ATJ Commission seeks volunteers for Forms Committee | State of Illinois Office of the Illinois Courts

Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice Forms Committee

The Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice (ATJ Commission) is seeking two volunteer members to serve on its Forms Committee. The expected term of service is three years (starting on January 1, 2026). We are specifically seeking candidates from the following court stakeholder groups:

1. Private practice lawyer
2. Government lawyer
3. Trial court administrator or court staff (e.g., self-help desk, law librarian, etc.)

The Illinois Supreme Court established the ATJ Commission in 2012 to ensure everyone can meaningfully participate in the court system, including self-represented litigants, limited English proficient litigants, and litigants with disabilities. In 2014, the Access to Justice Division of the AOIC was established and the first statewide standardized forms were published, the Application for Waiver of Court Fees and Adult Name Change. There are currently 69 statewide standardized form sets published in various areas of law on the Illinois Courts’ website.

The Forms Committee consists of ten members and serves as the leadership and reviewing body, ultimately approving all statewide standardized court forms that are released by the Illinois Supreme Court. The Forms Committee itself does not draft forms. This is done by 13 subcommittees who create forms for use in all levels of the state court system.

To be eligible for service on the Forms Committee, the following qualifications are desirable:

• A dedication to increasing access to the court system for everyone, including self-represent litigants, limited English proficient litigants, litigants with a disability, and historically marginalized communities.
• Knowledge of Illinois court processes and procedures, and an interest in how forms can allow for greater access to the court system.

Forms Committee Members have the following responsibilities:

• Commitment to attending quarterly Forms Committee meetings and actively participating.
• Assist in decision-making relating to policies, common language usage, and other high-level governing matters.
• Review detailed draft forms, orders, and instructions and submit written comments in advance of quarterly Forms Committee meetings.
• Assignment to two-person panels to review form sets drafted by subcommittees before submission to Forms Committee for ultimate approval.
• Approve forms for publication on the Illinois Courts’ website.

Application Process

To apply for an opening with the Forms Committee, please complete the form via this link: ilcourts.info/forms-committee-app. Interviews will be conducted with select applicants this fall.

Applications must be received by Friday, August 29, 2025. Questions relating to Forms Committee and the application process should be directed to: Kathryn Hensley (khensley@illinoiscourts.gov).