You can look for a lawyer to represent you in court. The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) works with private lawyers to provide free legal services.

You should call IDES after you receive a ruling against you or a notice of an appeal. They can help you set up a meeting with an attorney about your case. If that attorney finds you have a valid claim or defense, they can represent you at the appeal hearing. Visit the IDES Legal Services Program page for more information.

If you do not qualify for a free lawyer, you should contact a private attorney to represent you. Be sure this attorney has experience in unemployment appeals. They should not charge a much higher amount than other attorneys. It is a good idea to contact more than one attorney. Also, make sure that you have an agreement, called a “retainer agreement,” signed by you and the attorney. This should say what the attorney will do for you and how much you have to pay the attorney. Make sure that you get a copy of this agreement.