Northern District of Illinois Chambers Communication Rules

CRITICALCivil cases

I caution you, however, with regard to any message or question you might send, that you should never state or specify your numerical division at the time.

I caution you, however, with regard to any message or question you might send, that you should never state or specify your numerical division at the time.

CRITICALCivil cases

Jurors must submit written requests to the Court Security Officer, signed by the foreperson or another juror.

If you do, however, the only proper way is to give the Court Security Officer a written request, signed by the foreperson, or by some other juror if the foreperson is unwilling to do so.

CRITICAL

Jury must communicate with judge only in writing, signed by presiding juror or another juror, delivered to marshal.

I do not anticipate that you will need to communicate with me. If you do need to communicate with me, the only proper way is in writing. The writing must be signed by the presiding juror, or, if he or she is unwilling to do so, by some other juror. The writing should be given to the marshal, who will give it to me. I will respond either in writing or by having you return to the courtroom so that I can respond orally.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Contact

Email to chambers

Jury instructions must be emailed to Judge Chang's Proposed Order email account in MS Word format.

The jury-instructions filing also must be emailed to Judge Chang's Proposed Order email account in MS Word format (a deadline will be set in each case).

CRITICALCivil cases

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Email

At trial, the parties must submit via email their joint set of jury instructions incorporating the court's changes.

At trial, the parties shall submit via email their joint set of jury instructions which incorporates the court's changes.

CRITICALCivil cases

Contact

Email

At trial, each party must also submit its proposed findings and conclusions via email.

At trial, each party shall also submit via email its proposed findings and conclusions.

CRITICALCivil cases

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Email to chambers

Defendant must email a Microsoft Word version of the exhibit-chart objections to the specified chambers address.

Separately, Defendant shall e-mail a Microsoft Word version of Defendant’s Objections to Plaintiff’s Exhibit Chart to Proposed_Order_Valderrama@ilnd.uscourts.gov.

CRITICALCivil cases

Contact

Email to chambers

Defendant must email a Microsoft Word version of its exhibit-chart objections to the specified address.

Separately, Defendant shall e-mail a Microsoft Word version of Defendant’s Objections to Plaintiff’s Exhibit Chart to Proposed_Order_Valderrama@ilnd.uscourts.gov.

CRITICALCivil cases

Contact

Email to chambers

Defendant must email a Microsoft Word version of its deposition-designation objections to the specified address.

Separately, Defendant shall e-mail a Microsoft Word version of Defendant’s Objections to Plaintiff’s Deposition Designation Chart to Proposed_Order_Valderrama@ilnd.uscourts.gov.

CRITICALCivil cases

Contact

Phone

Counsel must answer the Court's call for a telephonic status hearing.

Counsel must answer the Court's telephone call.

CRITICALCivil cases

Contact

Phone

Counsel must participate in telephonic status hearings from a quiet location free from noise and distractions.

Counsel must be in a quiet location, free from noise and distractions. A prime example of a good location would be counsel's desk.

CRITICALCivil cases

Contact

Phone

Counsel's telephone must provide clear reception; use of a landline is recommended.

Counsel's telephone must provide clear reception. A landline would help in this regard.

CRITICALCivil cases

Contact

Phone

Counsel must provide a correct, direct telephone number for telephonic status hearings.

Counsel must provide the correct, direct telephone number where they can be reached.

CRITICALCriminal cases

No contact with jury after verdict without court permission.

22. talking to jury after verdict

CRITICALCriminal cases

No contact with jurors after trial without court permission.

(xiv) Counsel are not permitted to contact jurors after trial without permission of the Court.

CRITICAL

Contact

Phone to chambers

Before filing an emergency motion or matter (as defined in Local Rule 77.2), an E-Filer must contact the judge's courtroom deputy or chambers by telephone or in person.

Prior to filing an emergency motion or matter, as defined in Local Fiule 77.2, an E-Filer shall contact the judge's courtoom deputy or chambers by telephone or in person. Chambers information, including standing orders, is posted on the Court Website.

CRITICALCivil cases

Contact

Phone to chambers

Lead trial counsel must provide chambers a cell phone number by telephone for use if the Court needs to reach the parties during trial.

Lead trial counsel shall provide to chambers by telephone his or her cell phone number for use in the event the Court needs to reach the parties during trial.

CRITICALCivil cases

Phone

(312) 435-6045

Counsel must contact the Courtroom Technology Administrator to schedule training as early as possible and at least three weeks before trial.

As early as possible prior to trial (not less than three weeks), counsel must contact Alexander Zeier, the Courtroom Technology Administrator, to schedule a training session.

CRITICALCivil cases

Contact

Email

If the letter exchange does not achieve settlement, both letters must be emailed to Judge Shah before the settlement conference.

If settlement is not achieved through this exchange of letters, the letters must be submitted to Judge Shah before the settlement conference, by email to Proposed_Order_Shah@ilnd.uscourts.gov.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Contact

Phone

Phone

312-435-6045

Parties must contact Court systems department 3 weeks before trial for evidence presentation needs.

At least three weeks prior to trial, the parties shall contact the Court’s systems department (312-435-6045) to coordinate any specific evidence presentation needs.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Contact

Email to chambers

Joint documents must be filed on docket and emailed in Word format to specific mailbox.

Joint documents of the joint pretrial statement, proposed voir dire, jury instructions and verdict forms must be both filed on the docket and also submitted in Word format to Judge Rowland’s proposed order mailbox: Proposed_Order_Rowland@ilnd.uscourts.gov.

CRITICALCivil cases

Contact

Phone

Phone

312-435-6045

The parties must contact the Court’s systems department at least three weeks before trial to coordinate specific evidence-presentation needs.

At least three weeks prior to trial, the parties shall contact the Court’s systems department (312-435-6045) to coordinate any specific evidence presentation needs.

CRITICALCriminal cases

No communication with jurors without court permission.

Pursuant to Local Criminal Rule 31.1, no party, agent or counsel shall communicate with any member of a jury without first receiving permission of the court.

CRITICALCivil cases

Cases must not be tried in news media; court will protect fair trial rights.

Cases will not be tried in the news media and the court will insure the rights of the parties to a fair trial.

CRITICALCivil cases

Lawyers must obtain court leave before contacting jurors.

Pursuant to Local Rule 48.1, no lawyer or agent thereof shall ask questions or make comments to a juror without first obtaining leave of court.

CRITICAL

Contact

Letter fax to chambers

If counsel cannot resolve a legal or evidentiary issue, the proponent and opposing party must fax their respective positions and supporting legal authority to chambers and opposing counsel by the stated deadlines.

To avoid keeping the jury waiting while legal or evidentiary issues are discussed and resolved, the following procedure shall apply if counsel cannot reach resolution of the issue: The proponent of the objection or evidence shall fax to chambers and to opposing counsel that evening, or in any case no later than 7:00 am the next morning, in succinct terms, a statement of the evidentiary issue or objection and their position, with supporting legal authority. The opposing party shall fax to chambers and to opposing counsel by no later than 8:30 am its contrary position with supporting legal authority. The Court will discuss and rule during the time for preliminary matters each morning before jury is brought to the courtroom for the day’s trial proceedings.

CRITICALCivil cases

Contact

Phone to chambers

Counsel must jointly contact the Court at the official number provided by the courtroom deputy for the brief, off-the-record initial conference, which concerns settlement only.

At this relatively brief initial conference, which is about settlement only and is off the record, the Court will have counsel for the parties contact the Court jointly at the Court's official number provided to them by the courtroom deputy.

CRITICALCivil cases

Contact

Email

A copy should be sent simultaneously to the Court at Settlement_Correspondence_Fuentes@ilnd.uscourts.gov.

A copy should be sent simultaneously to the Court at Settlement_Correspondence_Fuentes@ilnd.uscourts.gov.

CRITICALCivil cases

Contact

Email to chambers

Mediation statements are confidential and must be submitted to the Court's settlement correspondence email box and to opposing counsel.

All mediation statements are confidential and are submitted to the Court's settlement correspondence email box, as well as to each party's opposing counsel.

CRITICALCivil cases

Contact

Email to chambers

Settlement statements must be emailed to specific court address.

All settlement statements should be sent to the Court via the following email address: Settlement_Correspondence_McShain@ilnd.uscourts.gov

CRITICALCivil cases

Contact

Email to chambers

Each party must email its settlement letter to chambers on the day it provides the letter to opposing counsel.

Each party shall email a copy of its letter to the Court’s chambers on the same day that it is provided to opposing counsel.

CRITICALCivil cases

Contact

Email to chambers

Settlement letters must be submitted to chambers at the stated email address.

The email address for the submission of settlement letters to the Court is Settlement_Correspondence_Appenteng@ilnd.uscourts.gov.

CRITICALCivil cases

Contact

Email to chambers

Parties must email settlement letters to chambers on same day as opposing counsel with specific subject line format.

Each party shall email a copy of its letter to the Court's chambers on the same day that it is provided to opposing counsel. The subject line of the email shall include the case name, case number, and the date of the settlement conference.

CRITICALCivil cases

Parties must attend in person or via videoconference, not by phone.

The Court will not permit a party, party representative, or an insurance representative merely to be available by telephone during the conference.

CRITICALCivil cases

Contact

Email to chambers

Parties must submit settlement letters to the Court via email to the provided chambers address upon sending to opposing counsel.

Upon submission to the other side, the parties also are required to submit their settlement letters to the Court by e-mail to Settlement_Correspondence_BassEhler@ilnd.uscourts.gov

CRITICALCivil cases

Contact

Phone to chambers

Counsel responsible for settlement must participate in the initial status hearing, identify attendees with settlement authority, and raise inability to pay at the initial hearing.

The Court generally will hold an initial status hearing or conference call to set dates for the settlement conference and the exchange of settlement letters. Counsel primarily responsible for representing the parties during the settlement conference must participate in this status hearing or call. Counsel will be expected to identify the individuals who will participate (i.e., not just available via phone) in the settlement conference with settlement authority on behalf of their respective clients, including any insurers, consistent with the requirements of this Standing Order. If a party is claiming an inability or hindrance to pay a judgment, counsel must raise it at this initial hearing and provide verification of that assertion prior to any settlement conference.

CRITICALCivil cases

Contact

Email to chambers

Exhibit chart must be submitted to Chambers by email with all counsel cc'd.

Each party shall submit to Chambers by email with all counsel included as cc: recipients a chart of all exhibits the party may introduce at trial, as well as any demonstrative exhibits

CRITICALCivil cases

Contact

Email to chambers

Proposed Final Pretrial Order must be submitted by email to Chambers_BassEhler@ilnd.uscourts.gov with all counsel cc'd.

In preparation for the final pretrial conference, the parties shall jointly prepare and submit a Proposed Final Pretrial Order containing the below listed items by email to Chambers_BassEhler@ilnd.uscourts.gov in Word format with all counsel included as cc: recipients.

CRITICALCivil cases

Contact

Email to chambers

Deposition transcripts with proposed designations highlighted must be submitted to Chambers by email and two courtesy copies delivered to Chambers.

For any witness testimony proposed to be offered by deposition, the parties shall jointly submit to Chambers by email the deposition transcript(s) with the proposed designations from each party highlighted in different colors and shall also deliver two courtesy copies of the highlighted transcript(s) to Chambers.

CRITICALCivil cases

Contact

Email to chambers

Joint chart of objections to designated testimony must be submitted to Chambers by email.

The parties shall also jointly submit to Chambers by email a joint chart containing any objections to designated testimony by page and line number and the basis for the objection, as well as the opposing party's response to such objections.

CRITICAL

Contact

Email to chambers

Final pretrial conference held 10 days before trial; lead counsel must attend.

A final pretrial conference will be held approximately ten (10) days prior to trial. The purpose of this conference shall be to avoid surprises and to simplify the trial. At the conference, Judge Holleb Hotaling will address pending motions in limine, objections to witnesses and exhibits, and contested jury instructions, and will discuss trial procedures and scheduling. Lead trial counsel fully prepared and with authority to discuss all aspects of the case must attend.

CRITICALCivil cases

Contact

Email to chambers

If the parties must reschedule, or if they conclude that a settlement conference is not necessary at this time, they should inform chambers (via email to Chambers_McNally@ilnd.uscourts.gov) as soon as possible.

If the parties must reschedule, or if they conclude that a settlement conference is not necessary at this time, they should inform chambers (via email to Chambers_McNally@ilnd.uscourts.gov) as soon as possible.

CRITICALCivil cases

Contact

Email

Settlement statements must be emailed to specific court address.

All settlement statements should be sent to the Court via the following email address: Settlement_Correspondence_McNally@ilnd.uscourts.gov.

CRITICALCivil cases

Lead trial counsel must attend final pretrial conference.

Lead trial counsel fully prepared and with authority to discuss all aspects of the case must attend.

CRITICAL

Contact

Email to chambers

Settlement letters must be emailed to court, not filed with clerk.

Plaintiff’s counsel shall electronically submit copies of these letters to the Court at Proposed_Order_Valdez@ilnd.uscourts.gov by the date ordered. DO NOT FILE COPIES OF THESE LETTERS IN THE CLERK’S OFFICE.

CRITICAL

Settlement conferences held remotely on Webex unless otherwise ordered.

All conferences will be held remotely on the Webex platform unless otherwise ordered.

CRITICALCivil cases

Contact

Email to chambers

The proposed pretrial order must be emailed to Judge Iasparro’s proposed-order inbox.

To file it, select the appropriate CM/ECF event, “Other Filings” and then “Other Documents,” and choose the Proposed Pretrial Order event. Also email it to Judge Iasparro’s proposed order inbox in Microsoft Word format: Proposed_Order_Iasparro@ilnd.uscourts.gov.

CRITICAL

Contact

Email to chambers

All settlement letters submitted to the Court should be emailed to the Court at Settlement_Correspondence_Iasparro@ilnd.uscourts.gov.

All settlement letters submitted to the Court should be emailed to the Court at Settlement_Correspondence_Iasparro@ilnd.uscourts.gov.

WARNING

[If you do communicate with me, you should not indicate in your note what your numerical division is, if any.]

[If you do communicate with me, you should not indicate in your note what your numerical division is, if any.]

WARNINGCivil cases

Contact

Email to clerk

If the parties agree that a password is necessary, they must email it to the courtroom deputy on the day the USB drive is delivered.

If the parties agree a password is necessary, they must send an e-mail to the Court’s courtroom deputy, Jonathan Martinez (Jonathan_Martinez@ilnd.uscourts.gov), with the password on the same day that the USB/Key Drive is delivered.

WARNINGCivil cases

When reaching out to Mr. Zeier, the parties should coordinate with each other to arrange for a time to come at the same time, and should also copy the Court’s Courtroom Deputy, Jonathan Martinez, so he can be present to assist.

When reaching out to Mr. Zeier, the parties should coordinate with each other to arrange for a time to come at the same time, and should also copy the Court’s Courtroom Deputy, Jonathan Martinez, so he can be present to assist.

WARNINGCriminal cases

21. no speaking objections, unless requested; just – irrelevant, asked and answered, hearsay

21. no speaking objections, unless requested; just – irrelevant, asked and answered, hearsay

WARNINGCivil cases

If the parties are required to reschedule or if they have concluded that a settlement conference is not necessary, they should inform chambers as soon as possible.

If the parties are required to reschedule or if they have concluded that a settlement conference is not necessary, they should inform chambers as soon as possible.

WARNINGCivil cases

Phone

312/435-5558

Requests for daily or other expedited transcripts must be made directly to Judge Dow’s Court Reporter at least seven days before trial.

Any requests for daily or other expedited transcripts must be made directly to Judge Dow’s Court Reporter, Lois LaCorte (312/435-5558), at least seven days prior to trial.

WARNINGCivil cases

If representative exhibits need more than one binder, the parties must explain the need for additional binders to the courtroom deputy.

If the representative exhibits require more than a single binder, the parties must contact the Court’s courtroom deputy to explain why additional binders are required.

WARNINGCivil cases

Contact

Phone

Phone

(312) 435-6045

The Court has a limited number of evidence projection systems, which may or may not be available. Parties who would like access to evidence projection systems are advised to make a request as early as possible (four weeks prior to trial is suggested) to Alexander Zeier, the Courtroom Technology Administrator. He may be reached at (312) 435-6045. Parties will be permitted to use their own evidence projection systems, upon reasonable terms, if a request is made in advance of trial.

The Court has a limited number of evidence projection systems, which may or may not be available. Parties who would like access to evidence projection systems are advised to make a request as early as possible (four weeks prior to trial is suggested) to Alexander Zeier, the Courtroom Technology Administrator. He may be reached at (312) 435-6045. Parties will be permitted to use their own evidence projection systems, upon reasonable terms, if a request is made in advance of trial.

WARNINGCivil cases

The parties should notify the Court immediately if they reach an agreement before the settlement conference.

They should notify the Court immediately if they reach an agreement before the settlement conference.

WARNINGCivil cases

Contact

Phone to chambers

Counsel should call each other first and then merge the call into the Court; the Court's number is not a call-in bridge.

That number is not a call-in bridge, as counsel are asked to call each other and then merge in the Court.

WARNINGCivil cases

The Court will accommodate requests made reasonably in advance for telephonic participation based on substantial expense, medical necessity, or other hardship.

As with motion calls and hearings, the Court will accommodate requests, made reasonably in advance of a scheduled hearing, for telephonic participation based on substantial expense, medical necessity, or other hardship.

WARNINGCivil cases

Contact

Email to chambers

If the parties must reschedule, or if they conclude that a settlement conference is not necessary at this time, they should inform chambers (via email to Chambers_McShain@ilnd.uscourts.gov) as soon as possible.

If the parties must reschedule, or if they conclude that a settlement conference is not necessary at this time, they should inform chambers (via email to Chambers_McShain@ilnd.uscourts.gov) as soon as possible.

WARNINGCivil cases

Contact

Email to clerk

If the parties conclude that a settlement conference is no longer necessary, they should email the Courtroom Deputy as soon as possible.

If the parties conclude that a settlement conference is no longer necessary, they should inform the Court via email to the Courtroom Deputy as soon as possible.

WARNINGCivil cases

On occasion, the exchange of settlement letters will lead directly to a settlement. If it does, the parties are to notify the Court as soon possible so we may attempt to schedule another case in your time slot. Similarly, if the parties must reschedule, or have concluded that a settlement conference is not necessary or helpful at this time, they should inform Chambers as soon as possible.

On occasion, the exchange of settlement letters will lead directly to a settlement. If it does, the parties are to notify the Court as soon possible so we may attempt to schedule another case in your time slot. Similarly, if the parties must reschedule, or have concluded that a settlement conference is not necessary or helpful at this time, they should inform Chambers as soon as possible.

WARNINGCivil cases

Contact

Email

Settlement statements should be emailed to the Court at the specified address.

All settlement statements should be sent to the Court via the following email address: Settlement_Correspondence_McNally@ilnd.uscourts.gov.

WARNINGCivil cases

Contact

Email to chambers

The parties should email Chambers as soon as possible if they need to reschedule or conclude that a settlement conference is unnecessary.

If the parties must reschedule, or if they conclude that a settlement conference is not necessary at this time, they should inform chambers (via email to Chambers_McNally@ilnd.uscourts.gov) as soon as possible.

INFOCivil cases

Contact

Phone to chambers

Phone

(312) 435-6045

Court has limited evidence projection systems; request in advance from Joe Novak at (312) 435-6045; parties may use own systems with advance request.

The Court has a limited number of evidence projection systems, which may or may not be available for use on particular dates. Parties desiring access to the Court’s evidence projection systems are advised to submit a request as far in advance as possible to Joe Novak, the Courtroom Technology Administrator. Mr. Novak may be reached at (312) 435-6045. Parties will be permitted to use their own evidence projection systems, upon reasonable terms, if a request is made in advance of trial.

INFOCivil cases

Judge will respond to juror requests in writing or by recalling them to court.

I will then respond as promptly as possible, either in writing or by having you return to the courtroom so that I can respond orally.

INFOCriminal cases

Contact

Phone to clerk

Phone

312.435.6045

For courtroom display technology instruction, call the Systems Department at 312.435.6045.

If you need instruction on the courtroom display technology equipment, please call the Systems Department (312.435.6045) within the Clerk's Office.

INFOCivil cases

Contact

Phone to clerk

Phone

312.435.6045

For instruction on courtroom display technology, call the Systems Department within the Clerk’s Office at 312.435.6045.

If you need instruction on the courtroom display technology equipment, please call the Systems Department (312.435.6045) within the Clerk’s Office.

INFOCivil cases

Contact

Email

Phone

(312) 435-6045

Parties needing courtroom display technology instruction may contact the Courtroom Technology Administrator to schedule WebEx training, coordinating their attendance and copying the Courtroom Deputy.

If the parties need instruction on the courtroom display technology equipment, please visit https://www.ilnd.uscourts.gov/Pages.aspx?page=CourtRoomTechnology and/or contact Alexander Zeier, the Courtroom Technology Administrator, to schedule a WebEx training session. Mr. Zeier can be reached at (312) 435-6045 or alexander_zeier@ilnd.uscourts.gov. When reaching out to Mr. Zeier, the parties should coordinate with each other to arrange for a time to come at the same time, and should also copy the Court’s Courtroom Deputy, Jonathan Martinez, so he can be present to assist.

INFOCivil cases

Parties needing courtroom display technology instruction may consult the court’s technology webpage or contact the Technology Administrator to schedule WebEx training.

If the parties need instruction on the courtroom display technology equipment, please visit https://www.ilnd.uscourts.gov/Pages.aspx?page=CourtRoomTechnology and/or contact Alexander Zeier, the Courtroom Technology Administrator, to schedule a WebEx training session.

INFOCivil cases

Phone

(312) 435-6045

The Courtroom Technology Administrator may be reached by phone or email at the listed contact details.

Mr. Zeier can be reached at (312) 435-6045 or alexander_zeier@ilnd.uscourts.gov.

INFOCriminal cases

Counsel may approach witnesses without permission.

20. can always approach witness without permission

INFOCivil cases

Contact

Phone to chambers

Phone

(312) 435-5630

Courtroom 1219 Telephone: (312) 435-5630

Courtroom 1219 Telephone: (312) 435-5630

INFOCivil cases

Chambers can be reached by fax at (312) 777-3810.

Chambers 1278 Fax: (312) 777-3810

INFOCivil cases

Contact

Phone

Phone

(312) 435-6051

The Courtroom Deputy (Chez Chambers) can be reached by telephone at (312) 435-6051.

Courtroom Deputy – Chez Chambers Room 1218 Telephone: (312) 435-6051

INFOCivil cases

Settlement conferences conducted remotely via video conferencing unless otherwise ordered.

Unless otherwise ordered, all settlement conferences will be conducted remotely via video conferencing.

INFOCivil cases

Preliminary injunction hearings scheduled Wednesdays/Fridays at 10:30 AM via teleconference unless good cause shown.

The court sets preliminary injunction hearings on Wednesdays and Fridays at 10:30 a.m. All such hearings will be held by teleconference unless a litigant shows good cause for holding an in-person hearing.

INFOCivil cases

Contact

Email to chambers

Hearing requests via email to Chambers_Gottschall@ilnd.uscourts.gov with all counsel copied.

A hearing may be requested by sending an email message copying all counsel of record to Chambers_Gottschall@ilnd.uscourts.gov.

INFOCivil cases

If the parties anticipate a voluminous number of final trial exhibits, they should contact the courtroom deputy before submission.

If the parties anticipate a voluminous number of final trial exhibits, they should contact my courtroom deputy before submitting them.

INFOCivil cases

Contact

Phone

Phone

312/435-5668

Parties seeking access to the Court’s evidence projection systems are advised to request access as early as possible from the Courtroom Deputy.

Parties who would like access to evidence projection systems are advised to make a request as early as possible to Judge Dow’s Courtroom Deputy, Terry Kinney (312/435-5668).

INFOCivil cases

Initial status conference scheduled approximately 45 days after complaint filing.

The initial status conference will be set by minute order and ordinarily will be held approximately 45 days after the filing of the complaint.

INFOCriminal cases

Contact

Phone

Phone

(312) 435-6045

Digital evidence projection system available; training recommended 4 weeks before trial.

The courtroom is equipped with a digital evidence projection system. The Court expects parties to be familiar with and use this system. As early as possible prior to trial (four weeks prior to trial is suggested), counsel should contact Alexander Zeier, the Courtroom Technology Administrator, to schedule a training session. He may be reached at (312) 435-6045.

INFOCivil cases

Contact

Phone to chambers

Parties must promptly notify Judge Ellis' courtroom deputy about rescheduling or cancellation.

If the parties are required to reschedule or if they have concluded that a settlement conference is not necessary, they must inform Judge Ellis’ courtroom deputy as soon as possible.

INFOCivil cases

Contact

Email to chambers

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.

INFOCivil cases

Contact

Phone

The Court will accommodate reasonably advance requests for telephonic participation based on substantial expense, medical necessity, or other hardship.

The Court will accommodate requests, made reasonably in advance of a scheduled hearing, for telephonic participation based on substantial expense, medical necessity, or other hardship.

INFOCivil cases

When counsel informs the courtroom deputy of a conflict with a hearing date selected by the Court, the Court commonly accommodates the parties by rescheduling.

If counsel communicates to the courtroom deputy a scheduling conflict with a date the Court selects for a hearing, the Court commonly will accommodate the parties by rescheduling the hearing.

INFOCivil cases

After a settlement referral, parties may request a settlement conference at any time by contacting the courtroom deputy, and the Court will try to accommodate the request as scheduling allows.

Upon a district court referral including settlement before the parties have requested a settlement conference, the parties will be advised that they may seek to schedule a settlement conference with the magistrate judge at any time by contacting the courtroom deputy, and the Court will do its best to accommodate the request as soon as scheduling allows.

INFOCivil cases

Contact

Phone to chambers

A party may telephone chambers to request a same-day hearing if the dispute can reasonably be presented briefly and orally.

if the dispute reasonably can be presented briefly and orally, such party is welcome to telephone chambers to request a same-day hearing.

INFO

Contact

Phone to chambers

Phone

(312) 435-7570

The Court lists a chambers telephone number.

Telephone: (312) 435-7570

INFOCivil cases

Contact

Email to clerk

Counsel concerned about the technology may email the Courtroom Deputy to arrange a test run several days before the conference.

Any counsel may email the Courtroom Deputy for a test run several days before the conference if they are concerned about the technology.

INFOCivil cases

Contact

Email to chambers

If the parties conclude that a settlement conference is no longer necessary, they should inform the Court via email to the Courtroom Deputy as soon as possible.

If the parties conclude that a settlement conference is no longer necessary, they should inform the Court via email to the Courtroom Deputy as soon as possible.

INFOCivil cases

Contact

Email to chambers

Settlement letters must be emailed to specific address and are not part of court record.

The email address for the submission of settlement letters to the Court is Settlement_Correspondence_Appenteng@ilnd.uscourts.gov. These letters are not electronically filed on the court docket, will not be made part of the Court's record, and will not be admissible as evidence.

INFOCivil cases

Counsel encouraged to meet in person or by phone to discuss joint status report; discouraged from trading dueling drafts by email.

Counsel are encouraged to meet in person or by telephone to discuss the joint status report. Trading dueling draft reports by email without any other communication is discouraged.

INFOCivil cases

Contact

Phone to chambers

Court conducts ex parte communications about settlement letters; telephonic communications docketed, email follow-ups may not be.

As part of the pre-settlement process, the Court frequently conducts ex parte conversations with any party about the issues raised in its letter or the productivity of any settlement conference. The Court typically notifies counsel before beginning ex parte communications, begins such communications with ex parte telephone calls with both sides, and makes a docket entry to reflect each telephonic communication. The Court will not necessarily make a docket entry for each follow-up ex parte email communication.

INFOCivil cases

Contact

Phone to chambers

A party may telephone chambers to request a same-day hearing when the stated conditions are met.

If, in the judgment of at least one of the parties at the deposition, the Court’s same-day intervention would further the just, speedy, and inexpensive determination of the matter, and if the dispute reasonably can be presented briefly and orally, such party is welcome to telephone chambers to request a same-day hearing.

INFOCivil cases

Contact

Email to chambers

Evidence projection systems are limited and requests should be made to Courtroom Deputy.

The Court has a limited number of evidence projection systems which may or may not be available depending on how early a request is made. Any such request should be made to Judge Weisman's Courtroom Deputy.

INFOCivil cases

Contact

Email to chambers

Parties may use own projection systems with advance request.

Parties will be permitted to use their own projection systems (upon reasonable terms) if a request is made in advance of trial.