The Illinois Supreme Court and Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts (AOIC) today announced the hiring of Lisa Colpoys as the Supervising Senior Program Manager for Illinois Court Help. Illinois Court Help is a new program within the AOIC’s Access to Justice Division. The program is being developed to address new challenges courts are facing in providing meaningful services and assistance to court patrons, lawyers, and the public in light of the pandemic. Navigational assistance and legal information, in large part, were previously offered in person and on a walk-in basis. However, this mode of delivery is no longer as feasible or safe due to necessary measures to reduce the number of persons inside courthouses. Offering remote assistance helps ensure the court system is fair, efficient and accessible to all.

Nearly half of ISBA’s membership suspended operations during the COVID-19 pandemic and nearly as many experienced a decrease in client matters. When asked whether the pandemic has increased their levels of stress, roughly six out of every ten members said yes. When asked whether members perceive more stress in their colleagues and employees as a result of COVID-19, more than 80 percent said they did.

The existence of bullies in the workplace is all too real and comes complete with legal implications for employers. But solutions do exist, and you need to know how to help your clients when they come to you for advice.

The Cook County Board of Commissioners is seeking applicants for the Cook County Public Defender position.

The term of office for the current Cook County Public Defender expires on March 31, 2021.

Congratulations to ISBA President Dennis Orsey, who received the SIU School of Law Distinguished Alumni Award!

A full list of alumni award winners is available online.

The Illinois Supreme Court today issued a new order in eviction cases. The order is a follow-up to the order the Court issued in May setting forth the requirements for any landlord seeking to evict a tenant from a dwelling unit covered by the CARES Act.

In need of some last-minute gifts for coworkers, family, and friends? With Office Depot's member-only deals you can give the gift of comfortable seating and save on items like the WorkPro® 12000 Series Chair (Office Depot Item # 9518879) from the Best Value List.

The ISBA recently surveyed its members about how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected them and their law practices, revenue generation, and operating expenses.

The ISBA hosted a Town Hall meeting on December 10 during the Joint Midyear Meeting. ISBA President Dennis Orsey led a discussion where members discussed issues relevant to the bench and bar.

The U.S. and Illinois constitutions guarantee the accused the right to a speedy trial. A defendant not tried within the appropriate period is entitled to release from custody and dismissal of the charges. But can the right to a speedy trial be extended by the judiciary as an exercise in public health and welfare? The question is pursued by attorney Donald J. Ramsell in his December 2020 Illinois Bar Journal article, “Bad Timing.”