By: Chris Gallagher
A new initiative is set to improve how individuals in Illinois’ underserved communities prepare for legal challenges. Professional Litigant, led by Jim Winner, has received a $1.1 million grant from Illinois’ Restore, Reinvest, and Renew (R3) program. This funding will support the creation of an online training platform tailored to Illinois, helping pro se litigants understand eviction defense, debt collection issues, and civil procedure. The program aims to present legal information in a clear, accessible way, providing individuals with the tools they need to navigate the legal system more effectively.
This new online resource moves beyond the traditional mold of legal education by incorporating creative, comedic elements into video presentations and supporting materials. Instead of struggling with impenetrable jargon or feeling overwhelmed by dense legal texts, participants will find the training modules engaging, approachable, and designed for learners with no formal legal background. Participants can reinforce newly acquired concepts through interactive quizzes and tests and sharpen practical skills before setting foot in a courthouse. The program aims to provide individuals with resources to understand their rights better and navigate legal challenges more confidently.
At the heart of this initiative lies the belief that communities ravaged by the war on drugs deserve better access to justice. Decades of systemic challenges have left many Illinois neighborhoods struggling with limited legal guidance, inadequate representation, and persistent socioeconomic barriers. Professional Litigant offers instruction designed for individuals who choose to represent themselves. The program covers drafting complaints, responding to service requirements, handling discovery, filing motions, navigating hearings, and understanding trial procedures. These skills help participants build a stronger foundation for managing legal challenges.
The program is based on the idea that legal education should be more accessible. Professional Litigant provides participants with resources to better navigate legal challenges by offering legal information through a private group setting. While the organization does not provide direct legal advice, it focuses on delivering valuable legal knowledge that can be applied in real-world situations. The goal is to support digital literacy programs in Chicago and beyond, using R3-funded digital platforms to help overcome barriers and encourage community development through technology, especially for those facing challenges in accessing legal support.
Jim Winner’s latest venture is part of a broader narrative of empowerment and transformation that has defined his career. Before founding Professional Litigant, Winner established himself as a thought leader who consistently leverages constitutional, consumer, and civil rights expertise to create meaningful educational solutions. His earlier work involved legal literacy and economic empowerment initiatives in underserved regions, aiming for practical, outcomes-oriented results. By drawing on these experiences, Winner has honed a model that blends clarity, humor, and hands-on learning techniques. The result is an educational environment that improves legal outcomes and fosters long-term resilience and personal growth.
Personal convictions drove the winner’s journey into this field. His background in therapy allowed him to appreciate the emotional toll legal conflicts often take on individuals. At the same time, his custody battle opened his eyes to the complexity of navigating the legal system without representation. The idea of turning debt into an opportunity led him to teach strategies for leveraging consumer protection laws, reflecting a steadfast commitment to helping people reshape challenging situations into proactive endeavors. With Professional Litigant, Winner continues to champion the principle that legal education should inspire confidence, assertiveness, and a deeper understanding of one’s rights.
The newly funded platform is part of Illinois’ efforts to support communities that have faced long-term challenges. The program combines access to technology with legal education to help underserved communities navigate legal issues. As participants gain a better understanding of legal matters, they may strengthen their positions and contribute to the overall resilience of their neighborhoods. Over time, this approach could help address ongoing inequalities and improve civic life.
Jim Winner states that the effort is more than just teaching procedural steps. “At Professional Litigant, we believe that knowledge truly is power,” Winner says. “Our online training program gives people a roadmap through the complexities of the legal system. It is not about turning everyone into a lawyer but helping individuals stand before a judge; they do so with a solid understanding of how to present their case. We want to build a future where no one is forced to relinquish their rights simply because they cannot afford representation.”
Professional Litigant’s program represents a milestone in the evolving landscape of pro se education. Backed by R3-funded digital programs and driven by a mission to expand community development through technology, it stands as a beacon of hope for individuals who have long been excluded from the traditional pathways to justice. By fostering a generation of informed, capable, and prepared litigants, Jim Winner is changing the contours of the legal field and reshaping the experiences of countless individuals who once felt shut out.
The winner is also the recently published author of How To Get What They Owe You and operates the community-focused platforms DebtHacking.Com and Custody. Coach.
For more information, visit www.professionallitigant.com.
About Professional Litigant
Professional Litigant is an Illinois-based provider of educational materials dedicated to empowering pro se litigants. The organization, led by Jim Winner, focuses on constitutional, consumer, and civil rights legal information delivered through innovative platforms that blend clarity, practicality, and accessibility.
Disclaimer: The content provided in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Professional Litigant and its associated platforms offer educational resources to help individuals understand legal procedures; however, they do not provide direct legal counsel or representation. Users are encouraged to consult a licensed attorney for specific legal concerns or guidance tailored to their individual circumstances.
Published by Joseph T.
