The College of DuPage (COD) provided free legal guidance on housing, federal benefits, and family law to students and community members during a legal clinic expo on Monday, March 16, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., in the Student Resource Center (SRC). The Office of the General Counsel designed it to connect students and community members with legal information and resources.
Representatives from a variety of organizations such as the UIC Law Fair Housing Legal Clinic, Legal Aid Chicago, Prairie State Legal Services, the DuPage County Bar Association and the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office, addressed legal questions on housing equity, veterans’ benefits, family law and record expungement. Other organizations, such as Metropolitan Family Services, COD’s Fuel Pantry, COD Paralegal club and other beneficial resources were presented to the community.
According to Lilianna Kalin, general counsel for the COD, the idea for the clinic grew out of conversations about how often students and employees have legal questions but are unsure where to turn. Because she cannot provide personal legal advice, Kalin began exploring ways the college could connect people to legal resources.
“I’ve been approached personally where students are seeking some type of legal guidance,” Kalin said. “As general counsel for the college, I’m precluded from being able to provide any form of legal guidance on a personal level to students, faculty, staff or employees. But I recognize that there are legal issues and resources that our community needs some guidance on and is looking for that type of information.”
The event was structured as a resource fair where attendees could move from table to table and speak with representatives from each participating organization. By gathering multiple organizations in one space, the clinic aims to address a common barrier many people face when navigating legal issues without knowing where to begin.
Kalin said the goal is to make legal information accessible while encouraging people to make connections with professionals who can assist them beyond the event.
“It educates, it creates connections, [and] it provides contact information,” Kalin said. “There’s a level of awareness. People might not be aware that these organizations are resources they could tap into. A lot of it is pro bono work, so it’s free legal advice. Sometimes people just don’t know where to go to ask.”
While the clinic is open to anyone in the DuPage County community, Kalin emphasized that students do not need to prepare specific questions in advance or bring anything. Simply attending, learning about available services and collecting information can be valuable steps for those navigating legal challenges.
“I would say if anything, come,” Kalin said. “You don’t have to ask a question. You can listen to what the participants present and what resources they provide. If you don’t feel comfortable asking questions at that moment, you don’t have to.”
The legal clinic was free and open to students, faculty, staff and members of the DuPage County community. Organizers encouraged attendees to stop by, explore available resources and learn more about how legal organizations in the area can help address everyday legal concerns.
Kalin hopes to gather feedback from attendees through a brief survey after the event. Responses will help determine whether similar programs should be offered in the future and what additional legal topics the community may want to explore.
“If we touch one person that receives some information that really helps them and they’re seeking some kind of resource, then I’ll feel that we’ve accomplished something,” Kalin said.
