On Wednesday, April 30, 2025, the Illinois Supreme Court Rules Committee hosted a public hearing regarding proposals for various rule changes. ALA Vice President Seth Horvath spoke to the committee to advocate for additional clarity in the language of the proposed changes to Rule 13 regarding when an attorney’s representation ends if the attorney decides to terminate the relationship with a client before an appeal.

In particular, Mr. Horvath, on behalf of the ALA, suggested adding language to state that if a notice of appeal is filed and there’s still time within the 30-day filing deadline, the filing of the notice itself terminates representation. This language would clarify that once the notice of appeal is filed, there is no ongoing obligation to file a docketing statement or take any other action related to the appeal. The Committee stated that it saw merit in the ALA’s proposal and expressed its willingness to consider it and continue the discussion.

Read a more in-depth article in the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin here.