Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can ISBA give me legal advice?
Sorry, no. If you need a lawyer but don't have one, consult the Lawyer Search or Phone Referral sections on this website (if you’re from Chicago, the Chicago Bar Association’s lawyer referral number is (312) 554-2001, and their web address is www.chicagobar.org), or try one of the Internet directories (e.g., http://www.wld.com or http://www.lawyers.com). More referral sources are located in our Links page. The Chicago Volunteer Legal Services Foundation ((312) 332-1624) provides referrals for low-income people in the Chicago area. For general legal information, consult our legal information section.
Q. I want to file a complaint about a lawyer – what do I do?
The ISBA has no authority to investigate or act upon allegations of lawyer misconduct. That role is performed by the Illinois Supreme Court's Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission. To obtain a brochure and complaint form, write to the ARDC at 130 East Randolph Drive, Suite 1500, One Prudential Plaza, Chicago, IL 60601 or call (312) 565-2600 or (800) 826-8625.
Q. Can you tell me whether Attorney X is a member of the ISBA and give me his/her name and phone number?
Sorry, no. If you want to find out whether a lawyer is licensed to practice in Illinois, contact the ARDC at the address or phone numbers listed above (remember that ISBA membership is voluntary; lawyers don’t have to belong to ISBA to practice in Illinois). To find a lawyer’s name and address, you might consult one of the print directories (e.g., the Illinois Legal Directory or Sullivan’s Law Directory), which are available at many law school libraries (Sullivan's staff will also answer telephone and e-mail requests for address/phone information on lawyers, see their website at http://www.sullivanslawdirectory.com), or try one of the Internet directories (e.g., http://www.wld.com or http://www.lawyers.com).
Q. I think my lawyer’s fees are too high. Can you help?
We're sorry, but no. Clients seeking fee arbitration services should contact their local bar association.
© Illinois State Bar Association
If you have questions about the application of the law in a particular case, consult your lawyer. The law is constantly changing. Information on this site or any site to which we link does not constitute legal advice.