SALUTE TO THE 50 ANNIVERSARY OF CHICAGO VOLUNTEER LEGAL SERVICES
WHEREAS, For a half-century, Chicago Volunteer Legal Services has been providing pro bono legal representation for the indigent and working poor of this city and the surrounding areas; and
WHEREAS, The 4th and 16th Amendments to the United States Constitution guarantee all persons due process of law and equal access to justice. However, the constitution is silent concerning a person's ability to pay for such assistance as is necessary to make the best use of that guarantee; and
WHEREAS, Since 1964, it has been the mission of Chicago Volunteer Legal Services to coordinate, support and promote high-quality pro bono legal services for low income people at no cost. This exceptional organization has at its disposal more than 2,300 volunteer attorneys who donate their services to thousands of low-income Chicagoans each year; and
WHEREAS, Chicago Volunteer Legal Services runs neighborhood law clinics and a robust panel program, provides attorneys to serve as guardian ad litem of minors and disabled adults in probate cases in order to protect the best interests of society's most vulnerable citizens, and represents low income homeowners fighting foreclosures and individual defendants in civil litigation who come before the chancery courts; and
WHEREAS, The legal fraternity fully supports the praiseworthy work of the experienced, dedicated staff of Chicago Volunteer Legal Services and the volunteer attorneys that represent the best of Chicago's legal profession ; and
WHEREAS, The Honorable Robert W. Fioretti, Alderman of the 2nd Ward, has apprised this august body of the significant milestone being observed by this noteworthy organization; now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED That we, the Mayor and members of the City of Chicago City Council, gathered together on this 5th Day of February, 2014, do hereby salute the Chicago Volunteer Legal Services on the occasion of their Golden Anniversary and extend our very be...
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