Prisoners' Rights Program

For over 40 years, Uptown People’s Law Center has fought on behalf of people held in Illinois prisons. As one of the few groups committed to this cause, we are passionate about making a difference within the system.

Our Services Include:

• Class Action Representation: UPLC actively participates in class action lawsuits to address systemic issues affecting the rights and well-being of people in prison.
• Individual Cases: In rare circumstances, we take on individual cases, focusing on specific challenges faced by people in prison to provide tailored legal assistance. Please note that UPLC does not regularly take on individual cases and representation is highly selective.

Who We Help

UPLC has a database of correspondence with over 10,000 prisoners. We receive over 100 letters a week from people in all of the Illinois prison facilities, as well as federal, other state and county facilities. Additionally, we receive hundreds of phone calls from family members of prisoners, who we try to assist as much as possible. 

Our Work

UPLC has multiple class action lawsuits and several other lawsuits currently filed against the state of Illinois for unconstitutional prison conditions. Our lawsuits will ultimately change the Illinois prison system for the better. 

UPLC assists prisoners in various matters, including denial of adequate medical care, excessive force matters, denial of religious rights, discrimination, access to the courts, due process and cruel and unusual punishment. UPLC does not represent individuals in criminal appeals.

As part of our Prisoners’ Rights Program we provide other attorneys advice about litigating prison cases and other related information. Our lawyers and paralegals have an extensive knowledge of the prison system, prison litigation and information about Illinois Department of Corrections.

For additional information on our services, please check out our Frequently Asked Questions page, or give us a call at 773-769-1411.

Please note that UPLC does not represent individuals in criminal cases. Additionally, due to attorney/client privilege we can not discuss details regarding a prisoner with family or friends, unless we first receive a letter in writing from the prisoner.