Court Rules

Northern District of Illinois Page & Word Limits

92 rules from official source documents

Maximum page counts and word limits for motions, briefs, and other filings by judge.

Page, word and line limits

CRITICALCivil cases

Attorney limit
5 pages
Applies to
Joint initial status report

Joint initial status report limited to 5 pages.

Counsel are directed to confer, prepare, and file a joint initial status report, not to exceed five pages.

Chief Judge Virginia M. Kendall

CRITICALCivil cases

Limit
15 pages
Applies to
Motion in limine

Each side’s motions in limine are limited to 15 total pages, excluding exhibits; the limit is per side, not per motion.

Motions in limine (not including exhibits) are limited to a total of 15 pages per side (not per motion).

Judge Franklin U. Valderrama

CRITICALCivil cases

Limit
15 pages
Applies to
Response

Responses to Plaintiff’s motions in limine are limited to 15 pages per side, excluding exhibits, in total across motions.

Responses (not including exhibits) are limited to a total of 15 pages per side, not per motion.

Judge Franklin U. Valderrama

CRITICALCivil cases

Limit
15 pages
Applies to
Motion in limine

Each side may file a total of 15 pages of motions in limine, excluding exhibits; the limit applies per side, not per motion.

Motions in limine (not including exhibits) are limited to a total of 15 pages per side (not per motion).

Judge Franklin U. Valderrama

CRITICALCivil cases

Limit
15 pages
Applies to
Response

Responses to Plaintiff’s motions in limine are limited to 15 pages per side, excluding exhibits, regardless of the number of motions.

Responses (not including exhibits) are limited to a total of 15 pages per side, not per motion.

Judge Franklin U. Valderrama

CRITICALCivil cases

Limit
5 pages
Applies to
Initial status report

The joint Initial Status Report must not exceed five pages.

At least five business days prior to the initial status hearing in this case, please file a joint Initial Status Report for New Case, not to exceed five pages, containing the following information:

Judge Jeffrey I. Cummings

CRITICALCivil cases

Limit
10 pages
Applies to
Trial brief

Trial briefs are limited to 10 pages and must be filed unless the Court waives filing; the Court may grant prior leave for more pages.

Trial briefs are limited to ten (10) pages unless prior leave of Court is obtained and shall be filed unless waived by the Court.

Judge Jeffrey I. Cummings

CRITICALCivil cases

Limit
5 pages
Applies to
Motion in limine and opposition

Motions in limine and opposition responses are each limited to five pages unless the Court grants prior leave.

Motions in limine and responses in opposition are limited to five (5) pages unless prior leave of Court is obtained.

Judge Jeffrey I. Cummings

CRITICALCivil cases

Attorney limit
6 pages
Applies to
Settlement letter

Each of these letters should be six pages or fewer, exclusive of exhibits unless prior leave of Court is sought.

Each of these letters should be six pages or fewer, exclusive of exhibits unless prior leave of Court is sought.

Judge Jeffrey I. Cummings

CRITICALCivil cases

Limit
5 pages
Applies to
Mediation statement

Mediation statements must be concise and no more than five pages in length.

The statements must be concise, no more than five pages in length

Judge John J. Tharp Jr.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Attorney limit
30 pages
Applies to
Motion in limine

Motions in limine must be filed 10 business days before final pretrial conference, limited to 30 pages in a single pleading.

All other trial-related motions in limine must be filed by the date ordered by the Court, or if no date has been set, then any such motions in limine must be filed at least ten business days prior to the Final Pretrial Conference. Each party shall file its motions in limine within a single pleading not to exceed 30 pages, with each issue separately numbered and argued within the pleading.

Judge John Robert Blakey

CRITICALCriminal cases

Attorney limit
30 pages
Applies to
Response to motion in limine

Responses to motions in limine must be filed 5 business days before final pretrial conference, limited to 30 pages.

Five business days prior to the Final Pretrial Conference, or on the date otherwise set by the Court, each party shall file its response. The response shall consist of a single pleading, not to exceed 30 pages, with each issue separately addressed and listed with the same numbering as the motions in limine.

Judge John Robert Blakey

CRITICALCivil cases

Limit
30 pages
Applies to
Motion in limine

Each party must file its motions in limine in one pleading, no more than 30 pages, with separately numbered and argued issues, ten business days before the Final Pretrial Conference or on another date set by the Court.

Ten business days prior to the Final Pretrial Conference, or on the date otherwise set by the Court, each party shall file its motions in limine within a single pleading not to exceed 30 pages, with each issue separately numbered and argued within the pleading.

Judge John Robert Blakey

CRITICALCivil cases

Limit
30 pages
Applies to
Motion in limine response

Each party must file a single response pleading, no more than 30 pages, with issues addressed using the motions’ numbering, five business days before the Final Pretrial Conference or on another date set by the Court.

Five business days prior to the Final Pretrial Conference, or on the date otherwise set by the Court, each party shall file its response. The response shall consist of a single pleading, not to exceed 30 pages, with each issue separately addressed and listed with the same numbering as the motions in limine.

Judge John Robert Blakey

CRITICALCivil cases

Attorney limit
5 pages
Applies to
Initial status report

Initial status report limited to 5 pages and due 3 business days before status conference.

the parties shall jointly prepare and file an initial status report, not to exceed five pages, and file the report at least three business days before the initial status conference set in the case.

Judge Jorge L. Alonso

CRITICALCriminal cases

Limit
20 pages
Applies to
Motion in limine

Motions in limine limited to 20 pages per side; responses limited to 20 pages per side; no replies unless ordered.

Absent prior leave of Court, motions in limine (not including exhibits) are limited to a total of 20 pages per side (not per motion) and responses (not including exhibits) are likewise limited to a total of 20 pages per side. No replies are to be filed unless ordered by the Court.

Judge LaShonda A. Hunt

CRITICALCivil cases

Limit
5 pages
Applies to
Status report
Spacing
Single

The joint status report is limited to five pages and must be single-spaced.

The report shall not exceed five pages (single-spaced).

Judge LaShonda A. Hunt

CRITICALCivil cases

Limit
20 pages
Applies to
Motion in limine

Absent prior court leave, motions in limine and responses are each limited to 20 pages per side, excluding exhibits.

Absent prior leave of Court, motions in limine (not including exhibits) are limited to a total of 20 pages per side (not per motion) and responses (not including exhibits) are likewise limited to a total of 20 pages per side.

Judge LaShonda A. Hunt

CRITICALCriminal cases

Attorney limit
25 pages
Applies to
Motion in limine

Motions in limine limited to 25 pages per side.

Motions in limine are limited to 25 pages per side absent leave of Court.

Judge Lindsay C. Jenkins

CRITICALCivil cases

Limit
25 pages
Applies to
Opening claim construction brief

The Opening Claim Construction Brief is limited to 25 pages unless the court grants prior leave.

Within thirty-five (35) days after the exchange of terms set forth in LPR 4.1, the parties opposing infringement shall file their Opening Claim Construction Brief, which may not exceed twenty-five (25) pages absent prior leave of court.

Judge Martha M. Pacold

CRITICALCivil cases

Limit
25 pages
Applies to
Responsive claim construction brief

The Responsive Claim Construction Brief is limited to 25 pages unless the court grants prior leave.

Within twenty-eight (28) days after filing of the Opening Claim Construction brief, the parties claiming infringement shall file their Responsive Claim Construction Brief, which may not exceed twenty-five (25) pages absent prior leave of Court.

Judge Martha M. Pacold

CRITICALCivil cases

Limit
15 pages
Applies to
Reply claim construction brief

The Reply Claim Construction Brief is limited to 15 pages unless the court grants prior leave.

Within fourteen (14) days after filing of the Responsive Claim Construction Brief, the parties opposing infringement shall file their Reply Claim Construction Brief, which may not exceed fifteen (15) pages absent prior leave of Court.

Judge Martha M. Pacold

CRITICALCivil cases

Attorney limit
5 pages
Applies to
Rule 26f report

Rule 26(f) report limited to 5 pages, due 2 business days before initial status conference.

counsel are directed to confer, prepare, and file a Rule 26(f) report, not to exceed five pages except in extraordinary circumstances, no later than two business days prior to the initial status conference.

Judge Robert M. Dow Jr.

CRITICALCivil cases

Limit
5 pages
Applies to
Joint status report

In new cases assigned to Judge Dow’s calendar, counsel must confer, prepare, and file a joint status report of no more than five pages at least two business days before the initial status conference.

In all new cases assigned to Judge Dow’s calendar (as distinguished from cases transferred from other judges to Judge Dow’s initial calendar), counsel are directed to confer, prepare, and file a joint status report, not to exceed five pages, no later than two business days prior to the initial status conference.

Judge Robert M. Dow Jr.

CRITICALCivil cases

Limit
25 pages
Applies to
Responsive brief

Responsive claim construction briefs are limited to 25 pages.

A responsive brief is limited to 25 pages.

Judge Robert M. Dow Jr.

CRITICALCivil cases

Limit
15 pages
Applies to
Reply brief

Reply claim construction briefs are limited to 15 pages.

Reply briefs are limited to 15 pages.

Judge Robert M. Dow Jr.

CRITICALCivil cases

Limit
25 pages
Applies to
Opening brief

Opening claim construction briefs are limited to 25 pages.

Opening briefs are limited to 25 pages.

Judge Robert M. Dow Jr.

CRITICALCivil cases

Attorney limit
5 pages
Applies to
Joint status report

Joint status report limited to 5 pages.

Counsel are to confer, prepare and file a brief, joint1 status report, not to exceed five pages.

Judge Robert W. Gettleman

CRITICALCivil cases

Limit
5 pages
Applies to
Memorandum

Hague Convention on the Service Abroad of Judicial and Extra-Judicial Documents in Civil and Commercial Matters, before or upon filing a motion for default judgment, plaintiff shall file a memorandum, not to exceed five pages, addressing:

Hague Convention on the Service Abroad of Judicial and Extra-Judicial Documents in Civil and Commercial Matters, before or upon filing a motion for default judgment, plaintiff shall file a memorandum, not to exceed five pages, addressing:

Judge Robert W. Gettleman

CRITICALCivil cases

Limit
10 pages
Applies to
Memorandum

Plaintiff must file 10-page memorandum within 2 weeks of filing Schedule A case.

Within 2 weeks of filing a “Schedule A” case, plaintiff shall file a memorandum, not to exceed 10 pages:

Judge Robert W. Gettleman

CRITICALCivil cases

Limit
10 pages
Applies to
Memorandum

Plaintiff's memorandum in a Schedule A case must not exceed 10 pages.

Within 2 weeks of filing a "Schedule A" case, plaintiff shall file a memorandum, not to exceed 10 pages addressing the following topics:

Judge Robert W. Gettleman

CRITICALCivil cases

Limit
5 pages
Applies to
Memorandum

shall file a memorandum, not to exceed five pages, addressing:

shall file a memorandum, not to exceed five pages, addressing:

Judge Robert W. Gettleman

CRITICALCivil cases

Attorney limit
5 pages
Applies to
Joint status report

Joint status report required 3 business days before initial status hearing, max 5 pages.

The parties are directed to file a joint status report at least 3 business days prior to the initial status hearing, not to exceed 5 pages, containing the following information:

Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman

CRITICALCivil cases

Attorney limit
5 pages
Applies to
Joint status report

Joint status report limited to 5 pages.

The parties are directed to file a joint status report not exceeding 5 pages, containing the following information:

Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman

CRITICALCivil cases

Attorney limit
10 pages
Applies to
Trial brief

Trial briefs limited to 10 pages without leave of court.

Any trial briefs shall be limited to 10 pages without leave of court.

Judge Sunil R. Harjani

CRITICAL

Limit
15 pages
Applies to
Reply brief

Reply claim construction brief limited to 15 pages.

Within fourteen (14) days after filing of the Responsive Claim Construction Brief, the parties opposing infringement shall file their Reply Claim Construction Brief, which may not exceed fifteen (15) pages absent prior leave of Court.

Judge Sunil R. Harjani

CRITICAL

Limit
25 pages
Applies to
Opening brief

Opening claim construction brief limited to 25 pages.

Within thirty-five (35) days after the exchange of terms set forth in LPR 4.1(a), the parties opposing infringement shall file their Opening Claim Construction Brief, which may not exceed twenty-five (25) pages absent prior leave of court.

Judge Sunil R. Harjani

CRITICAL

Limit
25 pages
Applies to
Responsive brief

Responsive claim construction brief limited to 25 pages.

Within twenty-eight (28) days after filing of the Opening Claim Construction brief, the parties claiming infringement shall file their Responsive Claim Construction Brief, which may not exceed twenty-five (25) pages absent prior leave of Court.

Judge Sunil R. Harjani

CRITICALCivil cases

Attorney limit
10 pages
Applies to
Settlement statement

Settlement statements limited to 10 pages each.

Settlement statements should be no more than 10 pages each.

Magistrate Judge Albert Berry III

CRITICALCivil cases

Limit
15 pages
Applies to
Motion

Absent prior leave of Court, motions in limine (not including exhibits) are limited to a total of 15 pages per party (not per motion), and responses (not including exhibits) are likewise limited to a total of 15 pages per party.

Absent prior leave of Court, motions in limine (not including exhibits) are limited to a total of 15 pages per party (not per motion), and responses (not including exhibits) are likewise limited to a total of 15 pages per party.

Magistrate Judge Daniel P. McLaughlin

CRITICALCivil cases

Attorney limit
10 pages
Applies to
Settlement statement

Settlement statements limited to 10 pages each.

Settlement statements should be no more than 10 pages each.

Magistrate Judge Daniel P. McLaughlin

CRITICALCivil cases

Attorney limit
15 pages
Applies to
Motion in limine

Motions in limine limited to 15 pages per party (total, not per motion); responses also limited to 15 pages per party.

Absent prior leave of Court, motions in limine (not including exhibits) are limited to a total of 15 pages per party (not per motion), and responses (not including exhibits) are likewise limited to a total of 15 pages per party.

Magistrate Judge Gabriel A. Fuentes

CRITICALCivil cases

Attorney limit
2 pages
Applies to
Juror questionnaire

To the extent possible, the Court prefers that most questions asked of potential jurors be included in a written questionnaire (of no more than two pages) as it encourages reflection and candor.

To the extent possible, the Court prefers that most questions asked of potential jurors be included in a written questionnaire (of no more than two pages) as it encourages reflection and candor.

Magistrate Judge Gabriel A. Fuentes

CRITICALCivil cases

Limit
25 pages
Applies to
Exhibits

Exhibits accompanying mediation statements are limited to 25 pages total.

Exhibits are limited to a total of 25 pages.

Magistrate Judge Gabriel A. Fuentes

CRITICALCivil cases

Limit
15 pages
Applies to
Motion in limine

Motions in limine and responses limited to 15 pages per party total.

Absent prior leave of Court, motions in limine (not including exhibits) are limited to a total of 15 pages per party (not per motion), and responses (not including exhibits) are likewise limited to a total of 15 pages per party.

Magistrate Judge Heather K. McShain

CRITICALCivil cases

Attorney limit
10 pages
Applies to
Settlement statement

Settlement statements limited to 10 pages.

Settlement statements should be no more than 10 pages each.

Magistrate Judge Heather K. McShain

CRITICALCivil cases

Limit
6 pages
Applies to
Settlement letter

Settlement letters are limited to six pages excluding exhibits unless the Court grants leave, which may be requested by emailing the Courtroom Deputy.

Parties must limit settlement letters to six pages, exclusive of exhibits, unless they obtain leave of Court, which may be obtained by emailing the Courtroom Deputy.

Magistrate Judge Jeannice W. Appenteng

CRITICALCivil cases

Limit
6 pages
Applies to
Settlement letter

Settlement letters limited to 6 pages double-spaced (excluding exhibits).

Parties must limit settlement letters to six pages double-spaced, exclusive of exhibits, unless they obtain leave of Court, which may be obtained by emailing the Courtroom Deputy.

Magistrate Judge Jeannice W. Appenteng

CRITICALCivil cases

Limit
15 pages
Applies to
Trial brief

Trial briefs required for bench trials (15 pages max), jury trials only with leave.

Trial briefs are required as part of the Pretrial Order in bench trials. Ordinarily, Judge Gilbert will not accept trial briefs in a jury trial, unless he has granted a prior motion to file such a brief or ordered the filing of a trial brief sua sponte. Any trial briefs shall be limited to 15 pages without leave of court.

Magistrate Judge Jeffrey T. Gilbert

CRITICALCivil cases

Attorney limit
7 pages
Applies to
Settlement letter

Settlement letters should be no more than 7 pages each.

Settlement letters should be no more than 7 pages each.

Magistrate Judge Karyn L. Bass Ehler

CRITICALCivil cases

Limit
7 pages
Applies to
Settlement letter

Settlement letters are limited to seven pages unless a party specifically requests additional pages.

Settlement letters shall be no more than seven pages, unless a party specifically has requested additional pages.

Magistrate Judge Karyn L. Bass Ehler

CRITICALCivil cases

Limit
5 pages
Applies to
Joint status report

The joint status report must include the information specified in the order and may not exceed five pages.

The joint status report shall contain the following information and be no more than five pages:

Magistrate Judge Karyn L. Bass Ehler

CRITICALCivil cases

Attorney limit
5 pages
Applies to
Joint status report

When the Court requires an initial joint status report, the report must not exceed five pages.

The joint status report shall contain the following information and be no more than five pages:

Magistrate Judge Karyn L. Bass Ehler

CRITICALCivil cases

Attorney limit
10 pages
Applies to
Settlement statement

Settlement statements limited to 10 double-spaced pages.

Settlement statements should be no more than 10 double-spaced pages each.

Magistrate Judge Laura K. McNally

CRITICALCivil cases

Limit
10 pages
Applies to
Settlement statement
Spacing
Double

Each settlement statement should be double-spaced and limited to 10 pages, excluding attached exhibits.

Settlement statements should be no more than 10 double-spaced pages each. Exhibits are not required, but if they are attached, they do not count toward the page limit.

Magistrate Judge Laura K. McNally

CRITICALCivil cases

Attorney limit
15 pages
Applies to
Trial brief

Trial briefs limited to 15 pages without court permission.

Any trial briefs shall be limited to 15 pages without leave of court.

Magistrate Judge M. David Weisman

CRITICALCivil cases

Attorney limit
10 pages
Applies to
Settlement position statement

Position statements should be no more than 10 pages each.

Position statements should be no more than 10 pages each.

Magistrate Judge Margaret J. Schneider

CRITICALCivil cases

Limit
3 pages
Applies to
Status report

Joint status report limited to 3 pages.

The joint status report shall generally not exceed three pages and shall contain the following information:

Magistrate Judge Maria Valdez

CRITICAL

Attorney limit
5 pages
Applies to
Settlement letter

The Court expects that each of these letters typically should be five pages or fewer. Parties must obtain leave of Court before submitting letters longer than ten pages.

The Court expects that each of these letters typically should be five pages or fewer. Parties must obtain leave of Court before submitting letters longer than ten pages.

Magistrate Judge Maria Valdez

CRITICAL

Limit
5 pages
Applies to
Pre settlement conference letter

Pre-settlement conference letters are limited to five pages, exclusive of exhibits, unless the Court grants leave for a longer letter.

As a general rule, parties must limit settlement letters to no more than five (5) pages, exclusive of exhibits, unless they obtain leave of Court.

Magistrate Judge Michael F. Iasparro

WARNINGCivil cases

Limit
5 pages
Applies to
Settlement position letter

Each initial settlement position letter is typically recommended to be no more than five pages.

Each of these letters typically should be five pages or fewer.

Judge Iain D. Johnston

WARNINGCivil cases

Limit
15 pages
Applies to
Trial brief

Trial briefs of up to 15 pages may be submitted with the Final Pretrial Order.

Trial briefs of no more than 15 pages may be submitted with the Final Pretrial Order.

Judge Robert M. Dow Jr.

WARNINGCivil cases

Attorney limit
5 pages
Applies to
Settlement letter

Settlement letters should be 5 pages or fewer, but may be longer if necessary.

Each of these letters typically should be five (5) pages or fewer. However, if counsel believes that more pages are required to provide the comprehensive presentation required, the letter may be as long as deemed necessary.

Judge Sara L. Ellis

WARNINGCivil cases

Limit
5 pages
Applies to
Mediation statement
Font
12 pt
Spacing
Single

Mediation statements should be limited to five pages before exhibits, with single spacing and 12-point type; manipulating formatting to evade the limit is discouraged.

Mediation statements should be limited to five pages before exhibits (single spacing and 12-point type; the Court frowns upon gaming the page limit issue by manipulating fonts, margins, and so on).

Magistrate Judge Gabriel A. Fuentes

Other limits (time, motions, days)

CRITICAL

Applies to
Exhibit name

Neutral description in exhibit names limited to 200 characters.

The neutral description cannot be more than 200 characters (hopefully, you’ll never come close to that limit).

Judge Edmond E. Chang

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to
Motion in limine

Motions in limine must be e-filed 35 days before Pre-Trial Conference; responses due 21 days; replies due 14 days.

Unless otherwise ordered, all motions in limine shall be e-filed 35 days (5 weeks) before the Pre-Trial Conference; responses are due and shall be e-filed 21 days (3 weeks) before the Pre-Trial Conference; and replies are due and shall be e-filed 14 days (2 weeks) before the Pre-Trial Conference.

Judge Franklin U. Valderrama

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to
Voir dire questions

Each side limited to 15 disputed voir dire questions unless good cause shown.

Each side is limited to 15 proposed disputed questions, unless a motion is filed before the Pre-Trial Conference that explains good cause for proposing more than the limit.

Judge Franklin U. Valderrama

CRITICALCivil casesProposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to
Disputed questions

Each side limited to 12 proposed disputed questions (good cause exception).

Each side is limited to 12 proposed disputed questions, unless a motion is filed before the pretrial conference that explains good cause for proposing more than the limit.

Judge John F. Kness

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to
Voir dire questions

Each side limited to 12 disputed voir dire questions unless good cause motion filed.

Any additional questions sought by the parties must be listed in the final pretrial order, divided into (a) agreed-upon questions and (b) proposed questions to which one party objects. A short basis for any objection should accompany the list. Each side is limited to 12 proposed disputed questions, unless a motion is filed before the pretrial conference that explains good cause for proposing more than the limit.

Judge LaShonda A. Hunt

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to
Proposed disputed voir dire questions

Each side may propose no more than 12 disputed voir dire questions unless it files a good-cause motion before the pretrial conference seeking more.

Each side is limited to 12 proposed disputed questions, unless a motion is filed before the pretrial conference that explains good cause for proposing more than the limit.

Judge LaShonda A. Hunt

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to
Voir dire questions

Each side limited to 15 proposed disputed voir dire questions.

Each side is limited to 15 proposed disputed questions, unless a motion is filed before the pretrial conference that explains good cause for proposing more than the limit.

Judge Lindsay C. Jenkins

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to
Motion in limine

Maximum of five motions in limine per side.

Parties are limited to no more than five motions in limine per side unless otherwise ordered by the court.

Judge Philip G. Reinhard

CRITICAL

Applies to
Summary judgment statement

Summary judgment statements limited to 80 (a)(2) or 40 (b)(3)(B) facts.

Unless otherwise ordered, no statement filed pursuant to L.R. 56.1(a)(2) may contain more than 80 statements of uncontested fact, and no statement filed under L.R. 56.1(b)(3)(B) may contain more than 40 statements of additional fact.

Judge Robert W. Gettleman

CRITICAL

Applies to
Initial infringement contentions

Initial infringement contentions limited to 25 claims per patent, max 50 total.

(a) an identification of no more than 25 claims of each patent in suit that are allegedly infringed by the opposing party, but no more than 50 claims total, including for each claim the applicable statutory subsection of 35 U.S.C. § 271;

Judge Sunil R. Harjani

CRITICAL

Applies to
Final infringement contentions

(1) Within nineteen (19) weeks after the due date for service of Initial Infringement Contentions, each party claiming patent infringement must serve on all other parties a list identifying no more than 10 claims per patent and no more than 20 claims overall that the party is asserting, each of which must be selected from claims identified in the Initial Infringement Contentions.

(1) Within nineteen (19) weeks after the due date for service of Initial Infringement Contentions, each party claiming patent infringement must serve on all other parties a list identifying no more than 10 claims per patent and no more than 20 claims overall that the party is asserting, each of which must be selected from claims identified in the Initial Infringement Contentions.

Judge Sunil R. Harjani

CRITICAL

Applies to
Final infringement contentions

Final infringement contentions due within 21 weeks; max 10 claims per patent, 20 total.

(2) Within twenty-one (21) weeks after the due date for service of Initial Infringement Contentions, each party claiming patent infringement must serve on all other parties "Final Infringement Contentions" containing the information required by LPR 2.2 (a)-(h). In the Final Infringement Contentions, no Accused Instrumentality may be accused of infringing more than ten (10) claims per patent and twenty (20) claims overall, selected from the claims identified in the Initial Infringement Contentions.

Judge Sunil R. Harjani

CRITICAL

Applies to
Final invalidity contentions

Final invalidity contentions limited to 25 prior art references unless court orders otherwise.

Final Invalidity Contentions may rely on more than twenty-five (25) prior art references only by order of the Court upon a showing of good cause and absence of unfair prejudice to opposing parties.

Judge Sunil R. Harjani

CRITICAL

Applies to
Final unenforceability invalidity contentions

Final invalidity contentions limited to 4 prior art grounds and 4 non-prior art grounds per claim.

For each claim alleged to be invalid, the Final Unenforceability and Invalidity Contentions are limited to four (4) prior art grounds per claim and four (4) non-prior art grounds. No claim asserted to be infringed shall be subject to more than eight (8) total grounds per claim.

Judge Sunil R. Harjani

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to
Witness description

Witness descriptions limited to two or three sentences maximum.

For each witness, provide a very concise (two or three sentences maximum) description of the witness and the witness’s role in the case.

Magistrate Judge Gabriel A. Fuentes

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to
Case statement

Case statement limited to 1-2 paragraphs covering case nature, claims, and defenses.

A concise agreed statement of the case (no more than one or two short paragraphs), including: (a) the nature of the case; (b) the claims, counterclaims and cross-claims; and (c) the defenses raised to those claims.

Magistrate Judge Gabriel A. Fuentes

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to
Voir dire questions

Each side limited to 15 proposed disputed voir dire questions unless good cause shown.

For additional questions, the parties must file a list divided into (a) agreed-upon questions and (b) proposed questions to which there is an objection. A short basis for any objection must accompany the list. Each side is limited to 15 proposed disputed questions, unless a motion is filed before the pretrial conference that explains good cause for proposing more than the limit.

Magistrate Judge Gabriel A. Fuentes

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to
Voir dire questions

Each side limited to 10 disputed voir dire questions unless good cause shown.

Each side is limited to 10 proposed disputed questions, unless a motion is filed before the pretrial conference that explains good cause for proposing more than the limit.

Magistrate Judge Heather K. McShain

CRITICALCivil cases

Each side limited to 5 motions in limine without leave of court.

Absent prior leave of court, each side is limited to a total of five (5) motions in limine.

Magistrate Judge Jeffrey T. Gilbert

CRITICAL

Applies to
Attorneys only conference

Attorneys-Only conferences limited to 1 hour.

An initial Attorneys-Only Conference, lasting no more than one hour, will most likely be set in advance of a full conference.

Magistrate Judge Maria Valdez

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to
Voir dire questions

Each side may propose no more than 12 disputed voir dire questions unless it files a pretrial-conference motion explaining good cause to exceed the limit.

Each side is limited to 12 proposed disputed questions, unless a motion is filed before the pretrial conference that explains good cause for proposing more than the limit.

Magistrate Judge Michael F. Iasparro

WARNINGCriminal cases

Applies to
Voir dire questions

Each side is limited to 15 proposed disputed voir dire questions unless good cause shown.

Each side is limited to 15 proposed disputed questions, unless a motion is filed before the pretrial conference that explains good cause for proposing more than the limit.

Judge Edmond E. Chang

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to
Voir dire questions

Each side may propose no more than 15 disputed questions unless it files a pre-trial-conference motion explaining good cause for more.

Each side is limited to 15 proposed disputed questions, unless a motion is filed before the Pre-Trial Conference that explains good cause for proposing more than the limit.

Judge Franklin U. Valderrama

WARNING

Applies to
Brief

Multiple infringers may justify additional pages or separate briefing.

The presence of multiple alleged infringers with different products or processes shall, in an appropriate case, constitute good cause for allowing additional pages in the Opening, Responsive, or Reply Claim Construction Briefs or for allowing separate briefing as to different alleged infringers.

Judge Sunil R. Harjani

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to
Voir dire questions

Each side limited to 10 disputed voir dire questions unless good cause shown.

Each side is limited to 10 proposed disputed questions, unless a motion is filed before the pretrial conference that explains good cause for proposing more than the limit.

Magistrate Judge Daniel P. McLaughlin

WARNINGCivil cases

Absent prior leave, the Court prefers no more than 80 moving-party undisputed fact statements and no more than 40 opposing-party additional fact statements.

In accord with Local Rule 56.1, absent prior leave of Court, the Court prefers that the movant not file more than 80 separately numbered statements of undisputed material fact, and a party opposing a summary judgment motion should not file more than 40 separately numbered statements of additional facts under Local Rule 56.1(b)(3)(C).

Magistrate Judge Gabriel A. Fuentes

INFOCriminal cases

Applies to
Peremptory challenges

Government gets 6 peremptory challenges; defendant gets 10.

The government has 6 peremptory challenges and the defendant has 10 peremptory challenges pursuant to Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 24, unless otherwise requested and approved by the Court.

Judge Sunil R. Harjani

INFOCivil cases

Applies to
Daubert motion

Daubert motions exempt from page limits.

These limitations do not apply to motions challenging the admissibility of Rule 702 expert testimony pursuant to Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Magistrate Judge Heather K. McShain
Common questions about Northern District of Illinois page & word limits

What page or word limits apply to motion in limine in Northern District of Illinois?

Judge LaShonda A. Hunt's rule states these limits: 20 pages; 20 pages. Motions in limine limited to 20 pages per side; responses limited to 20 pages per side; no replies unless ordered.

Judge John Robert Blakey's rule states these limits: attorney: 30 pages. Motions in limine must be filed 10 business days before final pretrial conference, limited to 30 pages in a single pleading.

View ruleOfficial source Source: page 3, section B. Contents of Pretrial Memorandum and Pretrial Deadlines

Judge Franklin U. Valderrama's rule states these limits: 15 pages. Excludes exhibits. Each side’s motions in limine are limited to 15 total pages, excluding exhibits; the limit is per side, not per motion.

View ruleOfficial source Source: page 4, section I. Exchange and Filing of Trial Materials – Plaintiff’s Pre-Trial Statement

6 more rules answer this question.

What page or word limits apply to joint status report in Northern District of Illinois?

Judge Robert W. Gettleman's rule states these limits: attorney: 5 pages. Joint status report limited to 5 pages.

View ruleOfficial source Source: page 1, section Joint Status Report Order

Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman's rule states these limits: attorney: 5 pages. Joint status report required 3 business days before initial status hearing, max 5 pages.

Judge Robert M. Dow Jr.'s rule states these limits: 5 pages. In new cases assigned to Judge Dow’s calendar, counsel must confer, prepare, and file a joint status report of no more than five pages at least two business days before the initial status conference.

View ruleOfficial source Source: page 1, section Standing Order Requiring Initial Status Report for Cases Filed On or After 12/1/07

3 more rules answer this question.

What page or word limits apply to initial status report in Northern District of Illinois?

Judge Jeffrey I. Cummings' rule states these limits: 5 pages. The joint Initial Status Report must not exceed five pages.

View ruleOfficial source Source: page 1, section Initial Status Report for New Case (preamble)

Judge Jorge L. Alonso's rule states these limits: attorney: 5 pages. Initial status report limited to 5 pages and due 3 business days before status conference.

View ruleOfficial source Source: page 1, section Joint Initial Status Report

What page or word limits apply to mediation statement in Northern District of Illinois?

Judge John J. Tharp Jr.'s rule states these limits: 5 pages. Mediation statements must be concise and no more than five pages in length.

View ruleOfficial source Source: page 10, section Content of Statement

Magistrate Judge Gabriel A. Fuentes' rule states these limits: 5 pages. Mediation statements should be limited to five pages before exhibits, with single spacing and 12-point type; manipulating formatting to evade the limit is discouraged.

View ruleOfficial source Source: page 3, section MEDIATION STATEMENTS

What page or word limits apply to response to motion in limine in Northern District of Illinois?

Judge John Robert Blakey's rule states these limits: attorney: 30 pages. Responses to motions in limine must be filed 5 business days before final pretrial conference, limited to 30 pages.

View ruleOfficial source Source: page 3, section B. Contents of Pretrial Memorandum and Pretrial Deadlines

What page or word limits apply to trial brief in Northern District of Illinois?

Judge Jeffrey I. Cummings' rule states these limits: 10 pages. Trial briefs are limited to 10 pages and must be filed unless the Court waives filing; the Court may grant prior leave for more pages.

View ruleOfficial source Source: page 3, section THE PROPOSED FINAL PRETRIAL ORDER

Judge Sunil R. Harjani's rule states these limits: attorney: 10 pages. Trial briefs limited to 10 pages without leave of court.

Magistrate Judge Jeffrey T. Gilbert's rule states these limits: 15 pages. Trial briefs required for bench trials (15 pages max), jury trials only with leave.

2 more rules answer this question.