Illinois Supreme Court Clarifies Appeal Timeliness in Waukegan Hospitality Group Case

The Illinois Supreme Court’s decision in Waukegan Hospitality Group, LLC v. Stretch’s Sports Bar & Grill Corporation underscores the pivotal importance of adhering to procedural deadlines for notices of appeal. When the plaintiff’s electronic submission was rejected by the clerk, resulting in a resubmission five days past the deadline, the court highlighted the necessity of either seeking relief from the circuit court or filing a motion with the appellate court for a late appeal.

The plaintiff’s failure to take these steps led to the dismissal of the appeal as untimely. This case serves as a cautionary tale for Illinois practitioners, emphasizing the critical need to follow the Supreme Court Rules diligently and the potential consequences of overlooking procedural remedies after a clerk’s rejection.