Illinois Court Help recently marked its third anniversary with an impressive record of aiding over 50,000 court users since its launch in May 2021. This groundbreaking program continues to be a crucial resource for court users navigating the complexities of the legal system across Illinois. In celebrating this milestone, Illinois Court Help proudly welcomes three new Court Guides: Frances, Erik, and Daniel.
Meet the new Court Guides
Q: What drew you to become a Court Guide with Illinois Court Help?
Frances: “I was (and still am) excited for this opportunity to join a wonderful team and be able to contribute towards the common goal of guiding court users through the oftentimes daunting and complicated court system. I had seen the struggles that self-represented litigants faced firsthand in the county that I previously worked in, and my goal was always to attempt to improve their experiences with the local circuit court, so the idea that I could make a similar impact on a statewide level was too alluring to pass up! This role will give me the chance to make a difference on a larger scale and contribute to the growth of this relatively newer program all while allowing me to spend more time with my family, which includes a toddler and a baby on the way.”
Q: What aspect of being a Court Guide excites you the most?
Daniel: “I’m most excited for the opportunity to more directly work with court users, particularly self-represented litigants. By working with these users, I feel that I am able to take a more active role in the Illinois Courts and our Access to Justice initiatives. As a new Illinois Court Help Guide, I’m also excited to learn and develop new ways to expand court programs in the future.”
Q: How do you see your background contributing to your role as a Court Guide?
Erik: “My work in a circuit clerk’s office, as well as the years I spent in a courtroom, give me a unique perspective in knowing exactly what a Court user will be going through. Not only the processes and legal information, but also what to expect when physically appearing in a courtroom or joining remotely. I’ve been the “other side”, so to speak, so I’m also very aware of the strengths and weaknesses of the court system in general. Court is often a terrifying and nerve-wracking experience. Being able to offer at least a glimpse of what to expect can, I think, give some much-needed reassurance.”
A bright future ahead
With Frances, Erik, and Daniel’s unique perspectives and expertise, Illinois Court Help is better equipped to support and guide even more court users throughout Illinois. For assistance, call or text message 833-411-1121 or visit ilcourthelp.gov to send a message.