Pro Se Litigants
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Overview
The term "Pro Se" is Latin meaning "for himself; in his own behalf; in person" or as in appearing for oneself. To act as one's own attorney in a civil or criminal matter.
The Constitutions of the United States and the State of Illinois not only guarantee the right to be represented by legal counsel, but also afford to each and every citizen the right of self-representation. This page is a collection of information and resources related to Pro Se (Self-Representative) litigation.
Legal Advice
The information provided on this website and in forms and materials available at the Law Library is not legal advice. There is no substitute for competent legal counsel. If you need legal advice, you should seek the assistance of an attorney.
Judges and employees of the courts, the Law Library, the States Attorney’s Office and the Circuit Clerk’s Office are prohibited from giving legal advice. The Public Defender’s Office may only provide legal advice when appointed by the court to provide representation to individuals in felony or misdemeanor criminal cases and certain cases in the juvenile court (not including divorce). If you cannot afford an attorney, listed below are some contacts to assist you in obtaining legal assistance.
Overview
The term "Pro Se" is Latin meaning "for himself; in his own behalf; in person" or as in appearing for oneself. To act as one's own attorney in a civil or criminal matter.
The Constitutions of the United States and the State of Illinois not only guarantee the right to be represented by legal counsel, but also afford to each and every citizen the right of self-representation. This page is a collection of information and resources related to Pro Se (Self-Representative) litigation.
Legal Advice
The information provided on this website and in forms and materials available at the Law Library is not legal advice. There is no substitute for competent legal counsel. If you need legal advice, you should seek the assistance of an attorney.
Judges and employees of the courts, the Law Library, the States Attorney’s Office and the Circuit Clerk’s Office are prohibited from giving legal advice. The Public Defender’s Office may only provide legal advice when appointed by the court to provide representation to individuals in felony or misdemeanor criminal cases and certain cases in the juvenile court (not including divorce). If you cannot afford an attorney, listed below are some contacts to assist you in obtaining legal assistance.
| Agency | Address | Phone Number |
|---|---|---|
| Lake County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service |
300 Grand Avenue Suite A Waukegan, IL 60085 |
847-244-3143 |
| Lake County Public Defender (Criminal Cases Only) |
15 S County Street Waukegan, IL 60085 |
847-377-3360 |
| Prairie State Legal Services (Civil Cases Only) |
325 W Washington Street Waukegan, IL 60085 |
800-662-6925 |
Other Agencies & Resources
NOTE: The Administrative Staff of the Law Library, Courts, Public Defender, States Attorney and the Circuit Clerk’s Office are prohibited by law from giving legal advice. If you need legal advice, you should seek the assistance of an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, listed below are some contacts for obtaining legal assistance.
Related Information & Links
NOTE: The Administrative Staff of the Law Library, Courts, Public Defender, States Attorney and the Circuit Clerk’s Office are prohibited by law from giving legal advice. If you need legal advice, you should seek the assistance of an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, listed below are some contacts for obtaining legal assistance.
Related Information & Links
- Citation Searching Is it Good Law (PDF)
- Court Forms
- How to Read a Legal Citation (PDF)
- Legal Reference Web links
- Local Court Rules
- Most Commonly Used Citation Abbreviations (PDF)
- Obtaining a Waiver of Court Fees
- Useful Reference Web Links
- Web Links for Pro Se Litigants