With COVID-19 cases once again escalating, the federal courts in Chicago and Rockford are closing most in-person services through the middle of January.Chief Judge Rebecca R. Pallmeyer of the U.S. District Court for Northern Illinois issued a notice Thursday afternoon detailing the safety measures taking effect:“Effective at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, November 13, 2020, the Clerk’s Office in Chicago and Rockford will close to in-person assistance until Tuesday, January 19, 2021. Clerk’s Office staff will accept …