Court Rules

Limits & Logistics

Document Limits

Objection SubmissionCourt-wide
1 pgs

Adjournments

Court-wide

Request must include

Reason for Request

Communication

Email
Court-wide
pbalfeld@co.madison.il.us
Scheduling
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Document Filing Requirements11 rules

Filing RequirementsMandatory

If AI or Technology-Assisted Review (TAR) is used to aid in document review or interrogatory preparation, the responding party must disclose the method used upon request and ensure adequate validation and human oversight.

Filing RequirementsMandatory

Discovery responses generated with AI must be verified for factual accuracy, legal sufficiency, and compliance with Illinois Supreme Court Rules.

Court's wording

Any discovery responses, including but not limited to answers to interrogatories, Rule 213(f) disclosures, and Rule 214 document productions, that are generated in whole or in part using artificial intelligence (AI) tools must be verified for factual accuracy, legal sufficiency, and compliance with Illinois Supreme Court Rules.

Filing RequirementsMandatory

Parties using TAR to identify relevant discovery documents must disclose that use to opposing counsel in their response.

Court's wording

Parties utilizing TAR software (also called predictive coding, computer assisted review, or supervised machine learning) to search and identify relevant documents to disclose during the discovery process must notify opposing counsel in their response that the documents were identified thru use of this technology.

Smith Standing Order on AI September 2025 · Sep 2025 · p. 3
|Sectionb. Technology Assisted Review (TAR)
Filing RequirementsMandatory

Attorneys must file a signed certification confirming their personal review, verification of accuracy and completeness, and independent judgment about the sufficiency of AI-assisted discovery responses.

Court's wording

3. Certification Requirement: Attorneys must file a signed certification attesting that: - • They have personally reviewed the discovery responses; - • They have verified that the answers are accurate and complete based on their own legal judgment; - • They are not relying solely on the AI tool's output to determine the sufficiency or completeness of the responses. (See attached Sample Certification Regarding the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Discovery Responses, APPENDIX 1)

Smith Standing Order on AI September 2025 · Sep 2025 · p. 4
|Sectionc. Attorney Certification of Discovery Responses Using AI Assistance
Filing RequirementsMandatory

The disclosure affidavit must identify the AI-generated or enhanced portions and technology, explain the process, certify human accuracy review, document reliability and validity, verify preservation of the original and processed evidence and algorithm, and attach the original evidence.

Court's wording

At least ninety (90) days prior to trial, any party that seeks to introduce evidence enhanced or generated by an artificial intelligence program shall give timely notice and disclose such evidence to the opposing party via affidavit of the attorney or analyst with the following: - 1. That Exhibit "X" is evidence that was enhanced or generated by technology utilizing AI, specifically describing what portion of the evidence was generated or enhanced; - 2. Name or describe what technology was used to enhance the evidence, the date it was enhanced or generated, how it operates, and what steps were taken to enhance the evidence with that technology, any algorithm used to enhance or create the evidence; - 3. Certification that the evidence was reviewed by a human for accuracy; - 4. Documentation (or a description of the method used) to demonstrate the AI tool's reliability and validity in producing or enhancing the evidence; - 5. Verification that the evidence and the algorithm used to create or enhance the evidence has been preserved in its original and AI-processed form; and - 6. Attach a copy of the original version of the evidence in addition to any enhanced version of the evidence.

Smith Standing Order on AI September 2025 · Sep 2025 · p. 6
|SectionIII. AI and Evidentiary Issues; a. Discovery/Disclosure of AI-Generated Evidence
Filing RequirementsMandatory

A challenge notice to opposing counsel must identify the challenged evidence and proffer a sufficient factual basis to overcome the proponent's certification.

Court's wording

Any party contesting the disclosure and use of AI enhancement or generation of evidence after receiving this notice must within thirty (30) days of disclosure provide opposing counsel with notice challenging the evidence and proffering a sufficient factual basis to overcome the proponent's certification.

Smith Standing Order on AI September 2025 · Sep 2025 · p. 6
|SectionIII. AI and Evidentiary Issues; a. Discovery/Disclosure of AI-Generated Evidence
Filing RequirementsMandatory

The above referenced disclosure deadlines for AI enhanced or generated evidence as well as Expert Report Disclosures shall be included in all Case Management Orders.

Filing RequirementsMandatory

An expert report relying on AI must describe the AI, its use, training, operation, and reliability in enough detail to permit meaningful cross-examination.

Court's wording

b. Expert Use of AI Generated or Enhanced Evidence- If any expert witness relies on AI or AI-generated data or tools in forming their opinions, their report shall include a detailed description of the AI used, how it was applied, and a demonstration of its reliability in forming those opinions. An expert submitting or utilizing AI content must explain in non-technical yet substantive terms the system that was used in its creation; explain and describe any algorithms used, how and with what input that system was trained, whether the system is open or closed; how the system reached its particular decision, recommendation, or prediction; and why the training and system is reliable and trustworthy. In sum, the methodology and operation of the AI tool must be transparent to the extent that opposing parties have a fair opportunity to cross-examine the expert regarding the AI tool's processes and decision-making pathways based on the information it is given; and potential biases or limitations inherent in the AI tool.

Smith Standing Order on AI September 2025 · Sep 2025 · p. 7
|Sectionb. Expert Use of AI Generated or Enhanced Evidence
Filing RequirementsMandatory

Any party intending to use artificial intelligence or algorithmic tools for juror profiling, social media analysis or selection strategy must disclose such use in advance of voir dire. The disclosure shall identify the nature of the tool, and what public or private data it analyzes.

Smith Standing Order on AI September 2025 · Sep 2025 · p. 8
|Sectiond. Use of AI technology in Jury Selection
Filing RequirementsImportant

c. Use of AI Generated or Enhanced Evidence at Trial- Any use of AI or AI enhanced substantive evidence or exhibits will be carefully labelled as such.

Smith Standing Order on AI September 2025 · Sep 2025 · p. 7
|Sectionc. Use of AI Generated or Enhanced Evidence at Trial
Filing RequirementsMandatory

An attorney who used AI to prepare, draft, or review discovery responses must complete and sign the certification, including its specified attestations.

Document
AI assisted discovery responses certification

Include

  • AI disclosure

Court's wording

This form is to be completed and signed by any attorney submitting discovery responses in this Court where artificial intelligence (AI) tools were used in the preparation, drafting, or review of those responses. I, the undersigned attorney, hereby certify the following regarding the discovery responses submitted in this matter: - 1. I have reviewed all responses submitted to ensure they are factually accurate, complete, and responsive to the discovery requests served. - 2. To the extent any AI tool (e.g., ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, CoCounsel, or similar software) was used to assist in drafting or organizing responses, I have verified that all such content was reviewed and edited by counsel for legal sufficiency and accuracy. - 3. I have not relied on AI tools to generate objections or responses without applying professional judgment and tailoring to the specific facts and legal context of the case. - 4. No confidential or privileged material was entered into any AI system that stores or transmits information to external servers, except where such use is permitted by protective order or by prior agreement of the parties. - 5. The use of AI in preparing these responses has not compromised the integrity of any factual statement, legal objection, or disclosure requirement under Illinois law. I certify that the foregoing is true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief. _____ Attorney Signature

Smith Standing Order on AI September 2025 · Sep 2025 · p. 9
|SectionAttorney Certification of Discovery Responses Involving AI Assistance

Filing & Service rules

Filing Timing and Cure Windows

At least 90 days before trial, a party seeking to introduce AI-enhanced or AI-generated evidence must provide notice and disclose it by affidavit; these requirements do not apply to demonstrative evidence.

At least ninety (90) days prior to trial, any party that seeks to introduce evidence enhanced or generated by an artificial intelligence program shall give timely notice and disclose such evidence to the opposing party via affidavit of the attorney or analyst with the following:

Page 6 | III. AI and Evidentiary Issues; a. Discovery/Disclosure of AI-Generated Evidence

A party contesting the disclosure or use of AI-enhanced or AI-generated evidence must, within 30 days after disclosure, notify opposing counsel and proffer a sufficient factual basis to overcome the proponent's certification.

Any party contesting the disclosure and use of AI enhancement or generation of evidence after receiving this notice must within thirty (30) days of disclosure provide opposing counsel with notice challenging the evidence and proffering a sufficient factual basis to overcome the proponent's certification.

Page 6 | III. AI and Evidentiary Issues; a. Discovery/Disclosure of AI-Generated Evidence

Newly discovered or intended AI-generated evidence must be disclosed within 7 days of the event or knowledge of it.

Any new AI-generated evidence discovered or intended for use after this deadline must be disclosed within 7 days of the event or knowledge thereof and may be subject to exclusion.

Page 7

Service and Proof of Service Rules

When AI or automated summarization tools assist with interrogatory answers or client-record summaries, counsel must disclose that use and the general tool category to opposing counsel at service; the disclosure does not waive privilege.

If AI or automated summarization tools were used to assist in answering interrogatories or summarizing client records, counsel must disclose that fact to opposing counsel at the time of service. The disclosure shall not waive privilege but must identify the general category of tool used (e.g., “AI-powered medical summarization tool”).

Page 3 | c. Attorney Certification of Discovery Responses Using AI Assistance

Pre-Motion Conference Requirements

Within 14 days of the first production request involving potential ESI, counsel must confer about the listed ESI discovery topics.

Within 14 days of the first production request involving potential ESI, counsel shall confer to discuss and define: - 1. Identity of custodians and data sources; - 2. Proposed search terms, metadata fields, date ranges, threads, and de-duplication methods; - 3. Initial production formats (native, searchable PDF, TIFF, etc.); - 4. Whether technology assisted review (TAR) will be used in the ESI process; - 5. Whether there is the potential for conducting discovery in phases or stages as a method for reducing costs and burden; and - 6. The potential need for a protective order and any procedures to which the parties might agree for handling inadvertent production of privileged information and other privilege waiver issues.

Page 3 | ESI Discovery Procedures

Court-wide rules

Applies court-wide

These 1070 rules apply across 3rd Judicial Circuit Court, Madison County, Illinois. Where this judge's own standing orders above address the same topic, the judge's requirement controls.

Filing Requirements

All 465
  • Applies to
    Company representative report

    Defendants’ company representatives need not prepare reports unless their testimony relates to the plaintiff or one of the plaintiff’s work sites.

  • Applies to
    Mediation agreement

    Any mediation agreement must be written and signed by both parties and their counsel.

  • Applies to
    Complaint for contribution

    The complaint for contribution must identify separately the defendants against whom the action is brought.

Filing Timing

All 208
  • The Form A-1 and Form A-2 must be deposited no later than the date plaintiff deposits interrogatory answers in the CRD.

  • Qualifying defendants seeking to maintain a contribution action must file a complaint with the Circuit Clerk within 30 days after entry of the order.

  • When the assignment is made within 90 days before trial, the motion must be noticed for hearing within seven days of filing.

Service

All 205
  • Service
    Electronic service

    The Court encourages parties to use an electronic notification system such as LexisNexis whenever possible.

  • Applies to
    Motion for additional time

    Defendants seeking review of a non-plaintiff deponent’s discovery deposition must serve the motion for additional time within seven days of the deposition.

  • Parties who do not receive the requisite seven days' notice are not bound by the proceeding's results.

E-Filing

All 47
  • Mandatory e-filing resumed under this administrative order.

  • Electronic filing is authorized in designated cases, but filers may instead file covered documents in conventional paper format, which the Clerk scans into the electronic file.

  • A PIN holder must not knowingly permit anyone other than authorized law-firm attorneys or employees or qualifying designated co-counsel to use the PIN.

Common questions about Judge Sarah Smith's rules

Does Judge Sarah Smith require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

Within 14 days of the first production request involving potential ESI, counsel must confer about the listed ESI discovery topics.

View ruleSource: page 3, section ESI Discovery Procedures

What must be included with ai assisted discovery responses certification filings before Judge Sarah Smith?

The rule requires ai disclosure. An attorney who used AI to prepare, draft, or review discovery responses must complete and sign the certification, including its specified attestations.

View ruleSource: page 9, section Attorney Certification of Discovery Responses Involving AI Assistance

What must be included with discovery response filings before Judge Sarah Smith?

Discovery responses generated with AI must be verified for factual accuracy, legal sufficiency, and compliance with Illinois Supreme Court Rules.

View ruleSource: page 2, section II. AI and Discovery

What filing deadlines does Judge Sarah Smith set?

At least 90 days before trial, a party seeking to introduce AI-enhanced or AI-generated evidence must provide notice and disclose it by affidavit; these requirements do not apply to demonstrative evidence.

View ruleSource: page 6, section III. AI and Evidentiary Issues; a. Discovery/Disclosure of AI-Generated Evidence

What rule applies to serving the opposing party before Judge Sarah Smith?

Details: recipient: the opposing party. When AI or automated summarization tools assist with interrogatory answers or client-record summaries, counsel must disclose that use and the general tool category to opposing counsel at service; the disclosure does not waive privilege.

View ruleSource: page 3, section c. Attorney Certification of Discovery Responses Using AI Assistance
Complete rules summary for Judge Sarah Smith

An attorney who used AI to prepare, draft, or review discovery responses must complete and sign the certification, including its specified attestations.

Discovery responses generated with AI must be verified for factual accuracy, legal sufficiency, and compliance with Illinois Supreme Court Rules.

If AI or TAR is used for document review or interrogatory preparation, the responding party must disclose the method upon request and ensure adequate validation and human oversight.

Within 14 days of the first production request involving potential ESI, counsel must confer about the listed ESI discovery topics.

Parties using TAR to identify relevant discovery documents must disclose that use to opposing counsel in their response.

When AI or automated summarization tools assist with interrogatory answers or client-record summaries, counsel must disclose that use and the general tool category to opposing counsel at service; the disclosure does not waive privilege.

Attorneys must file a signed certification confirming their personal review, verification of accuracy and completeness, and independent judgment about the sufficiency of AI-assisted discovery responses.

At least 90 days before trial, a party seeking to introduce AI-enhanced or AI-generated evidence must provide notice and disclose it by affidavit; these requirements do not apply to demonstrative evidence.

The disclosure affidavit must identify the AI-generated or enhanced portions and technology, explain the process, certify human accuracy review, document reliability and validity, verify preservation of the original and processed evidence and algorithm, and attach the original evidence.

A party contesting the disclosure or use of AI-enhanced or AI-generated evidence must, within 30 days after disclosure, notify opposing counsel and proffer a sufficient factual basis to overcome the proponent's certification.

A challenge notice to opposing counsel must identify the challenged evidence and proffer a sufficient factual basis to overcome the proponent's certification.

Newly discovered or intended AI-generated evidence must be disclosed within 7 days of the event or knowledge of it.

All Case Management Orders must include the disclosure deadlines for AI-enhanced or generated evidence and Expert Report Disclosures.

An expert report relying on AI must describe the AI, its use, training, operation, and reliability in enough detail to permit meaningful cross-examination.

AI-generated or AI-enhanced substantive evidence and exhibits used at trial must be clearly labeled as such.

A party planning to use AI or algorithmic tools for juror profiling, social-media analysis, or selection strategy must disclose the use before voir dire and identify the tool and data it analyzes.

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