Richard J Daley Center

The marriage license process was fast and easy. We were able to get married one day after. It was beautiful.

Piss poor ass service. These traffic clerks in the lower level hate life. They hate themselves. They hate their jobs. They hate they woke up to make good money for the crappy state of IL!!! Everytime I go here these idiots PISS ME OFF. They don’t want to do the bare minimum their job titles require them to do! I hate to ever have to handle business at this ratchet facility. They’re slow. They’re bitchy and did I mention they’re IDIOTS?? CROOK COUNTY HAS TO DO BETTER!!!

I work as a paralegal for a law firm downtown and have had the joy (*cough cough*) of having to go to the Daley Center to conduct some firm-​related business.
First of all, you’ve got to go through a security check before you can enter. Have your ID handy. You place your stuff on a conveyor belt which scans your items (just like the airport). Then, you will see elevator bays with handy dandy signage that will direct you where to go.
It’s a pretty simple entry process so long as you have your ID out. I’d probably recommend allowing yourself plenty of time to spare if you’re there for jury duty or participating in a trial.
So far this year, I’ve had two trips to the Daley Center with varying experiences — one great and one not so great.
On my first trip, I had to go to the law library, which is located on the 29^th Floor, Office 2900. We have access to a software program where you can use the Internet to find cases/​treatises, but on the rare occasion, what you’re looking for may not be online and the actual book is what you need. Do keep in mind that the law library does have an online search feature so you can make sure what you need is there before heading on over.
The service I received from the worker who helped me was excellent. He led me right to the section where my book was and found the passage cited in the brief that I brought over. He found it quickly too, definitely less than 5 minutes. There is a small bay with copiers. Each page costs $ 0.15 so make sure to have plenty of spare change on you, in case you make an error and copy a page incorrectly.
Overall, the library was super easy to use and I’d feel comfortable going there again if I needed to copy something out of a book that I couldn’t locate online.
Now, if you work in the legal field, you are probably familiar with filing pleadings. At my current firm, we have someone responsible for those tasks. It was the same as my old firm. I’d tagged along with to see how it was done, but I’m not an expert in the process.
Law Division filings are on the 8^th floor, Office 801 while the Chancery Division pleadings are on the 8^th Floor, Office 802. Make sure you go to the right one, since it’d be a hassle to have to re-​file your pleadings in the correct division if you make a mistake.
I had to go to the courthouse to file pleadings since the person who handles it was out of the office that day.
First of all, pay attention to the lines. A mean clerk accused me of cutting the line, and I was miffed since I really didn’t see one at all. Worst of all, she acted all fake nice to me when I stepped up with my documents only to tell me I had cut the line while she put me in my place. I was less than pleased, and just wanted to get out of there as quickly as possible.
The law division is essentially set up into two main areas for the filings: one for pleadings that need fees (like if you responded to a complaint and your attorney needed to enter an appearance in the case) and no fees (you are already participating in the case and just need to file additional pleadings related to it).
You can also self-​stamp your documents if you don’t want to have a clerk handle it for you. There is a box where you submit the original file-​stamped documents.
After the debacle with me cutting in line, I finally stepped up to a clerk to file-​stamp my documents. She chose to essentially ignore me, prioritizing her conversation with her co-​worker about moonshine over trying to answer any of my questions. So, I settled for watching her like a hawk to make sure she stamped everything. I felt like an idiot for having to ask her about the location of the drop box for the original copies, but in my defense, I don’t do this on the regular so how on earth would I know?
Essentially what I gathered from co-​workers who file/​have filed pleadings regularly is that the employees are hit or miss. Some are really nice and helpful while others are complete assholes. You’d think they’d all strive to be nice, but nope.
It’s like I get it — maybe you’re pissed at the world since you work in that type of job and you think the questions you get asked are stupid and the answers are obvious, but c’mon! How hard it is to be nice?
Anyway, I’d gladly go back to the law library, and now, I feel much more confident about filing pleadings since I’ve done it once. I’m certain I can do it again without getting ripped a new one!

This place is full of fun during the summer. They have farmers markets every Thursday and feature other fun festivals in between.

If you are from Chicago or just here for a visit the Daley Center is a great place to get a taste of culture. There is not much to write about because it is a building with a sculpture out front. Well, there is a bit more to it! The sculpture is a giant 50 ft. masterpiece by none other than Pablo Picasso. If that’s not enough the story behind it goes like this:
An architect who worked on the Daley Center project, Richard Bennett, wrote Picasso a poem asking him to make the sculpture. Picasso accepted saying «You know I never accept commissions to do any sort of work, but in this case I am involved in projects for the two great gangster cities» (the other being Marseille, France). Picasso refused the $ 100,000 payment considering his work a gift to the people of Chicago.
In addition to the great Picasso sculpture the Daley Center has a number of vendors lined up. These vendors sell their crafts and goods to people walking through. I personally think that this is a true gem hidden in plain sight. On a nice day the Daley Center is a great place to view the Picasso sit in the sun and eat lunch or have a cup of coffee.
Take a selfie with a Picasso!

I had an unfortunate experience with a big, country-​wide, company where they took more money than they should have. Normally, I would first try to get the money back from the company and (if they refused) dispute it with my bank/​credit card. However, in this situation, I was concerned that this company would send it to collections if I went that route. So, after many emails back and forth, an unproductive stint with the Better Business Bureau, I eventually sued this company in small claims court. I’d never, ever done that before and I would have liked to know what it was like ahead of time.
You’ll want to know where you’re going in the Daley Center before you get there. It’s a big building and (as far as I know) there’s no directory pointing you to various departments. Small claims court is on the 13^th floor.
When you go to the Daley Center (for anything) you must go through security. It involves putting your coat, purse, and belt on a conveyor belt and then walking through a metal detector. It’s not that bad, but it does get tedious if you have to go back multiple times.
Just like any state-​run, government institution (think the DMV) there are many lines, lots of waiting, and a mixed bag of employees. There are employees that (literally) sit there with their Sudoku puzzles or newspapers and are pedantic about having you sign in (when there’s nobody ahead of you) and then still send you to another line for something else. Dude. This one guy. Drove. Me. Up. The. Wall. He sent me to other rooms, to other lines, even out of the building to get stuff that turned out to be unnecessary. He had me meet with people to complete forms that I never needed (I still have them). Thanks to him, filing my claim took over three hours. There are other people who are genuinely working hard and doing their best. It’s too bad they have lazy colleagues.
When I eventually got the correct form completed, I paid $ 143.47 for my small claims pro se (meaning that I was representing myself without a lawyer). I was given two important dates: the first one was the date by which the company needed to respond to the court and the second was our court date. They took care of serving the company (I think they used certified mail). If the company chose to contact me before the first date and give me my money then neither of us would have to do anything else. We could simply not show up to court.
The company I sued contacted the court and paid $ 9.00 to appear pro se. I had some confusion about this. I found something online that said that if a company responds pro se then they cannot have a lawyer appear (even a lawyer who works for the company). I found another source that said that companies cannot appear pro se at all and must have an attorney. If you’re suing someone and they respond and have a lawyer, then you have the right to have a lawyer also. It will still be heard in the same small claims pro se court. Regardless, the company I sued sent a local manager to represent them.
The court room is pretty small. There were only three rows of benches, a gate, two tables, and then the judge’s desk. About six people waited on the benches. Most of them were casually dressed in jeans. Lawyers wore suits. I wore slacks and a button-​up shirt. There was a clerk and a bailiff. The clerk called the cases to check us in. The judge came in and explained the process. First we would meet in another room with a mediator and, if we’re not able to settle, then we would see the judge.
The manager from the company and I went into the mediation room. It was small with a circular table that had four chairs. She didn’t know anything about our case, she kept getting our names wrong. She added stuff up wrong (off by about $ 100). She was perfectly nice, but we were unable to mediate. It was mostly because the manager only had $ 25 in authority. It took 5 – 10 minutes.
We returned to the court room and were called up to the judge. We stood in front of his desk, got sworn in, and then I got to present my case first. I had it all written out, which was very helpful. It kept me on point and articulate the whole time. I also had all of my supporting documents (emails, receipts, phone records, etc) labeled with tabs so that I could easily hand them over as requested. Next, the manager representing the company got to talk. We could each ask questions of each other but neither of us did. The judge asked a few questions. We also each had turns to rebut and then cross examine again (or, in our case, the judge asked more questions). It took about 5 – 10 minutes also.
The judge ruled in my favor which means two things 1) there is a judgement against that company, and 2) they have to repay the money they took plus court costs. We stepped over to the clerk and bailiff where they gave us copies of the judgement. They also gave me directions on how to collect the money. If the company doesn’t pay me within 30 days then I get paid interest

The Cook County Sheriff’s Office, Room 701 for Civil Division cases is completely useless. I was subject of a hit and run and was attempting to sue the other driver because he was found guilty in traffic court. I received the guilty plea and submitted that, the drivers address (taken from his driver’s license) and paid the $ 300 +/​-​fees and waited. I called on the 24^th of February and 3^rd of March as instructed and they said they couldn’t find the guy. The City cops found him and served him but the useless Sheriff’s couldn’t figure it out. Now I’m not only out the $ 2,105 for my car but an additional $ 300 because the Civil Division has their head up their ass. The tellers name was IER: malexander who was rude but not as rude compared to the other two black women that did nothing but tell stories while a line formed outside the door. Useless city workers.
The case number is TH022826, City or Village of Chicago v. Gregory Manjarrez. How hard was it to find him? I’m embarrassed by the Circuit Court of Cook County. If you ever get in an accident and are looking for repairs on your vehicle because a non-​licensed, non-​insured driver hits you, good luck!

Specifically the marriage license process was a piece of cake. Turned up 5 minutes before doors open and was first in line. Clerk was super friendly and the process was so easy.
I was shocked that a government process could be so painless!!!

nice
clean
quiet
place
plaza
the piccaso
i saw festivals
halloween festival
christmas festivals
mettings there
another great place in chicago
great to grab a coffee seat and enjoy the
view
the fountain
see ppl walking

Depending on what you are going here for, I guess your experience can defer. If you are going inside the Daley Center, I’m assuming this isn’t a visit for pleasure LOL
But if you are just visiting outside, it’s a really good place to visit and see the Farmers Market and any other event they have going on. Good place for people to convene outside and socialize, rally or just eat your lunch.

Went here to get our marriage license. Accidentally walked through the metal detectors behind the front door. The security guard just laughed at us and sent us on our way down the stairs. Loved that they had a sense of humor!
One star deducted for the crazy lady feeding the birds in the plaza. I probably have ebola now.

One of my favorite places to go during lunch/​break during the summer is Daley Plaza. There is always some type of festival going on. Not to mention the Thursday Farmers Market is back! Today I stumbled upon the Silk Road to Asia Festival. So many craft tables with jewelry, clothes, houseware, and skin care items. My sister bought a really cute, not to mention cheap bracelet for $ 6.00 hand made.
Daley Plaza is a great place to eat your lunch and just people watch. Not to mention to converse with random strangers… as a side note this is a great pick up spot. I have been asked out on dates here on a few occasions. LOL. People just eating their lunch and enjoying the weather… minus well make a few new friends. Enjoy!

Although I’ve been in the building for jury duty, this review is for the outdoor plaza. In spring, summer and fall it’s a great place to hear a concert at lunch or see performances from different cultures celebrating their heritage. From about May through September there are performances around noon many days. In addition, around Christmas there’s the Christkindlmarket which brings in craft people from around the world as well as food and spiced wine.
From about May through October, the farmers’ market runs on Thursdays. This is one of the largest markets in the city and besides produce it features baked goods, jams, candy, crepes and much more.
If you’re looking for something fun to do at lunch, Daley Plaza is a great option.

My 100^th review.
My 1^st review of 2014.
I am selecting the Daley Center because this is an establishment that I really respect.
When I was younger I loved coming here to see all of the lawyers in important looking suits– carrying expensive looking briefcases. I loved the fast paced atm

My 100^th review.
My 1^st review of 2014.
I am selecting the Daley Center because this is an establishment that I really respect.
When I was younger I loved coming here to see all of the lawyers in important looking suits– carrying expensive looking briefcases. I loved the fast paced atmosphere and how everyone seemed to be «on a mission».
A few years ago when I was an intern at a local firm, I came here all the time to file documents on the 6^th floor (where you can get things certified);
7^th floor (where you can pay the Sheriff to evict someone);
8^th floor (Law Division);
and 12^th floor (Probate).
Family court is downstairs, btw.
The clerks who work here are hardworkers and really really nice if you get to know them and are respectful! They definitely take the time to explain things to you and are the epitome of patience.
What I love about the Daley Center is its rich history (formerly known as The Chicago Civic Center) and was built in the 1960s. It was named after Richard J Daley (father of the most recent Mayor) in the 1970s. I also love how there are always such diverse cultural and social festivities that are held at Daley Plaza.
I love the marble floors and how there is also even a passageway «Pedway» that leads to the CTA (Blueline Washington or the Redline Lake stop).
Today, what I love most about the Daley Center (aside from it being a hub of justice and «mecca» for lawyers), is simply its views. They are breathtaking and such a wonderful place to get lost mentally or for wanderlust. There is nothing more amazing than seeing Chicago from inside the Daley Center.
Minus one star: my one complaint is the differences in the security guards. Some are super friendly, super respectful and the funniest people you can ever meet! There are a couple of them who treat you like you just ate their last cookie or stole their parking spot. ugh. I understand that this is a job and you are dealing with lots of people– but come on!

I’m sure this review won’t come as a surprise to you but I’m going to put it out there anyway, this place rivals the awful customer service only of Comcast (and they’re REALLY awful). The problem is that unlike with Comcast, this is a freakin’ legal institution so stupidity is far more detrimental here than when it comes to not getting your cable channels working properly.
I’ve literally had clerks have entire personal conversations while looking at a line that’s 10 deep. I’ve had a clerk tell me that they have no pens so I’ve had to ask other people waiting in line for theirs (the people waiting in line = WAY friendlier than the clerks). I’ve had a clerk, instead of specifically reading me the time that the judge hears motions, even though she knows exactly where the info is, keep pointing to a board despite me saying again and again that I can’t find the correct room number. The list of simply lazy and rude could go on for a while so I’ll stop at these most recent annoyances. One of the last times I was there, after having a completely irrational disagreement with a clerk and speaking with her manager, the manager said to me, «where are you right now? What county?» I said, «Cook» and he said, «well, there you have it.» …and that pretty much sums it up.

Come on: Giant Picasso sculpture, open-​space in the middle of the Loop, cool fountain, scene of climactic ending in ‘Blues Brothers.’
This plaza just kills it.

Don’t ever let anyone tell you that watching those old Me-​TV shows is a waste of time, especially «The Perry Mason Show.» I just returned from a half day at the good ‘olé Daley Center where for the first time I was party to a lawsuit in Small Claims court, representing myself against a law firm suing me on a disputed financial matter. Of course, it also helped to watch the episode of «The Odd Couple» where Felix played lawyer and took advantage of Oscar being under oath so he could ask him questions he may not were he not under oath.
Anyway, the thing I wanted to relay is that if you are involved in a lawsuit and you represent yourself «Pro Se», and there are lawyers on the other side, you’d best get a lawyer yourself, because the court, or more specifically the judge, was definitely not easy on the Pro Se defendants who were anything close to unprepared. The opposing lawyers will try to manipulate you before you get to your trial. And you can simply choose not to talk to them before you get to be in the front the judge. But clearly, the lawyers are the «customers» here and every convenience and priority is given to them. The judge was very abrupt and impatient with the Pro Se defendants. In the spirit of meanness which now prevails in our society.
I used the legal assistance from C.A.R.P.L.S.,(see my review of same.) They provide advice and guidance but no representation. I did a little research of my own. I brought in all my documents. The attorney presented his case. Then I told my story, and asserted my defenses to the judge. And he dismissed their case. I won without even having Della Street backing me up. What a relief!
So I leave you with my favorite lawyer joke. It’s the one where the lawyer goes to the movies by himself. As he sits there in the dark, he feels someone touching or caressing the back of his head. He turns around to see a guy behind him with his hand out, and asks:“What do you think you are doing?” The guy responds: «I’m a hairdresser, and I couldn’t help noticing how nice your hair was. I wanted to touch it.» The lawyer responds: «Well, knock it off-​you don’t see me screwing the guy in front of me, do you?!’

THIS IS A REVIEW OF CONCOURSE LEVEL 25, lower level. Marriage license
I heart government run facilities… they are so efficient. JUST KIDDING!
I went with the fiancé to get our marriage license. We were there at 1030AM on a Monday morning. First in line and there were 3 people at the designated kiosks for the marriage license… sweet! This should take just a minute… JUST KIDDING!
As soon as we walked to the front of the line, all three of the employees closed up shop and went in the back room. None of them made eye contact. No one said step right up. Every last one scattered. It was like we had the plague. HILARIOUS!
This reminds me of the DMV or post office… not surprised at all. Take a look at my pictures. There was 10+ computers/kiosks…not one employee in site. No, we will be right back. Just one moment… nothing. Not a word.
We stood at the front of the line patiently waiting for someone to come out of the back room. Tick tock… tick tock. We watched as one lady in her office looked like she was on a personal phone call and was filing her nails. The other side was bustling with employees and patrons… maybe traffic stuff? I am not really sure. About 5 – 10 minutes went by and we went up to the counter to peek our heads to the back room. No employees there. Finally we saw a man go into the back and finally one employee emerged.
By this time, the line has grown from just us to about 6 – 8 people deep. Not surprising.
Things to know for getting your marriage license:
1. $ 60 cash
2. ID’s required
3. Need to know SS number, place of birth, parents place of birth and address
4. Its valid 24 hours after you get it. You have to be married within 60 days of getting it and its only valid in this county… which we didnt know, but helpful for others.
5. You can marry your first cousin if you are over 50 years of age. THANK GOSH!
Good luck! Get yourself a laugh and have patience :-)

This review is about the exterior of Daley center, or mainly the Daley Plaza.
We came here over the summer for the international festival that was going on. Love the Picasso sculpture on the plaza, loved the whole ambiance of the plaza even more. The plaza is right outside of the El exit. Thankfully it was not very sunny at the plaza, which you would come to appreciate because summer days in Chicago is HOT. The plaza itself is enveloped by surrounding tall buildings. I really like the open space feel of the plaza and how close it is to millenium park.
I highly recommend the international festival, we were able to sample foods from Greece, Mexican and various European countries. The food was not too pricey and was very good. At the same time we were also able to learn about cultures and customs of other countries. You can also get a souvenir, a piece of clothing or ornament here from the various countries that were represented. I plan on making a trip back to check out the inside of the Daley center.

Be prepared for big time security
Checks!
Okay. I have been a fan of the Daley Center ever since I saw
Belushi and Ackroyd rip through it in the Blues Brothers.
However. after my long ass day at the Daley Center I am no
longer a fan.
I was summoned for Jury Duty this morning. I had to be there at 8:30am
which I was and then I had to go through major security to get up to
the jury waiting room which was room 1700.
There were lots of people in this room and we got to watch a video
about what a privilidge it would be for us to serve on a jury.
Okay. so. like an hour later about 48 of us were called and we were
taken up to the 24^th floor into courtroom 2401.
Then they split us up into like 3 groups and they called the first group
of possible jurors which I was not included in so I was told to go to
lunch for 2 hours.
For the record. the Daley Center has nowhere on premisis to eat lunch so
we had to go out in the nasty sleet/​snow and chill for 2 hours!
I wound up at McDonald’s with 2 other possible jurors having a $ 4.00
cup of Hot Chocolate.
And. you just know that was coming out of my $ 17.20 paycheck for the day.
So. after 2 hours we re-​enter the Daley Center. must go through Security once again
cause Lord knows we may have picked up some Chicken McNugget Grenades
at McDonalds.
So. back into the courtroom and once again waiting. lotsa boring lawyers
in the courtroom. did’nt know whether to laugh or cry.
Okay. so I will end this fairly soon and. I was not picked for Jury Duty
and this was nice but man. was I pissed that I had to sit there until
3:45pm and not be picked.
I kindda felt like the runt of the litter. rejected!
So. the moral of this story is I am 51 and dont know how many days I
have left and I just wasted an entire day at the Daley Center doing absolutely nothing!
And. I dont want to see the Daley Center ever again!
And then I had to come home in a snowstorm!
Today was a total snooze.
Glad to be outta there.:)

You can get married here!
Actually, you kind of have to get «married» here, if you want it to be legal.
You and your beloved can start your march to legal matrimony by obtaining the sought after «Marriage license» in cl25. (Concourse Level 25). Lower level.
To my surprise, it was NOT a heinous experience. In fact, it was downright pleasant. Where are we?! What have they done with the government?! The one type of thing I actually think SHOULD be a bit harder to get, and its easy peasy, snaps fingers, we’re married.
Things you’ll need to bring:
*your partner you’d like to marry.
*photo ID.
*$ 60 (cash or credit)
1. Enter CL25.
2. Wait in line.
3. Approach counter.
4. Answer many questions relating to your birth place, parents, etc.
5. Answer some research questions (ie; did you graduate from college?)
6. Receive document.
7. Wait at least 24 hours. (makes sense)
8. Provide to your minister after ceremony in COOK COUNTY ONLY.
9. Minister fills out, drops in the mail.
10. Wait to receive final certificate. (I assume)
Also there is a Starbucks in this level, in the case that you’d like to celebrate with a Punkin Spice Latte or frappaccino. Go wild, you just got hitched for the most part with minimal headache.
Much better than my visit for jury duty, assuredly.