Getting that Cook County jury summons in the mail usually brings a sigh of frustration. If you're a Chicago resident, your first thought is probably, 'How much is this going to cost me, and what exactly does the county pay?' Let's break it down simply.
If you're called to serve at the Daley Center or any of the suburban courthouses, Cook County currently pays jurors a very modest daily fee. You can expect to receive $17.20 per day for your service.
We know what you're thinking: that barely covers lunch downtown, let alone the hassle. But it's actually an improvement from years past. Additionally, if you are seated on a jury, the court does offer a mileage reimbursement for those traveling from farther suburbs, though city dwellers taking the CTA might find this less helpful.
Here is the good news for Cook County residents: Illinois has strong worker protections. While your employer isn't federally mandated to pay you, many full-time employees in Illinois are covered by company policies or union contracts that require employers to pay your regular wage during jury service.
Note for Night Shift Workers: Illinois law explicitly protects night shift workers. If you work a night shift and serve on a jury during the day, your employer must give you the time off and cannot force you to work a double shift.
You won't walk out of the courthouse with cash. Cook County typically mails a check to your home address listed on your voter registration within a few weeks of completing your service. Make sure your address is updated when you check in on day one!
Cook County pays $17.20 a day. It won't make you rich, but Illinois labor laws often ensure your job protects your regular paycheck. Always ask HR about your company's specific jury duty policy before your service date.