Yes, jury trials are happening in Cook County at the Daley Center, despite the ongoing COVID -19 pandemic, which is now headed into its second full year. Last week, a Cook County jury returned a unanimous verdict in favor of our client in a rare probate case involving ownership of real estate, multiple financial accounts and other property. The jury awarded our client assets valued at over $1.5 million.
Our trial team noted that: (1) the Court and its staff did an excellent job of making the jury process run smoothly and safely; (2) Everyone wore masks when they were not speaking, and everyone was kept at a safe distance, and (3) Jurors were spread out. The trial team also noted that there were two rows of four jurors in the jury box, an additional 4 jurors sat in chairs in the well of the courtroom in front of the jury box, plus, 2 alternate jurors sat in the front row of the gallery. Rather than deliberating in a small conference room, jurors were allowed to deliberate in an entirely separate courtroom, where they could spread out and keep a safe distance from each other. Furthermore, the lawyer conducting the examination of trial witnesses had to remain at a podium at a safe distance from the jurors.
Antonio DeBlasio’s law firm is located in Oak Brook, Illinois, focusing on business and civil litigation, including probate and estate litigation. With over 27 years of experience representing businesses, individuals and estates in Illinois, the firm’s attorneys have represented hundreds of clients in federal court, Cook County Circuit Court, DuPage County Circuit Court, and the courts in Lake County and Will County. To discuss your civil litigation, probate and estate planning needs, please contact Antonio DeBlasio at (630) 560-1123.