Court Rules
Common questions about Judge Swedlow, Stephen's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Swedlow, Stephen?

Courtesy copies are required for briefs and oppositions. Details: delivery upon filing. Courtesy copies due upon filing of last responsive pleading; <=25 pages may be emailed, >25 pages must be hand delivered to courtroom 2007 basket.

View ruleSource: page 3, section III. REGULAR MOTIONS AND STATUS CALLS b. Courtesy copies

Does Judge Swedlow, Stephen require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

Yes. A pre-motion letter is required for rule 15 leave, other, other, other, and voluntary dismissal. Routine motions do not require a court appearance; motions and draft orders must be emailed to the Court Coordinator at least two court days before entry.

View ruleSource: page 2, section II. ROUTINE MOTIONS a

What page or word limits apply to brief before Judge Swedlow, Stephen?

Judge Swedlow, Stephen's rule states these limits: 15 pages; 15 pages; 15 pages; 7 pages. Excludes exhibits and attachments. Motions/support briefs limited to 15 pages, response briefs to 15 pages, reply briefs to 7 pages; excludes attached pleadings and exhibits from page count.

View ruleSource: page 5, section V. BRIEFS

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Swedlow, Stephen?

Judge Swedlow, Stephen's formatting rule includes 12 point type, double spacing and margins top 1 inches, bottom 1 inches, left 1 inches, right 1 inches. All briefs must be double-spaced, 12-point font, with at least 1-inch margins.

View ruleSource: page 5, section V. BRIEFS

What must be included with motion to amend filings before Judge Swedlow, Stephen?

The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. Motions to file amended pleadings must include a black-lined version of the proposed pleading.

View ruleSource: page 4, section III. REGULAR MOTIONS AND STATUS CALLS d

What must be included with agreed dismissal order filings before Judge Swedlow, Stephen?

The rule requires signature blocks. Agreed dismissal orders must include original signatures of all parties/counsel and strike all future scheduled dates.

View ruleSource: page 3, section II. ROUTINE MOTIONS e

How may parties contact Judge Swedlow, Stephen's chambers?

Parties may contact Judge Swedlow, Stephen's chambers by email only as allowed by the rule. The rule lists email Melissa.robbins@cookcountyil.gov and phone 312-603-5902. Chambers contact information for Judge Swedlow, Court Coordinator, and Law Clerk, including phone, email, and Zoom details for remote appearances.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Standing Order Header

Is electronic filing required before Judge Swedlow, Stephen?

Yes. Electronic filing is required for the covered filings. E-filing is mandatory for all civil cases except Quasi Criminal, Housing, and Wills per Illinois Supreme Court order.

View ruleSource: page 3, section Footnote 1

When is a filing treated as filed before Judge Swedlow, Stephen?

The rule addresses filing timing, filing status, or cure windows. Trial materials must be submitted two weeks before trial start, delivered to Chambers; non-compliance may result in sanctions.

View ruleSource: page 5, section VI. TRIALS AND EVIDENTIARY HEARINGS
Complete rules summary for Judge Swedlow, Stephen

E-filing is mandatory for all civil cases except Quasi Criminal, Housing, and Wills per Illinois Supreme Court order.

Motions/support briefs limited to 15 pages, response briefs to 15 pages, reply briefs to 7 pages; excludes attached pleadings and exhibits from page count.

All briefs must be double-spaced, 12-point font, with at least 1-inch margins.

All exhibits must be page-numbered and tabbed.

Courtesy copies due upon filing of last responsive pleading; <=25 pages may be emailed, >25 pages must be hand delivered to courtroom 2007 basket.

Courtesy copies 25 pages or less may be emailed to the Court Coordinator.

Courtesy copies exceeding 25 pages must be hand delivered to the basket outside courtroom 2007.

E-filed submissions do not notify the court or provide copies to the judge.

Routine motions do not require a court appearance; motions and draft orders must be emailed to the Court Coordinator at least two court days before entry.

Only the listed motion types are considered routine motions exempt from appearance requirements.

Motions to file amended pleadings must include a black-lined version of the proposed pleading.

Agreed dismissal orders must include original signatures of all parties/counsel and strike all future scheduled dates.

Trial materials must be submitted two weeks before trial start, delivered to Chambers; non-compliance may result in sanctions.

Discovery motions must include a statement certifying personal consultation and reasonable attempts to resolve discovery disputes per Illinois Supreme Court Rule 201(k).

Agreed orders may be submitted in Word format via email to the Court Coordinator.

Emergency motions must be scheduled with the Court Coordinator; movant must submit all supporting documents to the law clerk via email.

Sur-replies are only permitted with court approval via written motion.

Non-routine motions must be scheduled with the Court Coordinator or via e-filing.

Chambers contact information for Judge Swedlow, Court Coordinator, and Law Clerk, including phone, email, and Zoom details for remote appearances.

More Judges in Circuit Court of Cook County

Alison C. Conlon
Judge
Allen P. Walker
Judge
Caroline Kate Moreland
Judge
Cecilia A. Horan
Judge
D. Renee Jackson
Judge
Daniel P. Duffy
Judge
David B. Atkins
Judge