From: U.S. District Court - Northern District of Illinois

Second Amended General Order 20-0012, entered today, 3/30, by Northern District of Illinois extends all deadlines in civil cases and Executive Committee matters by an additional 28 days.

The Court suspends Local Rule 5.2(f), which requires in many instances that paper courtesy copies of filings be delivered to the judge, through May 1, 2020. This means that no courtesy copies may be submitted for filings made through May 1, 2020.

Keep checking the Court's website for updates!

From: Cook County Chief Judge

Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans today entered an order that extends the postponement of many criminal and civil cases in the Circuit Court of Cook County through May 18.

The order also expands the use of videoconferencing for all court proceedings deemed necessary or emergencies during this time. The Office of the Chief Judge has been working with the justice system stakeholders – the sheriff, clerk, state’s attorney and public defender – on this increased use of video appearances.

Currently, all jail detainees with bail hearings at the Leighton Criminal Court Building appear in court via video. Video has also been used in several other areas of the court. The court anticipates more use of video every day, and all matters will be conducted via video no later than April 16.

Chief Judge Evans’ order also closes three court facilities from April 6 through May 18: the Chicago branch courts at 5555 W. Grand Ave., 727 E. 111th St. and 3150 W. Flournoy St. Any emergency matters in those cases will be heard at the Leighton Criminal Court Building.

“As we continue to monitor the spread of the coronavirus, these actions are needed to protect public health,” Chief Judge Evans said. “Our system of justice must continue to hear all necessary and urgent matters, and today’s order balances access to justice with the need for social distancing. I commend everybody in the justice system for carrying out their respective missions during this unprecedented time. Though the days ahead present more uncertainty than clarity, we will perform our respective duties safely and effectively.”

Chief Judge Evans considered closing the five suburban courthouses and consolidating all suburban matters into the Leighton Criminal Court Building. But after consulting with Dr. Emily Landon of the University of Chicago Medical Center and the Executive Committee of the court, it was determined that decentralized court operations are in everybody’s best interest to prevent an increased risk of spreading the coronavirus at one centralized location.

Today’s order amends Chief Judge Evans’ March 13 order that similarly allowed emergency matters to proceed in the Circuit Court of Cook County and postponed most cases until April 16. Chief Judge Evans’ new order continues his prior moratorium on evictions or foreclosures, and none will be allowed during this time.

Just like the order entered on March 13, today’s order means that no jury trials in criminal or civil matters would begin until after May 18. Individuals who have been summoned to jury duty through May 18 should not report for jury duty. They will receive a new date for service.

The court will continue to monitor the pandemic and make more announcements as needed.

While remote work has obvious benefits, it's not all fun and games. In reality, working remotely requires discipline and can come with its share of loneliness. Remote workers are more likely than their in-office counterparts to report feeling overly stressed at work, and to struggle with maintaining a healthy work-life balance, according to a 2019 Airtasker survey of more than 1,000 professionals.

From: Business Insider

The Illinois Judicial Branch continues to monitor the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. Check the Illinois Supreme Court's page for information on Orders entered for a specific county and court.

From: Illinois Supreme Court

From:  Chicago Daily Law Bulletin

As of today 3/27, "here’s a summary of happenings in the legal and governmental worlds that have been affected so far in addition to some pertinent building closures." 

From: IL Governor's Office-Executive Order 14

During the duration of the Gubernatorial Disaster Proclamation related to the outbreak of COVID-19, the requirement that a person must “appear before” a Notary Public commissioned under the laws of Illinois pursuant to the Illinois Notary Act, 5 ILCS 312/6-102, is satisfied if the Notary Public performs a remote notarization via two-way audio-video communication technology, provided that the Notary Public commissioned in Illinois is physically within the State while performing the notarial act and the transaction follows the guidance posted by the Illinois Secretary of State on its website.

Looking for additional guidance? Check out our member Resources page for specific information on the process.

From: American Bar Association

After 23 years, the definition of Paralegal will no longer be synonymous with Legal Assistant under American Bar Association policy.

"The Standing Committee determined that the term 'legal assistant' should be removed from the definition in order to clarify the work done specifically by paralegals. In the past the titles of 'paralegal' and 'legal assistant' have been used interchangeably, but the legal community has recognized a distinction between the work done by paralegals and that of legal assistants. In filing the amendment to the ABA Guidelines, the Standing Committee is asking the House of Delegates to approve a revised definition of paralegal (G-103.d)."

For more information, please visit the American Bar Association's Standing Committee on Paralegals.