Circuit Court Revested with Jurisdiction the Date the Appellate Court Issues Mandate—Even if Circuit Court Clerk Fails to File It

An Illinois appellate court recently clarified when jurisdiction returns to the circuit court after an appeal—holding that jurisdiction automatically revests when the appellate mandate is issued, even if the circuit court clerk never files it. This article examines the court’s reasoning, the conflicting appellate authority, and the practical implications for litigants navigating post-appeal proceedings in Illinois, including before the Illinois Appellate Court.