The Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice (ATJ Commission) is seeking a volunteer member to serve on its Forms Committee for a three-year term beginning on January 1, 2027. To ensure balanced representation and meet the Committee’s current needs, we are specifically accepting applications from legal aid attorneys based in Cook County.
About the ATJ Commission and Forms Committee
Established in 2012, the ATJ Commission works to ensure meaningful participation in the court system for all individuals, including self-represented litigants, those with limited English proficiency, and people with disabilities. In 2014, the Access to Justice Division of the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts was created and the first statewide standardized forms were published, the Application for Waiver of Court Fees and Adult Name Change. Today, 72 statewide standardized form sets are available in various areas of law on the Illinois Courts’ website.
The Forms Committee, comprised of ten members from diverse areas and stakeholder groups across Illinois, serves as the leadership and reviewing body responsible for approving all statewide standardized court forms released by the Illinois Supreme Court. The Forms Committee itself does not draft forms. The drafting of forms is handled by 13 subcommittees, which create forms for use at all levels of the state court system. More information about Forms Committee processes and procedures, the forms development process, and current membership can be found on the ATJ Commission’s website.
Desired Qualifications
Applicants should demonstrate:
- A commitment to expanding access to the court system for all, including self-represent litigants, individuals with limited English proficiency, people with a disability, and historically marginalized communities.
- Knowledge of Illinois court processes and procedures, with an interest in how forms can allow for greater access to the court system.
Forms Committee Member Responsibilities
Members are expected to:
- Attend and actively participate in quarterly Forms Committee meetings.
- Assist in decision-making regarding policies, common language usage, and other high-level governance matters.
- Review draft forms, orders, and instructions to submit written comments prior to meetings.
- Serve on two-person panels to review form sets drafted by subcommittees before final approval by Forms Committee.
- Approve forms for publication on the Illinois Courts’ website.
Application Process
To apply, please complete the application form at: Forms Committee Application - Fall 2026. Selected applicants will be interviewed this fall. Membership is subject to approval by the Illinois Supreme Court.
Applications must be received by October 9, 2026 at 5 p.m.
For questions about the Forms Committee or the application process, contact Kathryn Hensley at khensley@illinoiscourts.gov.