Public Information Brochures

The following resources are available free of charge through the CBA Public Affairs Office and the Lawyer Referral Service.  All brochures are available at the bottom of this page in PDF format. To receive a brochure via U.S. mail, send an email to CBA Public Affairs Office with your name and mailing address or call 312-554-2013. One copy per brochure per person.

Adoption - Basic adoption procedure, types of adoption, and how to obtain information about an adoption.


Becoming and Adult: Your Legal Rights and Responsibilities - Provides answers to common questions asked by individuals turning 18.


Buying and Keeping a Used Car - This guide, originally created by The Chicago Bar Foundation, provides valuable information on purchasing a used car and related issues. The guide is available in English and Spanish.

Eviction - Basic eviction procedure, types of notice, how a trial works and how to appeal an eviction.

Finding The Right Lawyer - Overviews the procedures of the Lawyer Referral Service, lists situations that may require a lawyer's assistance and some of the areas of law for which referrals are made through the LRS.

In-Court Lawyer Referral Program - Describes how the program provides legal counsel as a reasonable cost to defendants who appear in the criminal courts without counsel. It also lists the court facilities where the program is offered and defines the criteria by which lawyers are selected for the program and explains how the lawyers are paid for their services.

Lunch with a Lawyer Program - Information for businesses on the Lawyer Referral Service's educational series as a benefit to their employees during their lunch hour. It lists series topics with brief summaries of each and gives a CBA contact to call and schedule a presentation.

Mortgage Foreclosure - Learn about your rights and responsibilities in a home foreclosure. Prepared by the Young Lawyers Section and the John Marshall Law School Fair Housing Clinic. Available in English and Spanish. (English version out of stock)

Resource Guide for Persons with Disabilities - A directory of services and advocacy groups for people with disabilities. This booklet was compiled by Equip for Equality, Inc. and The Chicago Bar Association Young Lawyers Section. More information on Equip for Equality can be found at www.equipforequality.org.

Senior Citizens Will Program - A brochure targeted to the older adult who needs low-cost preparation of a simple will. It summarizes the program, what the eligibility requirements are, how much the will preparation will cost, why preparing a will is important and what other services are available. Included is a list of centers where the program is offered as well as phone numbers to other agencies which provide assistance to seniors with other legal issues.

So, You Want To Be A Lawyer? - Aimed at elementary through high school students who are interested in learning more about the field of law, and the requirements for becoming a lawyer. Quantities available for classroom use.

What About Your Will - Basic information on how a will works, how an estate is settled, when a will should be updated, and planning.

What to Do if You Are in Debt - This guide, published by The Chicago Bar Foundation in partnership with several legal aid organizations, is designed to give you basic information about credit, problems to watch out for and your options if you are in debt. It also includes sample letters and resources for you to get help from a lawyer. The Debt Guide will be periodically updated at www.illinoislegalaid.org.

Where To Go for Legal Assistance in Chicago - A listing of helpful information, from referral services to government agencies.

Your Guide To The Law - A basic legal handbook that provides answers to commonly asked questions about the law. In 100-plus pages and 18 chapters, it covers everything from Bankruptcy and Buying a Home to Jury Duty and Small Claims - The Pro Se Court. Only one booklet is available per request.

Your Rights if Arrested - What to do if you are arrested, bail/bond, preliminary hearing information, and how to find an attorney. (Out of stock)