Pro Se Help Desk
Circuit Court of Cook County
Office of the Chief Judge
Richard J. Daley Center, Room 602
50 West Washington Street
Chicago, Illinois 60602
(312) 603-5626
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
No appointments - first come, first served
In the Pro Se Branch of the Small Claims Court of the First Municipal District, individuals represent themselves before a judge in cases seeking to recover monetary damages of up to $3,000.00. (Pro se is Latin for "in one's own behalf.")
Pro se plaintiffs and defendants may visit the Pro Se Help Desk for free assistance throughout their cases in interpreting and filling out court-required documents. The trained staff of the Pro Se Help Desk also advise pro se plaintiffs and defendants of any required court fees and provide explanations of how to follow the judge's orders.
The staff of the Pro Se Help Desk does not provide legal advice.
Typical cases filed in Pro Se Court involve auto damage, clothing loss or damage, debt collection and tenant/landlord claims.
Foreign language interpreters are available upon request. To request an interpreter for a language other than Spanish or Polish, please notify the Pro Se Help Desk at the phone number above prior to your arrival.