A Bridge Forward

For individuals in Evanston, IL, and across the Chicagoland area who are seeking to overcome the challenges posed by a past criminal history, A Bridge Forward offers profoundly impactful legal services within the "Nearby Lawyers" category. Conveniently situated at 1900 A Dempster St, Evanston, IL 60202, USA, the firm provides accessible and dedicated support for those looking to reclaim their future. You can contact them directly by phone at (847) 804-0157, which also serves as their mobile contact number: +1 847-804-0157.

A Bridge Forward is primarily spearheaded by Attorney Ina R. Silvergleid, whose dedication and expertise in criminal records relief are consistently lauded by her clients. The firm’s mission, as suggested by its name, is to help individuals move forward from the stigma and limitations imposed by their criminal backgrounds. Ina Silvergleid’s background as a former employment law attorney and her extensive experience volunteering at an expungement help desk in suburban Cook County provide her with a unique and powerful skill set. This blend of employment law knowledge and criminal records relief expertise allows her to effectively address the barriers individuals face in employment, professional or occupational licensing, college enrollment, and housing due to an arrest or conviction record.

The core services offered by A Bridge Forward are centered around criminal records relief, which includes:

• Expungement: Assisting clients in legally removing arrest records from public view. This is crucial for individuals who were arrested but not convicted, or whose cases were dismissed, allowing them to legally deny the existence of the arrest.
• Sealing Conviction Records: Guiding clients through the process of sealing eligible criminal convictions. In Illinois, recent legislative changes have made many more convictions eligible for sealing, which can significantly improve an individual's prospects for employment, housing, and educational opportunities. As highlighted in client reviews, Ina is "relentless in combating the state attorney's objections" to ensure successful sealing.
• Executive Clemency: Representing clients in petitions for executive clemency. This can be a pathway to eliminating statutory barriers to licensing, reinstating gun rights, or even expunging convictions that are not otherwise eligible for sealing or expungement through the courts.
• Criminal Background Check Consultation: Understanding that criminal records do not simply disappear, A Bridge Forward works to remove criminal background information from the scrutiny of employers, landlords, licensing agencies, and college admissions. They also consult with employers on how and when to conduct criminal background checks in compliance with federal, state, and local laws, assisting with interpreting reports and drafting procedures for assessing job candidates with criminal records. This dual approach benefits both individuals and businesses by fostering fair chance hiring practices.

A standout feature of Attorney Silvergleid's practice is her unparalleled dedication and compassionate approach. Client testimonials frequently describe her as an "angel from above" who provides "life-changing service." Her commitment to learning every detail of a case, spending countless hours to ensure no stone is left unturned, is a recurring theme in client feedback. This thoroughness, combined with her ability to provide "light at the end of the tunnel" and "a sense of hope and new beginnings," demonstrates her deep personal investment in her clients' success. She is noted for her ability to not only navigate the legal system but also to serve as a career counselor, job finder, therapist, or friend when needed, emphasizing that her role as a legal advocate does not include judging her clients for past mistakes.

The environment of A Bridge Forward, located at 1900 A Dempster St, Evanston, IL 60202, USA, is likely a professional yet welcoming space. While specific details about the interior are not publicly available, the firm's client-centric philosophy suggests an office designed to make clients feel comfortable and supported while discussing highly personal and sensitive legal matters. Given the nature of their work—helping individuals reclaim their lives—the atmosphere would likely be one of empathy and understanding, fostering trust and open communication. The location in Evanston makes it a convenient and local resource for residents within the community.

In terms of promotional information, A Bridge Forward leverages the profound positive impact it has on clients' lives. The glowing testimonials, describing the service as "life changing" and praising Ina Silvergleid's "dedication," "deep understanding of the legal intricacies," and "genuine care," are the most powerful promotional tools. These heartfelt reviews underscore the firm's effectiveness and its ability to provide tangible results that enable individuals to overcome significant life barriers. The firm also offers free consultations, a significant promotional offering that allows potential clients to explore their options and understand the potential for record relief without an initial financial commitment. This approach reduces barriers to accessing legal help and allows individuals to see the firm's compassionate and knowledgeable approach firsthand. Furthermore, A Bridge Forward actively engages in educating the community about criminal record relief, welcoming invitations to speak to various organizations, which further promotes their expertise and commitment to social impact.

In summary, for local users in Evanston, IL, and the wider Chicagoland area searching for a "Nearby Lawyer" specializing in criminal record relief, A Bridge Forward, led by the highly praised Attorney Ina R. Silvergleid, offers an exceptional and compassionate service. Her unique blend of employment law and criminal records expertise, coupled with an unparalleled dedication to her clients and a focus on providing life-changing outcomes, makes A Bridge Forward an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to move past their criminal history and reclaim their future.