My question involves an eviction in the state of: IL

my client came in today with a Motion for Substitute Counsel, where the law office filing the motion is seeking leave for the previous attorney and filing their substitution substitution as well as an extension of the previous eviction. The tenant had an eviction date of May 7th, 2013 and that eviction expired. They only received today Motion and Notice via us mail, they did not get served nor was it sent certified mail. It states that my client has to be present at this court date "you must attend the court hearing if you want the court to stop the landlord from having you evicted"...this seems not correct to me. Do they have to have my client served? and does he actually have to be at this court date otherwise he could be evicted?
Thanks for all your helpful posts...