Peoria Standard

Sen. Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington) posted details about a free legal advice fair in a Sept. 15 Facebook post.

The event is scheduled to take place on Sept. 24 between 9 and 11:30 a.m. at Mid Central Community Action, 1301 West Washington St., in Bloomington.

"Free Legal Advice Fair in Bloomington on 9/24, available to all who meet the eligibility guidelines," Barickman posted.

The event will offer free legal counsel on a wide range of issues, including child support, divorce, paternity, evictions, foreclosures, and financial issues including bankruptcy and collection.

Other services include assistance with suspended driver's licenses, expungement, and immigration.

Individuals are encouraged to bring court documents and any other documentation related to their legal problems.

The event's free legal advising will be provided by the Public Interest Law Initiative (PLI), which sponsors internships for law students at public interest law firms throughout Illinois.

"We envision making equal access to justice a reality through a legal community with a deeply rooted culture of service, where pro bono and public interest law engagement is optimized to best serve people, families and communities in need," PLI states in its mission statement.

Lawyers will only be allowed to offer limited counsel and will not be available to represent clients' legal issues or assistance with cases involving criminal or traffic offenses.

Those seeking legal counsel must also fulfill the PLI's financial qualifying requirements.

The event will welcome walk-ins, but capacity is limited and participants are advised to make an appointment.

Individuals may sign up for the event by visiting the PLI's website.