Carolynne Paulsen CVLS Volunteer

Taylor was a bright student near the top of her high school class, until she got sick with a debilitating illness that caused her to miss school. Although her mother worked with the school to obtain special accommodations, her teachers ignored them, penalizing Taylor for the absences which caused her grades to decline. Her mother turned to CVLS for help. Thanks to volunteer Carolynne Paulsen's advocacy, school officials agreed to cooperate and assigned Taylor and administrative liaison. As a result, she graduated on time and is enjoying her freshman year at an out-of-state college.

Katherine Walton CVLS Volunteer

Kalveena's older sister tried to care for the 15-year old because their parents could not, but she simply couldn't do it alone.
 

When she petitioned for guardianship, the court appointed CVLS as Kalveena's Guardian Ad Litem. GAL Katherine Walton thought that a Chicago residential program could be the perfect place for Kalveena, so Katie, working with program staff, helped her young client navigate a multi-step admission process.
 

Now, thanks to a caring attorney, Kalveena is safe and happy.

Adam Tondryk CVLS Volunteer

Although Barbera always paid her car insurance premiums on time, when her car was stolen and she filed a claim, the insurance company denied it.
 

Adam Tondryk, Barbara's CVLS attorney tried to settle, but when the insurer refused to budge, he said, "Fine. We'll file a lawsuit." The insurer's attorneys asked for a little more time. Barbera's attorney agreed. As that deadline loomed, he made it clear he was going ahead with the lawsuit.
 

Two days later, the insurance company paid in full. 

Heidi Schmid CVLS Volunteer

When Juan and his family moved out of their apartment, their landlord of six years refused to return their security deposit. After waiting several months, Juan Sued.
 

But his landlord hired an attorney who countersued. Without his own attorney, Juan didn't stand a chance. Then Juan went to a CVLS neighborhood clinic and got his own attorney. Heidi Schmid took the case to trial and won.
 

Juan got a check for the entire security deposit plus interest.