ILRule 1.4
Client Communication Rules for Illinois Law Firms
Illinois Rule 1.4 requires attorneys to promptly inform clients of circumstances requiring informed consent, reasonably consult about objectives, keep clients reasonably informed, and explain matters for informed decisions.
Rule 1.4 Key Requirements
- 1Promptly inform clients of circumstances requiring informed consent
- 2Reasonably consult about means to accomplish objectives
- 3Keep clients reasonably informed about status
- 4Promptly comply with reasonable requests for information
- 5Consult with clients about limitations on attorney conduct
Additional Illinois Requirements
Language Access
While Illinois has no specific statutory requirement, the Chicago area's diverse population benefits from multilingual communication. Courts provide interpreter services.
Key languages: Spanish, Polish, Chinese, and Korean
Statute of Limitations
Illinois attorneys must communicate statute of limitations deadlines clearly and document client acknowledgment.
Illinois-Specific Considerations
- Chicago's high volume of personal injury cases requires efficient communication systems
- Illinois Trial Lawyers Association (ITLA) provides practice guidance
- Diverse immigrant communities in Chicago benefit from multilingual support
- Workers' compensation cases have specific notice requirements
- Cook County's case management orders affect communication timing
How Quilia Helps Illinois Firms Stay Compliant
- Automated updates satisfy Rule 1.4's informed consent requirements
- Multilingual support (Spanish, Polish, more) serves Chicago's diverse communities
- Treatment tracking integration manages high-volume personal injury caseloads
- HIPAA-compliant messaging creates documented communication history
- Client portal access reduces administrative burden while improving satisfaction
- Automated reminders help meet Cook County case management requirements
Illinois Legal Resources
Illinois State Bar Association
Illinois Trial Lawyers Association(ITLA)
Trial lawyers association providing practice resources and advocacy.
Learn MoreFrequently Asked Questions: Illinois Attorney Communication
What does Illinois Rule 1.4 require for client communication?
Illinois Rule 1.4 requires attorneys to promptly inform clients of matters requiring informed consent, consult about case strategy, keep clients reasonably informed of status, respond to information requests, and explain matters for informed decision-making.
How often should Illinois attorneys update personal injury clients?
Best practices recommend monthly updates for active cases, with immediate communication for significant developments like settlement offers, court dates, and medical treatment changes. Cook County case management orders may also affect timing.
What languages are important for Chicago law firms?
Chicago's diversity makes Spanish essential. Polish, Chinese, and Korean are also significant. Multilingual client platforms help Chicago firms serve the area's immigrant communities effectively.
How does the ARDC handle communication complaints?
The Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission (ARDC) investigates communication failures seriously. Failure to communicate is one of the top reasons for disciplinary action in Illinois.
Can Illinois law firms use automated communication systems?
Yes, Illinois permits technology-assisted client communication. The key is maintaining attorney oversight and ensuring communications are accurate, timely, and professional.
What are Illinois workers' compensation communication requirements?
Workers' compensation cases have specific notice and deadline requirements. Attorneys must clearly communicate these deadlines and ensure clients understand the claims process and their role in it.
How can Chicago firms manage high caseloads while maintaining communication?
Client engagement platforms automate routine communications, track treatment, and provide client self-service portals, allowing firms to maintain personalized communication at scale.
What documentation should Illinois attorneys maintain?
All substantive client communications should be documented with date, method, and content. This documentation is essential for ARDC inquiries and demonstrating Rule 1.4 compliance.
Legal Terms Every Illinois Attorney Should Know
Clear communication requires understanding these fundamental concepts. Click any term to learn more.
Last updated: January 24, 2026
Reviewed by: Quilia Legal Compliance Team
Primary Source: Illinois State Bar AssociationKeep Your Illinois Clients Informed - Automatically
Quilia helps Illinois law firms maintain Rule 1.4 compliance while reducing administrative burden and improving client satisfaction.