THE LOOKOUT
August 2024

Good news in the litigation world doesn't come often, but Illinois lawmakers delivered some for Cook County litigators last month with HB 4351. The new law, effective January 1, 2025, revises the service of process requirements in the Illinois Code of Civil Procedure (735 ILCS 5/2-201). The old law required process to be served by the sheriff in counties with a population over 2,000,000 (which, in Illinois, is only Cook), unless the court "upon motion and in its discretion" appointed a private process server to execute service.

HB 4351, approved by Gov. Pritzker on July 19, 2024, deleted that requirement. Litigants in Cook County may now hire a private process server without special appointment by the court, just as in the other 101 counties of the state.

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The IPA is participating at Race Judicata and we want you to join us!  You can walk, run, network, or simply soak it all in! Race Judicata benefits Chicago Volunteer Legal Services Foundation whose mission is to ensure that the law works for everyone. The IPA is excited to participate in the 28th anniversary of the run and we hope you can join us. This is a great opportunity to network and engage with the legal community in an exciting and encouraging environment!

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One of IPA's purposes is to advance the paralegal profession. In so doing, we will be featuring articles on Career Development in this section of The Lookout.

• "What are the Least Stressful Jobs in the Legal Profession?" by Jennifer Anderson, One Legal
• "5 Tips to Make Time Entry Less Painful for Lawyers" by David Skinner and Karen Skinner, Attorney at Work
• "Paralegals – Be the “Go-To” Person for AI" by Ann Pearson, Paralegal Bootcamp

• Illinois Supreme Court Amends Rules 8.4(j) and 5.1 Addressing Harassment and Discrimination
• Applications Open for PACER User Group
• Effective September 1, 2024, Illinois Supreme Court Rule 9 is Amended

Attention legal professionals! Are you an expert in your field and interested in sharing your knowledge with paralegals from across the nation? The 2025 NALA Conference & Expo in Atlantic City, NJ, July 10-12, is the perfect opportunity. Gambling, immigration, and pollution are just a few of the topics we’d love to see covered. Is there an area where you really shine? Take it up a notch by presenting an advanced session. Until September 1, you can submit proposals to present at least two sessions – either a feature or CP® review session. As an added bonus for your willingness to share your expertise, NALA will cover your conference registration and travel costs. Do not miss out on your chance to make a difference in the legal community.

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Are You Looking For A New Paralegal Position?

Are you aware that the IPA's website lists Employment Opportunities? Employers throughout the state post job listings on our website. New listings are added almost daily. If you are looking for a job, this is the first place you should look!

Is Your Firm Looking To Hire A Paralegal?

If your employer is seeking to hire a paralegal, please remind your HR department that listings can be placed on the IPA's website.  There is no fee to place a listing.

Find Your Next Job Here

How To Post A Paralegal Position