It may come as a surprise to more than a few lawyers, but as of July 1, 2017, faxing documents is no longer a proper method for serving them. What's more, attorneys must include an email address at which they can be served with documents on their appearances and pleadings. Why? Because the Illinois Supreme Court revised Illinois Supreme Court Rule 11 to mandate email service of documents filed with the court. It also eliminates facsimile service entirely. The changes were announced June 22. The effective date of the rule amendments coincides with the day the supreme and appellate court were required to switch to the new e-filing system (circuit courts make the switch on January 1). The supreme court has made its intention clear - modernizing Illinois' court system is a priority. According to new Rule 11(c), documents must be served via email unless certain exceptions apply. Documents may be attached to the email, or the serving party can include a link in the body of the email that will allow the recipient to download documents from a reliable service provider. If an email is rejected or otherwise returned as undelivered, the emailing party is responsible for ensuring that the document is actually delivered.

Are you aware of the statutes and ordinances affecting the rights of both landlords and tenants? Do you know how Illinois’ Landlord and Tenant Act and local ordinances are enforced? Are you ready to handle your next eviction case? Join us on October 11, 2017 for this one-hour live webcast that offers a basic guide to landlord remedies and tenant rights. Real estate lawyers, general practitioners, and new attorneys who are likely to represent clients with landlord or tenant concerns – particularly those practicing in the Chicago area – who attend this online program will better understand: the statutory processes for eviction; the landlord’s Duty of Habitability; the tenant’s rights and recourse for unlawful eviction; and the tenant’s options when a lack of habitability exists. The program includes potential scenarios and the litigation claims/defenses each side has against the other. The program is presented by the ISBA Real Estate Law Section and qualifies for 1.0 hour MCLE credit. Click here for more information and to register.

The Young Lawyers Division hosted their annual Day at the Races on September 23 at Arlington Park Racecourse.

Travelers on the recent ISBA-sponsored trip to Ireland met with members of the Supreme Court of Ireland and toured Dublin’s historic Four Courts building, which houses the Irish Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals, the High Court, and the Dublin Circuit Court. Pictured from left to right are ISBA member Hon. Martin J. Mengarelli of the Third Judicial Circuit, Irish Supreme Court Justice Peter Charleton, ISBA member Hon. Michael P. McCuskey of the Illinois 10th Judicial Circuit, ISBA President Hon. Russell W. Hartigan (ret.), Irish Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth Dunne, and ISBA member and Oak Brook lawyer Margaret A. Bennett.