ALTON, Ill. — Simmons Hanly Conroy is pleased to recognize the Illinois Supreme Court and Southern Illinois University Simmons Law School on the creation of a new Housing Justice Clinic, which will expand access to legal representation for Southern Illinois residents facing eviction, foreclosure, and other housing-related legal challenges.
Chief Justice P. Scott Neville Jr. unveiled the statewide initiative on Oct. 8, which will include clinics at SIU Simmons Law School, the University of Illinois College of Law, and Northern Illinois University College of Law.
Law students will work on housing cases under the guidance of practicing lawyers, supporting residents with limited means who would otherwise likely have to navigate the court system on their own. SIU Simmons Law School’s clinic is expected to begin operating in the fall 2027 semester.
“A legal right that exists only on paper isn’t worth the paper it’s printed on. A right only becomes real when someone is there to help you uphold it,” said John Simmons, founder and chairman of Simmons Hanly Conroy. “That’s why I’m grateful to the Illinois Supreme Court for making this a priority and proud that Simmons Law School will be there for our neighbors in Southern Illinois when a roof over their heads is on the line.”
The clinic will build practical skills for students while serving neighbors who have had trouble finding counsel. The three schools plan to share resources, including efforts to prepare volunteer attorneys and to push for improvements in housing law. SIU Simmons Law School also intends to partner with established aid organizations in the region.
Simmons Hanly Conroy has been a long-time supporter of SIU’s law school, providing internships and employment opportunities for graduates. In 2024, John Simmons and his wife Jayne donated $10 million to expand opportunities for students and faculty at the school.
