalties and invest in proven solutions that will prevent violence before it happens.

🔗 Read the full letter here: https://www.cookcountypublicdefender.org/news/letter-opposition-ordinance-o2023-0005298

Legal Action Chicago

❗Today, Friday, June 12, the Markham Courthouse, Bridgeview Courthouse, and Branch 35 & 38 are closed due to power outages.

Cases scheduled to be heard June 12 have been moved or rescheduled.

Details are available at cookcountypublicdefender.org/news/court-closures-friday-june-12-2026

📣 The Cook County Public Defender's Office, in partnership with Cabrini Green Legal Aid, invites community members to attend an Expungement Summit.

📅 Saturday, June 27, 2026
📍 Freedom Defense Center of Roseland
11437 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60628

Two sessions are available:
⏰ Morning Session: 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
⏰ Afternoon Session: 1:00 PM–3:00 PM

Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about expungement and record sealing, determine potential eligibility, and connect with legal professionals for guidance.

Registration is required. Reserve your spot here:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=rlVNi7RtBU6oXFnWolbNbomNfCH1RllOoynf-FjmrWNUM0FOQk5OVlBWTVVZUE8wTkJYWEQwMjdXMSQlQCN0PWcu

Please share this information with family, friends, neighbors, and community members who may benefit from this free event.

❗Markham Courthouse and Branch 35 & 38 (Pullman - 111th St.) are closed today, Thursday, June 11 due to power outages.

For more information, visit cookcountypublicdefender.org or call 312-603-0600.

Celebrate Father's Day with community! We are hosting a free event with brunch, community resources and free headshots at Blue Door Neighborhood Center. Fathers and their children up to age 13 are welcome to join.

☎️ Please RSVP, 312-738-7374
🔗 Additional details are available at cookcountypublicdefender.org/events

Thank you to our partners Youth Peace Center of Roseland, GRO Community, Hope Center Foundation of Chicago, and R2C2.

📣 We’re teaming up with Cabrini Green Legal Aid for Rap Sheet Day. Get help obtaining and reviewing your rap sheet.

📅 June 12, 2026
⏰ 9 AM–2 PM
📍 3510 S. Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL

🚨 Register by June 5 to secure your spot for this FREE event.
Transportation from the Roseland Freedom Defense Center is available for pre‑registered attendees.

More info + registration at https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=rlVNi7RtBU6oXFnWolbNbomNfCH1RllOoynf-FjmrWNURTdIOEYwMlhLOUdNVzdNMDc3VlVISVFQNCQlQCN0PWcu