In The Media

Steven F. Pflaum Interviewed in Madison-St. Clair Record on Upcoming Illinois Court Fee Legislation

Steven F. Pflaum, Partner and Co-chair of the Litigation practice group, was recently interviewed for the Madison-St. Clair Record article "Attorney Hopeful That Civil Court Fees Will Be Reformed in 2018 General Assembly Session," published on January 11, 2018. Steve is serving as Chairman of the Illinois Statutory Court Fee Task Force, created by the Access to Justice Act to study and make recommendations for improving the court fee system. Steve notes the task force found that fees were rising at an alarming rate, causing significant harm to lower-income citizens, and that fees varied widely among the state’s counties.

To improve the current system, the task force recommends that the Illinois General Assembly enact a schedule for court assessments that promotes affordability and transparency through the Court Clerk Assessment Act. The task force also proposes the adoption of the Criminal/Traffic Assessment Act, which would establish fees for various classes of criminal and traffic cases. "Legislation has been introduced and we're optimistic," Steve said. "The bill will be reintroduced in spring session and sponsors are optimistic about getting it through."

Click here to read the article.