Ascend Justice - Chicago, IL

Empowering Survivors Through Legal Advocacy

Ascend Justice is a mission-driven legal aid organization located in Chicago, dedicated to empowering individuals and families impacted by gender-based violence and the child welfare system. Rooted in a history that dates back to 1982, the organization was formed through the strategic merger of the Domestic Violence Legal Clinic and the Family Defense Center. We strive to help our clients achieve safety and stability through holistic legal representation and systemic reform. If you are a survivor seeking to find a lawyer who understands the complexities of trauma and family dynamics, Ascend Justice provides the compassionate and expert support you need. Our team works tirelessly to ensure that the justice system protects, rather than harms, those it is meant to serve.

Comprehensive Legal Services

We provide free legal services to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking, and stalking. Our practice areas are designed to address the multifaceted needs of our clients:

• Orders of Protection: Assisting survivors in obtaining court orders to stop abuse, remove abusers from the home, and protect children.
• Family Law: Representing clients in divorce, allocation of parental responsibilities (custody), and child support matters.
• Family Defense: Defending parents and caregivers in DCFS investigations to keep families together and protect their rights.
• Immigration: Helping survivors obtain U-Visas, T-Visas, and VAWA self-petitions to secure their legal status in the United States.
• Economic Justice: Addressing financial abuse through employment law (VESSA), housing protections, and consumer debt assistance.

Client-Centered Approach

At Ascend Justice, we view our clients as partners and the experts in their own lives. We are committed to shifting the power back to survivors, providing them with the tools and legal counsel necessary to navigate complex systems. Whether you need an attorney for a sensitive child welfare investigation or require assistance with an emergency order of protection, our dedicated staff is here to stand by your side. We also work on a systemic level to advocate for policies that make Chicago safer and more equitable for everyone. Contact us today to access our services and begin your journey toward justice and healing.