Bar Association in Illinois

The Illinois State Bar Association regulates the legal profession throughout the state, maintaining the official roll of licensed attorneys, administering the bar exam, investigating professional conduct complaints, and operating the lawyer referral service that connects residents with qualified legal counsel. The organization operates under the authority of the Illinois Supreme Court.

Bar Association locations are available in 9 cities across Illinois. They are spread across 6 counties.

Cities with the highest concentration include Chicago, Belleville, Waukegan, where local and county bar associations maintain offices alongside a high density of law firms, courts, and legal service organizations.

Residents of Illinois seeking legal help can use the state bar's lawyer referral service to be connected with a licensed attorney for a reduced-fee initial consultation, and can also search for certified specialists in specific practice areas such as family law, personal injury, or criminal defense.

Residents of Illinois who cannot afford an attorney may be eligible for free legal assistance through the state bar's legal aid referral program, law school clinics, or local nonprofit legal aid organizations. The state bar's website also provides a public resource library with plain-language explanations of common legal processes and self-help forms.

Browse Bar Association by county across Illinois to find the nearest location.