🕷️ Crawler Inspector

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Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 176 (from laksa110)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa176.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://chicagobarfoundation.org/blog/rule-expands-the-use-of-electronic-signatures/\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://chicagobarfoundation.org/blog/rule-expands-the-use-of-electronic-signatures/\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/chicagobarfoundation.org\/blog\/rule-expands-the-use-of-electronic-signatures\/","crawl_time":1776051874,"first_indexed_time":1616683131,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"org,chicagobarfoundation!\/blog\/rule-expands-the-use-of-electronic-signatures\/ s443","src_root_hash":"10628023757468091176","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"New Supreme Court Rule Expands the Use of Electronic Signatures - The Chicago Bar Foundation","meta_descriptions":[],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"March 15, 2021\nWhen the pandemic arrived last March, we quickly learned how much could be done remotely – remote court, remote school, remote happy hour. However, the pandemic also shined a light on some of the outdated court rules and procedures that prevented basic tasks from working well remotely.\nOne stark example was the limits on the use of electronic signatures on court documents. In the best of times, this would be an inefficient roadblock to access to the courts, but during the pandemic, it often forced people to put their own health and the health of others at risk or be effectively shut out of the system even in matters that could be critical to their safety and independence.\nWhen Illinois adopted mandatory e-filing in 2017, the new rules allowed any document filed through the e-filing system to be signed electronically. While that covered a significant portion of court filings, it also left some big gaps where wet ink signatures were still required. Of particular concern for access to justice, people without lawyers who were exempt from e-filing still had to provide a wet signature on their court forms. That included litigants seeking to expunge a criminal record or file for an Order of Protection. It also included many litigants with disabilities, limited English proficiency, or limited access to the courthouse.\nThe burden placed on these unrepresented litigants extended to the legal and pro bono providers who work with them. Legal aid and pro bono programs pivoted to remote services quickly during the early days of the pandemic, but some of them encountered a roadblock when it came time to get a client signature. While the vast majority of their work could be done remotely–clients interviewed by phone, documents prepared on a computer, and forms transmitted by email–the volunteer attorney or advocate would often have to schedule an in-person meeting to obtain an ink signature on a document.\nWorking with the\nCircuit Court Pro Se Advisory Committee\n, the CBF helped draft and submit a proposed rule change to the Illinois Supreme Court to remedy this problem. The proposal expands the use of electronic signatures to\nall\ncourt filings, offering litigants the same flexibility regardless of case type or the manner in which they filed their paperwork.\nThe Supreme Court adopted this new rule on February 23, providing legal aid and pro bono attorneys with the ability to serve more clients in a more efficient and accessible manner during the pandemic and beyond. The full text of the rule is available here:\nhttps:\/\/courts.illinois.gov\/SupremeCourt\/Announce\/2021\/022321-3.pdf\n.","attrs_markdown":"[![](https:\/\/chicagobarfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/CBF-2965.png)](https:\/\/chicagobarfoundation.org\/)\n\n- [Who We Are](https:\/\/chicagobarfoundation.org\/who-we-are\/)\n- [Impact](https:\/\/chicagobarfoundation.org\/impact\/)\n  - [Grants](https:\/\/chicagobarfoundation.org\/grants\/)\n  - [Courts](https:\/\/chicagobarfoundation.org\/courts\/)\n  - [Advocacy](https:\/\/chicagobarfoundation.org\/advocacy\/)\n  - [Pro Bono](https:\/\/chicagobarfoundation.org\/pro-bono\/)\n  - [Patton Legal Aid Academy](https:\/\/chicagobarfoundation.org\/patton-legal-aid-academy\/)\n  - [Fellowships, Scholarships and Internships](https:\/\/chicagobarfoundation.org\/fellowships-scholarships-and-internships\/)\n  - [Investing in Justice Campaign](https:\/\/chicagobarfoundation.org\/investing-in-justice-campaign\/)\n  - [Justice Entrepreneurs Project](https:\/\/chicagobarfoundation.org\/justice-entrepreneurs-project\/)\n- [Resources](https:\/\/chicagobarfoundation.org\/blog\/rule-expands-the-use-of-electronic-signatures\/)\n  - [Public Resources](https:\/\/chicagobarfoundation.org\/public-resources\/)\n  - [Legal Glossary](https:\/\/chicagobarfoundation.org\/legal-glossary\/)\n  - [Lawyer & Legal Professional Resources](https:\/\/chicagobarfoundation.org\/legal-professional-resources\/)\n- [Events](https:\/\/chicagobarfoundation.org\/whats-next\/)\n  - [Fall Benefit](https:\/\/chicagobarfoundation.org\/fall-benefit\/)\n  - [Pro Bono & Public Service Awards Luncheon](https:\/\/chicagobarfoundation.org\/cba-cbf-pro-bono-public-service-awards-luncheon\/)\n  - [Passport To Chicago](https:\/\/chicagobarfoundation.org\/passport-to-chicago\/)\n  - [Pro Bono Week](https:\/\/chicagobarfoundation.org\/pro-bono-week\/)\n- [Support](https:\/\/chicagobarfoundation.org\/support\/)\n  - [Justice Society](https:\/\/chicagobarfoundation.org\/justice-society\/)\n  - [Planned Giving](https:\/\/chicagobarfoundation.org\/planned-giving\/)\n  - [Law Firm and Corporate Support](https:\/\/chicagobarfoundation.org\/law-firm-and-corporate-support\/)\n  - [Cy Pres Awards](https:\/\/chicagobarfoundation.org\/legal-professional-resources\/cy-pres-awards\/)\n- [Awards](https:\/\/chicagobarfoundation.org\/awards\/)\n- [What’s Happening?](https:\/\/chicagobarfoundation.org\/whats-happening\/)\n- [Connect](https:\/\/chicagobarfoundation.org\/connect\/)\n- [Need Legal Help?](https:\/\/chicagobarfoundation.org\/public-resources\/)\n\n[Donate](https:\/\/chicagobarfoundation.org\/donate)\n\n# New Supreme Court Rule Expands the Use of Electronic Signatures\nMarch 15, 2021\n\nWhen the pandemic arrived last March, we quickly learned how much could be done remotely – remote court, remote school, remote happy hour. However, the pandemic also shined a light on some of the outdated court rules and procedures that prevented basic tasks from working well remotely.\n\nOne stark example was the limits on the use of electronic signatures on court documents. In the best of times, this would be an inefficient roadblock to access to the courts, but during the pandemic, it often forced people to put their own health and the health of others at risk or be effectively shut out of the system even in matters that could be critical to their safety and independence.\n\nWhen Illinois adopted mandatory e-filing in 2017, the new rules allowed any document filed through the e-filing system to be signed electronically. While that covered a significant portion of court filings, it also left some big gaps where wet ink signatures were still required. Of particular concern for access to justice, people without lawyers who were exempt from e-filing still had to provide a wet signature on their court forms. That included litigants seeking to expunge a criminal record or file for an Order of Protection. It also included many litigants with disabilities, limited English proficiency, or limited access to the courthouse.\n\nThe burden placed on these unrepresented litigants extended to the legal and pro bono providers who work with them. Legal aid and pro bono programs pivoted to remote services quickly during the early days of the pandemic, but some of them encountered a roadblock when it came time to get a client signature. While the vast majority of their work could be done remotely–clients interviewed by phone, documents prepared on a computer, and forms transmitted by email–the volunteer attorney or advocate would often have to schedule an in-person meeting to obtain an ink signature on a document.\n\nWorking with the [Circuit Court Pro Se Advisory Committee](https:\/\/chicagobarfoundation.org\/courts\/), the CBF helped draft and submit a proposed rule change to the Illinois Supreme Court to remedy this problem. The proposal expands the use of electronic signatures to *all* court filings, offering litigants the same flexibility regardless of case type or the manner in which they filed their paperwork.\n\nThe Supreme Court adopted this new rule on February 23, providing legal aid and pro bono attorneys with the ability to serve more clients in a more efficient and accessible manner during the pandemic and beyond. The full text of the rule is available here: <https:\/\/courts.illinois.gov\/SupremeCourt\/Announce\/2021\/022321-3.pdf>.\n\nRecent Posts\n\n## [Press Release: Newly-launched Nonprofit Resilience Hub Opens to Illinois Nonprofits Wrestling with Federal Policy Changes](https:\/\/chicagobarfoundation.org\/press-releases\/press-release-newly-launched-nonprofit-resilience-hub-opens-to-illinois-nonprofits-wrestling-with-federal-policy-changes\/)\n## [Bringing a Powerful Voice for Access to Justice to Capitol Hill](https:\/\/chicagobarfoundation.org\/blog\/bringing-a-powerful-voice-for-access-to-justice-to-capitol-hill\/)\n## [Investing in Justice Campaign Kicks off a Milestone Year with Laura Stein and Randy Mehrberg Leading the Charge](https:\/\/chicagobarfoundation.org\/blog\/investing-in-justice-campaign-kicks-off-a-milestone-year-with-laura-stein-and-randy-mehrberg-leading-the-charge\/)\n## [The Enduring Value of Lawyers in the Age of AI](https:\/\/chicagobarfoundation.org\/blog\/the-enduring-value-of-lawyers-in-the-age-of-ai\/)\n## [An Updated Top Ten Reasons the Billable Hour Needs to Go, For Real This Time](https:\/\/chicagobarfoundation.org\/bobservations\/an-updated-top-ten-reasons-the-billable-hour-needs-to-go-for-real-this-time\/)\n## [Congress Shows Strong Support for Legal Aid and the Federal Courts in Final 2026 Appropriations](https:\/\/chicagobarfoundation.org\/blog\/congress-shows-strong-support-for-legal-aid-and-the-federal-courts-in-final-2026-appropriations\/)\n## [Improving Access to Justice Through Innovation: GoodeDesk launches in the Resource Center for People without Lawyers](https:\/\/chicagobarfoundation.org\/blog\/improving-access-to-justice-through-innovation-goodedesk-launches-in-the-resource-center-for-people-without-lawyers\/)\n## [An Action Plan for This Year’s Resolution for the Legal Profession, With the Perspective of People Needing Legal Help as the Starting Point](https:\/\/chicagobarfoundation.org\/bobservations\/an-action-plan-for-this-years-resolution-for-the-legal-profession-with-the-perspective-of-people-needing-legal-help-as-the-starting-point\/)\n## [New Pro Bono Project Helps Meet Increased Need for Habeas Relief Amidst Heightened Immigration Enforcement Efforts](https:\/\/chicagobarfoundation.org\/blog\/new-pro-bono-project-helps-meet-increased-need-for-habeas-relief-amidst-heightened-immigration-enforcement-efforts\/)\n## [Welcome to the Newest Illinois JusticeCorps Fellows](https:\/\/chicagobarfoundation.org\/blog\/welcome-to-the-newest-illinois-justicecorps-fellows\/)\n\n[![](data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==)](https:\/\/chicagobarfoundation.org\/)\n\n321 South Plymouth Court, Suite 3B Chicago, IL 60604 \\| [312\\.554.1204](tel:312-554-1204)\n\n[![](data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==)](https:\/\/www.chicagobar.org\/chicagobar\/)\n\nThe Chicago Bar Foundation is the charitable arm of the Chicago Bar Association\n\nThe Chicago Bar Foundation\\| © 2023 All Rights Reserved \\|[Donor](https:\/\/chicagobarfoundation.org\/donor-privacy-policy\/) [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/chicagobarfoundation.org\/donor-privacy-policy\/) \\| [Corporate Governance](https:\/\/chicagobarfoundation.org\/corporate-governance\/) \\| [Financial and Tax Information](https:\/\/chicagobarfoundation.org\/financial-and-tax-information\/)\n\n- [Follow](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/chicagobarfoundation \"Follow on Facebook\")\n- [Follow](https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/the-chicago-bar-foundation \"Follow on LinkedIn\")\n- [Follow](https:\/\/instagram.com\/ChicagoBarFound \"Follow on Instagram\")","attrs_readable_markdown":"March 15, 2021\n\nWhen the pandemic arrived last March, we quickly learned how much could be done remotely – remote court, remote school, remote happy hour. However, the pandemic also shined a light on some of the outdated court rules and procedures that prevented basic tasks from working well remotely.\n\nOne stark example was the limits on the use of electronic signatures on court documents. In the best of times, this would be an inefficient roadblock to access to the courts, but during the pandemic, it often forced people to put their own health and the health of others at risk or be effectively shut out of the system even in matters that could be critical to their safety and independence.\n\nWhen Illinois adopted mandatory e-filing in 2017, the new rules allowed any document filed through the e-filing system to be signed electronically. While that covered a significant portion of court filings, it also left some big gaps where wet ink signatures were still required. Of particular concern for access to justice, people without lawyers who were exempt from e-filing still had to provide a wet signature on their court forms. That included litigants seeking to expunge a criminal record or file for an Order of Protection. It also included many litigants with disabilities, limited English proficiency, or limited access to the courthouse.\n\nThe burden placed on these unrepresented litigants extended to the legal and pro bono providers who work with them. Legal aid and pro bono programs pivoted to remote services quickly during the early days of the pandemic, but some of them encountered a roadblock when it came time to get a client signature. While the vast majority of their work could be done remotely–clients interviewed by phone, documents prepared on a computer, and forms transmitted by email–the volunteer attorney or advocate would often have to schedule an in-person meeting to obtain an ink signature on a document.\n\nWorking with the [Circuit Court Pro Se Advisory Committee](https:\/\/chicagobarfoundation.org\/courts\/), the CBF helped draft and submit a proposed rule change to the Illinois Supreme Court to remedy this problem. The proposal expands the use of electronic signatures to *all* court filings, offering litigants the same flexibility regardless of case type or the manner in which they filed their paperwork.\n\nThe Supreme Court adopted this new rule on February 23, providing legal aid and pro bono attorneys with the ability to serve more clients in a more efficient and accessible manner during the pandemic and beyond. The full text of the rule is available here: <https:\/\/courts.illinois.gov\/SupremeCourt\/Announce\/2021\/022321-3.pdf>.","meta_canonical":null}

3. Robots.txt Check

Query:

Response:

4. Spam/Ban Check

Query:

Response:

5. Seen Status Check

ℹ️ Skipped - page is already crawled

📄

INDEXABLE

✅

CRAWLED

2 days ago

🤖

ROBOTS ALLOWED

Page Info Filters

Filter	Status	Condition	Details
HTTP status	PASS	`download_http_code = 200`	HTTP 200
Age cutoff	PASS	`download_stamp > now() - 6 MONTH`	0.1 months ago
History drop	PASS	`isNull(history_drop_reason)`	No drop reason
Spam/ban	PASS	`fh_dont_index != 1 AND ml_spam_score = 0`	ml_spam_score=0
Canonical	PASS	`meta_canonical IS NULL OR = '' OR = src_unparsed`	Not set

Page Details

Property	Value
URL	https://chicagobarfoundation.org/blog/rule-expands-the-use-of-electronic-signatures/
Last Crawled	2026-04-13 03:44:34 (2 days ago)
First Indexed	2021-03-25 14:38:51 (5 years ago)
HTTP Status Code	200
Meta Title	New Supreme Court Rule Expands the Use of Electronic Signatures - The Chicago Bar Foundation
Meta Description	null
Meta Canonical	null
Boilerpipe Text	March 15, 2021 When the pandemic arrived last March, we quickly learned how much could be done remotely – remote court, remote school, remote happy hour. However, the pandemic also shined a light on some of the outdated court rules and procedures that prevented basic tasks from working well remotely. One stark example was the limits on the use of electronic signatures on court documents. In the best of times, this would be an inefficient roadblock to access to the courts, but during the pandemic, it often forced people to put their own health and the health of others at risk or be effectively shut out of the system even in matters that could be critical to their safety and independence. When Illinois adopted mandatory e-filing in 2017, the new rules allowed any document filed through the e-filing system to be signed electronically. While that covered a significant portion of court filings, it also left some big gaps where wet ink signatures were still required. Of particular concern for access to justice, people without lawyers who were exempt from e-filing still had to provide a wet signature on their court forms. That included litigants seeking to expunge a criminal record or file for an Order of Protection. It also included many litigants with disabilities, limited English proficiency, or limited access to the courthouse. The burden placed on these unrepresented litigants extended to the legal and pro bono providers who work with them. Legal aid and pro bono programs pivoted to remote services quickly during the early days of the pandemic, but some of them encountered a roadblock when it came time to get a client signature. While the vast majority of their work could be done remotely–clients interviewed by phone, documents prepared on a computer, and forms transmitted by email–the volunteer attorney or advocate would often have to schedule an in-person meeting to obtain an ink signature on a document. Working with the Circuit Court Pro Se Advisory Committee , the CBF helped draft and submit a proposed rule change to the Illinois Supreme Court to remedy this problem. The proposal expands the use of electronic signatures to all court filings, offering litigants the same flexibility regardless of case type or the manner in which they filed their paperwork. The Supreme Court adopted this new rule on February 23, providing legal aid and pro bono attorneys with the ability to serve more clients in a more efficient and accessible manner during the pandemic and beyond. The full text of the rule is available here: https://courts.illinois.gov/SupremeCourt/Announce/2021/022321-3.pdf .
Markdown	[![](https://chicagobarfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/CBF-2965.png)](https://chicagobarfoundation.org/) - [Who We Are](https://chicagobarfoundation.org/who-we-are/) - [Impact](https://chicagobarfoundation.org/impact/) - [Grants](https://chicagobarfoundation.org/grants/) - [Courts](https://chicagobarfoundation.org/courts/) - [Advocacy](https://chicagobarfoundation.org/advocacy/) - [Pro Bono](https://chicagobarfoundation.org/pro-bono/) - [Patton Legal Aid Academy](https://chicagobarfoundation.org/patton-legal-aid-academy/) - [Fellowships, Scholarships and Internships](https://chicagobarfoundation.org/fellowships-scholarships-and-internships/) - [Investing in Justice Campaign](https://chicagobarfoundation.org/investing-in-justice-campaign/) - [Justice Entrepreneurs Project](https://chicagobarfoundation.org/justice-entrepreneurs-project/) - [Resources](https://chicagobarfoundation.org/blog/rule-expands-the-use-of-electronic-signatures/) - [Public Resources](https://chicagobarfoundation.org/public-resources/) - [Legal Glossary](https://chicagobarfoundation.org/legal-glossary/) - [Lawyer & Legal Professional Resources](https://chicagobarfoundation.org/legal-professional-resources/) - [Events](https://chicagobarfoundation.org/whats-next/) - [Fall Benefit](https://chicagobarfoundation.org/fall-benefit/) - [Pro Bono & Public Service Awards Luncheon](https://chicagobarfoundation.org/cba-cbf-pro-bono-public-service-awards-luncheon/) - [Passport To Chicago](https://chicagobarfoundation.org/passport-to-chicago/) - [Pro Bono Week](https://chicagobarfoundation.org/pro-bono-week/) - [Support](https://chicagobarfoundation.org/support/) - [Justice Society](https://chicagobarfoundation.org/justice-society/) - [Planned Giving](https://chicagobarfoundation.org/planned-giving/) - [Law Firm and Corporate Support](https://chicagobarfoundation.org/law-firm-and-corporate-support/) - [Cy Pres Awards](https://chicagobarfoundation.org/legal-professional-resources/cy-pres-awards/) - [Awards](https://chicagobarfoundation.org/awards/) - [What’s Happening?](https://chicagobarfoundation.org/whats-happening/) - [Connect](https://chicagobarfoundation.org/connect/) - [Need Legal Help?](https://chicagobarfoundation.org/public-resources/) [Donate](https://chicagobarfoundation.org/donate) # New Supreme Court Rule Expands the Use of Electronic Signatures March 15, 2021 When the pandemic arrived last March, we quickly learned how much could be done remotely – remote court, remote school, remote happy hour. However, the pandemic also shined a light on some of the outdated court rules and procedures that prevented basic tasks from working well remotely. One stark example was the limits on the use of electronic signatures on court documents. In the best of times, this would be an inefficient roadblock to access to the courts, but during the pandemic, it often forced people to put their own health and the health of others at risk or be effectively shut out of the system even in matters that could be critical to their safety and independence. When Illinois adopted mandatory e-filing in 2017, the new rules allowed any document filed through the e-filing system to be signed electronically. While that covered a significant portion of court filings, it also left some big gaps where wet ink signatures were still required. Of particular concern for access to justice, people without lawyers who were exempt from e-filing still had to provide a wet signature on their court forms. That included litigants seeking to expunge a criminal record or file for an Order of Protection. It also included many litigants with disabilities, limited English proficiency, or limited access to the courthouse. The burden placed on these unrepresented litigants extended to the legal and pro bono providers who work with them. Legal aid and pro bono programs pivoted to remote services quickly during the early days of the pandemic, but some of them encountered a roadblock when it came time to get a client signature. While the vast majority of their work could be done remotely–clients interviewed by phone, documents prepared on a computer, and forms transmitted by email–the volunteer attorney or advocate would often have to schedule an in-person meeting to obtain an ink signature on a document. Working with the [Circuit Court Pro Se Advisory Committee](https://chicagobarfoundation.org/courts/), the CBF helped draft and submit a proposed rule change to the Illinois Supreme Court to remedy this problem. The proposal expands the use of electronic signatures to all court filings, offering litigants the same flexibility regardless of case type or the manner in which they filed their paperwork. The Supreme Court adopted this new rule on February 23, providing legal aid and pro bono attorneys with the ability to serve more clients in a more efficient and accessible manner during the pandemic and beyond. The full text of the rule is available here: <https://courts.illinois.gov/SupremeCourt/Announce/2021/022321-3.pdf>. Recent Posts ## [Press Release: Newly-launched Nonprofit Resilience Hub Opens to Illinois Nonprofits Wrestling with Federal Policy Changes](https://chicagobarfoundation.org/press-releases/press-release-newly-launched-nonprofit-resilience-hub-opens-to-illinois-nonprofits-wrestling-with-federal-policy-changes/) ## [Bringing a Powerful Voice for Access to Justice to Capitol Hill](https://chicagobarfoundation.org/blog/bringing-a-powerful-voice-for-access-to-justice-to-capitol-hill/) ## [Investing in Justice Campaign Kicks off a Milestone Year with Laura Stein and Randy Mehrberg Leading the Charge](https://chicagobarfoundation.org/blog/investing-in-justice-campaign-kicks-off-a-milestone-year-with-laura-stein-and-randy-mehrberg-leading-the-charge/) ## [The Enduring Value of Lawyers in the Age of AI](https://chicagobarfoundation.org/blog/the-enduring-value-of-lawyers-in-the-age-of-ai/) ## [An Updated Top Ten Reasons the Billable Hour Needs to Go, For Real This Time](https://chicagobarfoundation.org/bobservations/an-updated-top-ten-reasons-the-billable-hour-needs-to-go-for-real-this-time/) ## [Congress Shows Strong Support for Legal Aid and the Federal Courts in Final 2026 Appropriations](https://chicagobarfoundation.org/blog/congress-shows-strong-support-for-legal-aid-and-the-federal-courts-in-final-2026-appropriations/) ## [Improving Access to Justice Through Innovation: GoodeDesk launches in the Resource Center for People without Lawyers](https://chicagobarfoundation.org/blog/improving-access-to-justice-through-innovation-goodedesk-launches-in-the-resource-center-for-people-without-lawyers/) ## [An Action Plan for This Year’s Resolution for the Legal Profession, With the Perspective of People Needing Legal Help as the Starting Point](https://chicagobarfoundation.org/bobservations/an-action-plan-for-this-years-resolution-for-the-legal-profession-with-the-perspective-of-people-needing-legal-help-as-the-starting-point/) ## [New Pro Bono Project Helps Meet Increased Need for Habeas Relief Amidst Heightened Immigration Enforcement Efforts](https://chicagobarfoundation.org/blog/new-pro-bono-project-helps-meet-increased-need-for-habeas-relief-amidst-heightened-immigration-enforcement-efforts/) ## [Welcome to the Newest Illinois JusticeCorps Fellows](https://chicagobarfoundation.org/blog/welcome-to-the-newest-illinois-justicecorps-fellows/) [![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==)](https://chicagobarfoundation.org/) 321 South Plymouth Court, Suite 3B Chicago, IL 60604 \\| [312\.554.1204](tel:312-554-1204) [![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==)](https://www.chicagobar.org/chicagobar/) The Chicago Bar Foundation is the charitable arm of the Chicago Bar Association The Chicago Bar Foundation\\| © 2023 All Rights Reserved \\|[Donor](https://chicagobarfoundation.org/donor-privacy-policy/) [Privacy Policy](https://chicagobarfoundation.org/donor-privacy-policy/) \\| [Corporate Governance](https://chicagobarfoundation.org/corporate-governance/) \\| [Financial and Tax Information](https://chicagobarfoundation.org/financial-and-tax-information/) - [Follow](https://www.facebook.com/chicagobarfoundation "Follow on Facebook") - [Follow](https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-chicago-bar-foundation "Follow on LinkedIn") - [Follow](https://instagram.com/ChicagoBarFound "Follow on Instagram")
Readable Markdown	March 15, 2021 When the pandemic arrived last March, we quickly learned how much could be done remotely – remote court, remote school, remote happy hour. However, the pandemic also shined a light on some of the outdated court rules and procedures that prevented basic tasks from working well remotely. One stark example was the limits on the use of electronic signatures on court documents. In the best of times, this would be an inefficient roadblock to access to the courts, but during the pandemic, it often forced people to put their own health and the health of others at risk or be effectively shut out of the system even in matters that could be critical to their safety and independence. When Illinois adopted mandatory e-filing in 2017, the new rules allowed any document filed through the e-filing system to be signed electronically. While that covered a significant portion of court filings, it also left some big gaps where wet ink signatures were still required. Of particular concern for access to justice, people without lawyers who were exempt from e-filing still had to provide a wet signature on their court forms. That included litigants seeking to expunge a criminal record or file for an Order of Protection. It also included many litigants with disabilities, limited English proficiency, or limited access to the courthouse. The burden placed on these unrepresented litigants extended to the legal and pro bono providers who work with them. Legal aid and pro bono programs pivoted to remote services quickly during the early days of the pandemic, but some of them encountered a roadblock when it came time to get a client signature. While the vast majority of their work could be done remotely–clients interviewed by phone, documents prepared on a computer, and forms transmitted by email–the volunteer attorney or advocate would often have to schedule an in-person meeting to obtain an ink signature on a document. Working with the [Circuit Court Pro Se Advisory Committee](https://chicagobarfoundation.org/courts/), the CBF helped draft and submit a proposed rule change to the Illinois Supreme Court to remedy this problem. The proposal expands the use of electronic signatures to all court filings, offering litigants the same flexibility regardless of case type or the manner in which they filed their paperwork. The Supreme Court adopted this new rule on February 23, providing legal aid and pro bono attorneys with the ability to serve more clients in a more efficient and accessible manner during the pandemic and beyond. The full text of the rule is available here: <https://courts.illinois.gov/SupremeCourt/Announce/2021/022321-3.pdf>.
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