Landlords are not legally required to have an attorney for every eviction case in Illinois. But whether you should have one depends on how complicated the situation is, how much money is at stake, and how much risk you are comfortable with.
Some straightforward evictions go smoothly without legal help. Others involve tenant defenses, strict procedural rules, or counterclaims that can quickly become overwhelming without an attorney. If you are a landlord dealing with an eviction in 2026, our DuPage County, IL civil litigation lawyers can help you figure out whether legal representation makes sense for your situation.
Can a Landlord Represent Themselves in Illinois Eviction Court?
Individual landlords can represent themselves in Illinois eviction proceedings. This is called appearing pro se. If you own property as an individual, you can file the paperwork, show up to hearings, and argue your case without an attorney.