Years after matching her clients up with pro-bono legal counsel, Sima Blue still gets calls of gratitude from them.
"Not a holiday goes by without receiving calls and e-mails from former clients who want to wish me well or tell me a joke," she said.
Though Blue isn't an attorney, she has-for decades-been the first point of contact for clients who are accessing legal aid, offering comfort and dignity at a time of crisis.
On July 1, Blue will step down after more than 40 years as chair of the Evelyn R. Greene Legal Services Clinic. For her lifetime of service, the Chicago Volunteer Legal Services Board of Directors will award her with its Lifetime Achievement Award at its annual event, Law & Disorder, on June 18 in Chicago.
Blue's leadership and unwavering commitment have been instrumental in the clinic's success, providing access to legal aid for those who need it most-when they need it most. Whether matching challenging cases with volunteers, mentoring new staff, or simply ensuring that day-to-day operations ran smoothly, Blue was at the center of it all.
"Sima Blue is the glue, backbone, heart, and soul of JUF Evelyn R. Greene Legal Services," said Selwyn Skevin, an attorney volunteer with the clinic. "I saw firsthand how she worked tirelessly to ensure that the clinic ran smoothly-from initial intake to volunteer attorney matching to quarterly meetings. Her strongest skills, out of too many to name, include her warm voice and her compassion for clients without means in need of legal services."
Yet, Blue believed that part of her role was stepping out of the way to let the attorneys and clients engage with one another. "I see myself as a shepherd gently moving my flock from pasture to pasture so that they may do the important and meaningful work that needs to be done," she said. In response, the attorneys "have returned the favor by continuing with our program for many years and, for some, for decades. I work in the background to allow them to shine. Together, we have been able to work together for the good of the clients and to repair their situations, to the extent possible."
Blue's retirement marks the end of an era, and she leaves behind a legacy of compassion, perseverance, and advocacy. Her journey at the clinic began in 1983 when it was still part of the American Jewish Congress. From the start, she played a crucial role in ensuring its success, navigating challenges, and securing resources to keep it running. When the clinic faced uncertainty, she spearheaded efforts to find it a new home at JUF in 2009, guaranteeing that it could continue its vital work.
Blue's retirement is bittersweet for the legal clinic and its volunteers. While she will be missed, her legacy is secure. "For 45 years, Sima Blue has been the heart and soul of JUF's legal services clinics," said Margaret C. Benson, Executive Director of Chicago Volunteer Legal Services. "As clinic coordinator, she was the vital link between clients in need and volunteers eager to help. Her deep compassion, steady judgment, and unwavering dedication have ensured that this essential resource has reached thousands across generations."
If you or someone you know needs legal help or would like to volunteer with JUF Evelyn R. Greene Legal Services, please call 847-568-1525 or email
legalservices@juf.org
.
To learn more about Chicago Volunteer Legal Services, visit
cvls.org
.
