Second District Appellate Court Launches Program for Self Represented Litigants

SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Appellate Court Second District has launched a pilot program to help people who represent themselves in appeals. About half of the court’s filings now come from self represented litigants, and that number continues to grow. The program will offer free mediation with volunteer attorneys who can help self represented litigants understand the appellate process and work toward resolving their cases. The program is funded by a grant from the Access to Justice Commission and will require volunteer lawyer mediators and pro bono attorneys. Free continuing legal education training is expected to be offered this fall through the Appellate Lawyers Association and the Public Interest Law Initiative.