SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Supreme Court announced amendments to several court rules on Monday aimed at addressing so called legal deserts, areas where access to attorneys is limited, especially in rural parts of the state. Chief Justice P. Scott Neville Jr. said the changes are intended to expand access to legal services and help fill gaps in both civil and criminal representation. The court said most recent law graduates in Illinois practice in the Chicago area and surrounding counties, leaving other regions with fewer available attorneys. The rule changes expand temporary licensing for law graduates, allow more flexibility in bar exam options, and create a pilot program for certain private firm graduates in select judicial circuits. Additional amendments will remove time limits for some out of state attorneys working in legal aid or public defender roles and add new training requirements focused on access to justice for newly admitted attorneys. The changes take effect on varying dates between 2026 and 2028.
© Copyright Site Designed and Hosted by RiverBender.com