Intake

Tell us what's going on.

This form takes 5-10 minutes. Your responses are confidential. Submitting this form does not create an attorney-client relationship, and we may not be able to take your case. We will respond within 3 business days.

Important — please read before submitting.

Submitting this form does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Mutual Aid Legal Collective LLC. An attorney-client relationship forms only after (1) we review your information, (2) we confirm there is no conflict of interest, and (3) you and we sign a written representation agreement.

Until we have entered into a written representation agreement, please do not submit information that could incriminate you in pending or contemplated criminal or regulatory proceedings. Basic intake information about your situation is fine; a detailed narrative of facts is not appropriate for this form.

Information you submit will be treated as confidential under Illinois Rule of Professional Conduct 1.18, which protects prospective client information even if we don't take your case.

If you are facing an emergency — you are in custody, have a hearing in the next 48 hours, or are in immediate danger — call us directly at (773) 882-0566 instead of using this form.

Acknowledgment

Your contact information

MALC practices in Illinois, the Northern District of Illinois, and New York.

Your situation

Pick the closest match. We will help you sort it out.

Housing details

Chicago has specific tenant protections under the RLTO.
For conflict-of-interest check.
0 / 500

Immigration details

If yes, the form will stop and direct you to call us. This protects sensitive information from being stored in a third-party system.
Please do not describe your situation in this form.

We want to help, but we don't want your sensitive information passing through a third-party form platform. Please call us directly at (773) 882-0566 from a phone you trust.

If you're concerned about phone security, you can also email us from a personal (not work) email: mlmd@mutualaidlegalcollective.org.

If yes, do NOT wait for the form response — call us directly at (773) 882-0566.
Please do NOT include specific dates of entry or detailed facts of any criminal or immigration history. 0 / 400

Family law details

If yes, call 911 or the Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-877-863-6338.
For conflict-of-interest check.
0 / 500

Criminal defense details

Important: Do not describe the facts of your case on this form. We will ask administrative questions to triage. We will cover what happened on a call.

If a loved one is in Chicago police custody right now, call First Defense Legal Aid Police Custody Hotline at 1-800-LAW-REP-4. Staffed 24/7.

Protest-related matter

First: contact NLG.
Most protest-related arrests in Chicago are best handled through the National Lawyers Guild's mass-defense infrastructure. NLG representation is typically free.

NLG Chicago: 872-465-4244
Email: nlg.chi.crimdefense@gmail.com

If you are currently in police custody, call First Defense Legal Aid at 1-800-LAW-REP-4.

Administrative hearing details

Administrative deadlines are often short — as little as 10-15 days.
0 / 500

Civil lawsuit details

For conflict-of-interest check.

Estate planning / guardianship details

Once someone has lost capacity, powers of attorney are no longer available.

Residential real estate details

MALC only represents residential buyers, sellers, and borrowers.
Attorney review period is typically 5 business days after signing.

Tell us what is going on

Don't include detailed facts that could incriminate you. Focus on what kind of help you are looking for. 0 / 800

A few last questions

See our pricing page for more detail.
50% or 25% discount based on household income. No proof required at this stage.
You and anyone you financially support (or who supports you), living at the same address.
Opposing parties, other attorneys, co-parties. Separate names with commas. We need this to verify we are not representing anyone on the other side. 0 / 500
0 / 800

Thank you. We have received your intake.

We will review your information and respond within 3 business days from mlmd@mutualaidlegalcollective.org. If you do not see our response, please check your spam folder.

If your situation becomes urgent while you are waiting, call us at (773) 882-0566.