COVID-19 News Updates:

Last updated: August 6, 2020

AUGUST 6, 2020 UPDATES:

Everything You Need to Know About Attending Your Remote Court Hearing

Last month, July 2020, the Cook County Courthouse began its reopening procedures. Each court division has issued its own order on how to safely proceed with lawsuits while dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.

All court divisions are now meeting by Zoom and every courtroom has its own Zoom Meeting ID and Zoom Meeting Password. Remote participation is available online or by phone.

***Click the image above for our full list of tips.***

Those who lack access to a computer, tablet or smartphone, may appear in person, however the Court is strongly discouraging this action.

If you must appear in person, the Court has set up a series of safety protocols. Consistent with current public health requirements, you will be required to wear a mask or face covering. Those without a face mask/face covering will only be provided one IF they are available, and if you have no mask/face covering and none are available at the courthouse, you may be refused entry. Prior to entering the courthouse, you will be asked to use hand sanitizer, given a temperature check and be asked if you or anyone you’ve been in recent contact with has been diagnosed with COVID-19 or have experienced any COVID-19 related symptoms in the past 14 days. Once cleared, you will be allowed inside and need to go through the normal courthouse security measures.

All Law Division cases have been rescheduled for next year at the beginning of 2021. Each case may still appear before the judge earlier through relevant motions.

Municipal Division cases are beginning to be heard now, though all matters are being continued for proper notice to be delivered to all parties involved. Proper notice now must also include the courtroom Zoom Meeting ID, Zoom Meeting Password, and phone number for remote participation.

The preferred procedures and rules for each courtroom are continuously changing as we continue to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. Lichtman Eisen Partners, Ltd. is staying up to date with any new Court Orders and is prepared to adjust for any changes the Court may require.

JUNE 14, 2020 UPDATE:

The Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois has extended the closure of their courts through July 6, 2020. As a result, all matters in all Districts and in all Divisions of the court are rescheduled and continued for 30 days from the currently schedule court date, or a date that is not more than 30 days after July 6, 2020, whichever is later, unless the 30th day falls on a court holiday, in which case the matter will be continued for the following business day.

Judges will be available in each division and district to hear emergency matters only, determined by the Presiding Judge of the respective division or district.

You can find the amended general administrative order here and we have linked it in our COVID-19 Resources Section below.

If you have any questions or concerns about how the extended closures may impact your case, please reach out to us via email or phone.

MAY 1, 2020 UPDATE:

The Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois has extended the closure of their courts through May 31, 2020. As a result, all matters in all Districts and in all Divisions of the court are rescheduled and continued for 30 days from the currently schedule court date, or a date that is not more than 30 days after May 31, 2020, whichever is later, unless the 30th day falls on a court holiday, in which case the matter will be continued for the following business day.

Judges will be available in each division and district to hear emergency matters only, determined by the Presiding Judge of the respective division or district.

You can find the amended general administrative order here and we have linked it in our COVID-19 Resources Section below.

While attending court for you is the most visible and obvious part of your attorney’s job at times, the “heavy lifting” of your case is done outside of the courtroom – and all of that work will continue uninterrupted. Rest assured the team at Lichtman Eisen Partners, Ltd. will continue to move your case forward despite the extended court closures.

We will continue to share any updates regarding court or firm daily operations here and via email.

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April 28, 2020

We are currently living in extraordinary times, but please rest assured we are doing all that we can to adapt to the situation, maintain safety among our employees and ensure our clients still receive the same high quality level of support and service they have come to expect from us at Lichtman Eisen Partners, Ltd.

Since the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic began and to best comply with Illinois’s “Stay at Home” order, state and local courthouses have made drastic changes to their everyday operations.

In an effort to provide you with the most up to date information on how changes at Lichtman Eisen Partners and within Illinois’ courts and state government offices may impact you, we have compiled a list of resources, as well as Frequently Asked Questions and their answers below. Furthermore, because this is a rapidly evolving situation with new and unexpected challenges arising daily, we will continue to monitor developments closely. As relevant new proclamations, emergency rules, and local government guidance impacting Illinois businesses and residents are issued and updated, we too will update the information below and work to get you the answers you need.

We know that uncertainty about whether a courthouse is open or if a hearing is still scheduled can be frustrating and frightening. We hope the resources below and our Frequently Asked Questions will help you navigate this rapidly changing time.

If you have any questions after reading the FAQs or a specific question or concern about your case, please email us or contact us via our website.

*Our answers thereto provide general guidance, but do not constitute legal advice.

If you want to learn more about Lichtman Eisen Partners or think we may be able to help you navigate this new and complex business landscape, please contact us today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Relating to COVID-19

Firm Operations

Q: Are you open and operating?

A: Yes, our firm is open and fully operational. Our team at Lichtman Eisen Partners has been working diligently to adapt, respond and creatively develop solutions to accommodate the evolving COVID-19 situation to best meet the needs of our clients, while staying safe. The safety of our clients, staff and community is our utmost priority. To that end, our office is not open to the public at this time.

Q: Are you still meeting with clients/potential clients?

Due to Illinois’ “Stay at Home” order we are not able to meet with anyone in-person at our downtown Chicago office. However, thanks to modern technology, we are still able to meet with you virtually, through video conferences and email, as well as telephonically. If you would like to schedule an appointment with us, you can do so here.

Q: Are you accepting new clients?

We are always accepting new clients. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us via phone or email, or by completing the form on our website.

Changes in Court Procedures and Cases

Q: How has the virus, COVID-19, impacted the courts?

All of the Illinois courthouses issued closure orders and they are only hearing emergency cases at this time. Additionally, the Illinois Supreme Court has issued extensions for deadlines in the Appellate Court and Supreme Court. Despite the court closures, we are continuing to push your cases forward.

Q: When will the courts re-open?

Courthouses are currently scheduled to open on May 31, 2020. However, that reopen date may be extended depending on the progression of the virus.

Q: What does this mean for my case?

Each case that had a court date during the closure has been continued to a future date once the courts have re-opened. We are receiving notices of the future dates from the courts which include dates in June and July 2020.

Q: What if my case was set for trial?

All trials that would have occurred during the court closure will be continued for a trial setting date. At this time the trial schedule order will be reset and a new trial date will be given by the court.

Q: With the courts closed, is my case on hold until they re-open?

Only court dates are on hold. We are continuing to push your cases forward, despite the court closures, through demands, discovery and motion practice.

Q: What if I obtained a judgment before the pandemic?

We are continuing our efforts to collect on the judgment by determining the assets of debtors and preparing a post-judgment collection strategy. Once the courts re-open we will execute those strategies.