Courts and legal organizations across Illinois are preparing for the tsunami of eviction proceedings that will hit once the eviction moratorium is lifted. Currently, the moratorium on eviction cases in Illinois runs through May 1, 2021.
Earlier this week, the Illinois Supreme Court amended Order M.R. 30370 to better clarify the standard for residential eviction impacted by the Governor’s Executive Orders.
The amendments are aimed at making clear that landlords maintain the burden of proving why the eviction moratorium doesn’t apply to a tenant at all times and state that the motion may be set for by hearing only if, on its face, it reflects a viable basis for relief.
In addition, the Illinois Equal Justice Foundation and the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) have partnered to develop a statewide legal aid and mediation response to evictions.
One program to come out of this initiative is the Public Interest Law Initiative’s (PILI) Rapid Response Eviction Task Force. The Task Force will provide brief legal services and assist in the development of resources for tenants who will be representing themselves in court.
Volunteer with PILI
If you would like to help address the eviction crisis in Illinois, consider joining PILI’s Task Force. It’s currently seeking pro bono attorneys to provide a range of services including:
- Answering questions on Illinois Free Legal Answers
- Providing brief advice over the phone or virtually
- Developing training materials for attorneys and resources for self-represented litigants
- Answering questions from attorneys with limited housing experience
- Providing more extensive representation to clients
Attorney volunteers don’t need prior housing or eviction experience to participate, though those who do are encouraged to apply. To apply, complete a short form on PILI’s website.
Volunteers will receive special communications about how they can help, information on resources and trainings, and updates on housing law and policy as it changes. All volunteers will be provided with malpractice coverage.
Volunteering doesn’t require a specific time commitment. If you have any questions, please contact Jessica Schneider at jschneider@pili.org
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