As the COVID 19 pandemic continues to impact the world, we have taken advantage of the state’s move into Phase 4, as announced by the governor and public health officials.
TUITE LAW OPERATIONS
Tuite Law has resumed in office operations. The office at 119 N. Church Street in Rockford is open, but on a limited basis. Our receptionist, an attorney, and a case manager are in the office Monday through Friday. We rotate staff in the office to limit potential exposure to the virus. The remaining staff continues to work from home using technology to stay connected. We have the technology in place for staff to access to our client database, documents and medical records from home or the office. Staff, including attorneys, are available by email, telephone and video conference. Documents can be signed electronically. We have video technology available for client visits with staff members via Facetime and Zoom conferencing. Office visits are by appointment only. We don’t allow walk-in appointments at this time.
Potential New Clients
Potential clients usually come to our office for an in-person consultation. We have resumed that practice if the client would like to meet an attorney in person. We also offer new clients a video conference or telephone consultation instead of a face-to-face appointment. If interested in a meeting, we will set the appointment and send you instructions.
In times of uncertainty, the attorneys and staff of Tuite Law continue to do our best to help clients and potential clients navigate the uncertainties of the legal system. We look forward to the opportunity to assist you.
Court Closings
Illinois Workers’ Compensation
Regular trials have not resumed. We now have our monthly status calls with the arbitrator via video conferencing. We also have individual pre-trial conferences with defense attorneys and the arbitrator over video. This has helped to resolve disputes and move cases toward disposition. A very limited number of days are available for trials that will take 90 minutes or less.
Social Security Administration
The situation with the Social Security Administration has not improved as much. There are no in person or video hearings. The only option is a hearing over the telephone. Supposedly judges are requiring the client and attorney to NOT be in the same room. While we discourage telephone hearings, we allow the client to decide whether they want a phone hearing or wait for a face to face video hearing.
Circuit Courts
Again, procedures followed by the various circuit courts appear to vary on a circuit by circuit basis. In the 17th Judicial Circuit (Winnebago and Boone Counties) courts have resumed modified operations. Video, telephone, and email are being used to avoid person to person contact.
WE LOOK FORWARD TO HELPING YOU DURING THESE CHALLENGING TIMES.
