We are changing legal aid.

We create community activism-law programs for, by, with, and within our partner communities. Our model of community activism lawyering unites lawyers and activists to help marginalized communities access justice and pursue social change.

Our Programs

  • Icon of two people sitting at desks with computers, connected by a table, with scales of justice above them, on a purple background.

    Community Law Offices

    We build comprehensive law offices in partnership with community organizations across Illinois.

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    Activism Partnerships

    In addition to our legal clinics, Beyond attorneys support cases and projects relating to our activist partners' campaigns.

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    Community Empowerment Education

    We provide free Know Your Rights, Family Emergency Preparedness, and Community Empowerment Education workshops.

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  • Pink circular icon with a white outline of a telephone receiver and sound waves.

    Helpline

    For nearly a decade, our 24/7 national immigration helpline has provided free, confidential legal screenings for more than 1000 callers across the US.

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    Activist Support

    Beyond Legal Aid provides free legal assistance to any activist facing collateral consequences for their activism work.

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Who we are

A group of people at a protest march, holding a banner that reads 'COMMUNITY ACTIVISTS'. Some are smiling and wearing sunglasses, with signs in the background expressing messages about abolishing ICE and climate change.

Beyond Legal Aid unites lawyers and activists in a collaborative pursuit for justice by leveraging legal services to empower the most marginalized communities and individuals. Beyond is changing legal aid. We are changing how lawyers and communities work together. Our lawyers work with activists to support their communities access justice and pursue social change.

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Stay up to date with our blog *

Stay up to date with our blog *

Blog
Hispanic Heritage Month Community Partner Spotlight
Hispanic Heritage Month Community Partner Spotlight

Happy #HispanicHeritageMonth! To kick off the celebrations, we are proud to spotlight our community partner, Centro de Trabajadores Unidos (CTU).
CTU is a grassroots organization based on the Southeast Side of Chicago that builds collective power with immigrant and low-wage workers.

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International Day of Peace Community Partner Spotlight
International Day of Peace Community Partner Spotlight

Happy #InternationalDayOfPeace! To celebrate this important cause, we are proud to spotlight one of our key community partners, Increase The Peace (ITP). ITP is a youth-led, grassroots organization based on Chicago's Southwest Side. ITP focuses on building youth leadership, preventing violence, and strengthening community power through organizing, civic engagement, and mentorship.

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Decoding Housing Disputes: A Community Partner’s Perspective
Decoding Housing Disputes: A Community Partner’s Perspective

While Illinois continues to introduce policies to better protect tenants, the housing crisis remains far from resolved. The lack of affordable, available housing still affects renters across the state in serious and lasting ways.

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New Partnership Announcement: ACTA
New Partnership Announcement: ACTA

At this critical moment for tenant rights and protections across Illinois, bringing on a new partnership is essential to strengthening Beyond's capacity, expanding our reach, and ensuring that tenants have the support they need to win lasting victories.

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View fullsize REMINDER: Beyond’s 11th Anniversary Fundraiser is THIS THURSDAY at 6PM! Get ready for an unforgettable night with live circus acts, tarot card readings, an optional costume contest, plus food, drinks, and silent auction and raffle prizes. It&r
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View fullsize We’re just ONE WEEK away from our 11th anniversary fundraiser, A Wicked Good Time with Beyond Legal Aid! We are approaching capacity, and now is a Wicked Good Time to secure your tickets before we sell out! Run to the link in bio to grab yours