Lawyers' Committee for Better Housing

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Shiva Kooragayala awarded Barbara Grau Outstanding Housing Advocate Award

August 22, 2022 posted in LCBH News, Pro Bono

We are pleased to announce Shiva Kooragayala will receive the Barbara Grau Outstanding Housing Advocate Award at our 40th Anniversary Celebration. Presented annually, the award recognizes an individual or organization who has shown extraordinary commitment to protecting renters' rights and advancing housing justice.

"Housing is a platform for people to improve their lives. Getting access to housing, and keeping it once you have it, is so important," Shiva said.

Currently an associate at Massey & Gail, Shiva has spent most of his career working on a variety of housing issues, particularly public and affordable housing policy, he said. In addition to researching local and national housing policies at the Urban Institute, Shiva served as a clinical advocate on several eviction defense matters with Legal Aid Chicago before beginning pro bono housing work while at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP.

Most recently, Shiva helped at LCBH's eviction sealing clinics, both as a pro bono volunteer and a volunteer liaison at Skadden. With the help of LCBH Pro Bono Coordinator Kaitlin Cutshaw, Shiva organized a virtual clinic to engage Skadden lawyers, training them how to write and file a motion, and go to court for their clients.

Victoria Ogunsanya promoted to supervising attorney

August 22, 2022 posted in LCBH News

Recently, we spoke with LCBH’s Victoria Ogunsanya, who was promoted to supervising attorney this month. Victoria spoke about her passion for housing justice and the ins and outs of her role. Congrats, Victoria!

How long have you worked with LCBH and in what roles, including any volunteer or intern time?

I have worked at LCBH for 11 years as a staff attorney in the Affordable Housing Preservation Project (AHPP), representing tenant groups to preserve and improve their housing. Prior to that, I interned at LCBH for several months.

How did you connect with LCBH?

I applied for an internship position at LCBH when I learned that the work aligned with my interests and experience in housing law. When the AHPP attorney position became available, I applied right away, and continue to be enthused about being a part of the amazing and meaningful work LCBH does.

Why is working on matters related to housing important to you?

The work at LCBH is so very critical to maintain affordable housing and to ensure that tenants' voices are heard. There is a great need for LCBH's services, and I intend to work with the LCBH staff to provide excellent services to as many tenants as possible.

You've just taken on a new job as supervising attorney, what does that mean?

Claire Battle awarded Sharon L. King Distinguished Alumni Award

July 21, 2022 posted in LCBH Alumni, LCBH News, LCBH 40th Anniversary

The Sharon L. King Distinguished Alumni Award is presented annually for outstanding professional achievement among former LCBH legal fellows and interns. This year, we have the pleasure of awarding Claire Battle with the award at our 40th Anniversary Celebration.

Claire's commitment to LCBH began as an intern in 2001 while attending Northwestern University. Now, more than 20 years later, Claire has served as a member and president of the Board of Directors, pro bono volunteer, and, most recently, a member of our Advocates Council. Through her work with LCBH, Claire developed the Young Professionals Board to engage new attorneys and oversaw an expansion in LCBH's services to include a new Right to Counsel initiative.

"I'm very grateful for my time with the organization and I'm very grateful to be recognized in this way. Given the importance of Sharon and the importance of this award, I don't take it lightly," Claire said.

Claire had the privilege of working with Sharon L. King, who the award honors, when she joined the LCBH board in 2002.

Sharon connected with LCBH as a volunteer in the Attorney of the Day Program in 1997 and then became a member of the Board of Directors, serving two terms as president. Sharon helped establish the Brach-Brodie Endowment that allows LCBH to hire a recent law school graduate for a one-year position. Sharon is elated Claire will be joining the list of esteemed recipients.

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Mary

Recently, LCBH Rentervention Attorney Ashley Chong went above and beyond to help nervous client "Mary" file a motion to seal an old eviction and prepare to appear in court.

Kimberly

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented significant challenges for many Chicago renters, where widespread employment cutbacks and shelter-in-place mandates have made paying rent burdensome and nearly o

Miss Wade

While many assume evictions are not an issue for Chicagoans right now due federal and state evictions moratoria, the reality is quite different.

Gerald

Our client, Gerald S., has worked hard throughout his career and never missed paying his rent.

Michael

Our client, "Michael," worked hard throughout his career to save for retirement.

Margie

In 30-plus years in the Logan Square area, Margie had only lived in four different apartments.

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