By: Ashmar Mandou

Identifying a need for a more streamlined service in the court system, the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County office unveiled the new Customer Service Center (CSC) on Tuesday morning, where residents will be able to connect with a live CSC staff member who will be able to provide answers to court-related questions.

“As a senator, I heard constituents asking for help in obtaining court information. My decision to run was based on a belief that citizens need access to government and government functions to serve the community,” said Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County Iris Y. Martinez. “Early in my administration, I made it my mission to provide customers trained clerks to assist customer’s needs and help them in their language. It was no easy task but today the dream is a reality. We present to you a powerful tool and system to service the residents of Cook County and our participants in the Judicial System.”

The Customer Service Center will provide the following services:

• Easily connects the public with the information they need for court services to all six districts.

• Provides certified interpreters servicing over 200 languages with the help of Inlingo.

• Clerks call or text to find up-to-date information.

• Finds the latest COVID-19 updates in relation in court services and how to appear on Zoom.

• Informs the public on what to expect in various Court Divisions for the type of case relevant to their situation.

• Communicates how to pay court fees and fines.

“All of the Clerks operating the Customer Service Center have an incredible scope of information to share with the general public and possess strong problem solving skills to get everyone exactly what they need,” said John T. Zmuda, assistant chief deputy clerk, Customer Service Center. “The Clerks are cross0trained on all divisions of Law and the goal is to get individuals what they need over the phone, from the comfort of their own home and not have to physically come in to The Daley Center.”

Currently, the CSC takes over 1,000 calls daily with a maximum wait time averaging four minutes and is staffed by 26 full trained clerks taking best practices from each division of law with the help of the Illinois Bar Association. The Customer Service Center hours of operation match the courts which are Monday through Friday from 8:30a.m., to 4:30p.m., excluding court holidays. The Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County Customer Service Center can be reached at 312-603-5030.

Photo Caption: The Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County Iris Martinez launches the Customer Service Center at the Richard J. Daley Center on Tuesday.