Judge Albert Berry III
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
Limits & Logistics
Document Limits
Courtesy Copies
Settlement Statement
Communication
Chambers
Page & Word Limits1 rule
Settlement statements should be no more than 10 pages each.
Settlement Statement
10 pages
Applies to: Attorney
Document Filing Requirements15 rules
The parties’ settlement statements are not to be filed on ECF, will not be made part of the Court’s record, and will not be admissible as evidence.
DocumentSettlement Statement
Settlement communications cannot be photographed, recorded, or rebroadcasted.
all communications with the Court on settlement, including the settlement conferences, ex parte calls, and hearings, whether by video, phone or in person, cannot be photographed, recorded, or rebroadcasted
DocumentSettlement Conference
Sanctions will apply if this order is violated.
DocumentSettlement Conference
Any violation of these prohibitions may result in sanctions deemed necessary by the Court.
DocumentSettlement Conference
All participants must use a computer or tablet or be in the same room as someone with a computer or tablet.
The Court will not permit a party, party representative, or an insurance representative merely to be available by telephone during the conference.
If a party requires approval by an insurer to settle, then a representative of the insurer with full and complete settlement authority must attend.
the interpreter must be able to translate word for word (real-time) during the settlement conference.
DocumentSettlement Conference
If the settlement conference is by videoconferencing technology, all parties are required to be on camera.
absent Court permission, failure to attend or attendance without full settlement authority may result in sanctions.
Counsel and parties are cautioned that failure to attend a scheduled settlement conference without advance notice to the Court may result in the imposition of monetary sanctions against them.
The Court will not allow any counsel or party to appear using a cell phone.
DocumentSettlement Conference
If a party does not speak English, that party is responsible for an interpreter for the duration of the settlement conference.
DocumentSettlement Conference
If the parties must reschedule, or if they conclude that a settlement conference is not necessary at this time, they should inform chambers as soon as possible.
DocumentSettlement Conference
The Court’s staff will hold a test run with the parties 15 to 30 minutes prior to the conference.
Filing & Service rules
Courtesy Copy Requirements
Settlement statements must be emailed to Chambers_Berry@ilnd.uscourts.gov; no courtesy copies accepted.
The Court does not accept courtesy copies. Dates to exchange settlement statements, as well as dates to submit those statements to the Court will be provided to the parties. All settlement statements should be sent to the Court via the following email address: <a href=mailto:Chambers_Berry@ilnd.uscourts.gov>Chambers_Berry@ilnd.uscourts.gov</a>.
Civil cases
Page 2 | A. Before the Settlement Conference—Telephonic Status Hearing and Exchange of Settlement Statements
Chambers Communication Rules
Counsel may request technology test run with Courtroom Deputy days before conference.
Any counsel may email the Courtroom Deputy for a test run several days before the conference if they are concerned about the technology.
Civil cases