**District Judge Sara L. Ellis** was appointed to the Northern District of Illinois by President Barack Obama in 2013. Judge Ellis was born in 1969 in London, Ontario, Canada, to Jamaican-born parents, and became a naturalized U.S. citizen at age 15. She worked as a staff attorney at the Federal Defender Program in Chicago from 1994 to 1999. From 2000 to 2004, she was at Stetler, Duffy & Rotert, Ltd., a white-collar criminal defense firm. From 2004 to 2008, she served as Assistant Corporation Counsel for the Chicago Department of Law. From 2008 to 2013, she was counsel at Schiff Hardin LLP in Chicago. **Education** - Loyola University Chicago School of Law, J.D., 1994 - Indiana University, B.A., 1991 **Career** - Counsel, Schiff Hardin LLP, Chicago (2008–2013) - Assistant Corporation Counsel, Chicago Department of Law (2004–2008) - Associate, Stetler, Duffy & Rotert, Ltd. (2000–2004) - Staff Attorney, Federal Defender Program, Chicago (1994–1999)
**Courthouse:** Everett McKinley Dirksen U.S. Courthouse, 219 S. Dearborn Street, Chicago, IL 60604 **Chambers:** Room 1486 **Phone:** (312) 435-5560 **Fax:** (312) 554-8545 **Chambers Staff** - Courtroom Deputy: Rhonda Johnson, (312) 702-8864, Room 1404 - Court Reporter: Kelly Fitzgerald, (312) 818-6626, Room 1412
Courtesy copies are required for pretrial orders. Details: 2 copies, delivery upon filing, by chambers drop off. Two courtesy copies of final pretrial order required.
Judge Sara L. Ellis's rules set a pre-motion procedure for motion in limine. Motions in limine due 3 weeks before pretrial order; responses due 1 week before.
Judge Sara L. Ellis' rule states these limits: 5 pages. Settlement letters should be 5 pages or fewer, but may be longer if necessary.
Judge Sara L. Ellis' formatting rule includes binding tabbed 3-ring. Exhibits must be tabbed with protruding tabs per Local Rule 5.2.
The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. The initial status report must identify all attorneys of record (including lead trial attorney), describe the claims, identify major issues, and state the relief sought.
The rule requires judge name, case number, exhibit list, and table of contents. Final pretrial order required for all criminal jury trials before Judge Ellis.
Parties may contact Judge Sara L. Ellis' chambers by phone only as allowed by the rule. The rule lists phone (312) 435-6045. Evidence projection systems require 4-week advance request to Alexander Zeier.
Requests should be made at least 14 business days in advance when this rule applies before Judge Sara L. Ellis. Plaintiff's letter due 14 business days before; defendant's letter due 7 business days before settlement conference.
Yes. Judge Sara L. Ellis requires bundling for covered papers. Motions in limine and responses must be submitted in single documents.
The initial status report must identify all attorneys of record (including lead trial attorney), describe the claims, identify major issues, and state the relief sought.
The initial status report must explain subject matter jurisdiction, including federal statutes, and if diversity/supplemental jurisdiction is asserted, address the amount in controversy and citizenship of all parties.
The initial status report must identify any defendants that have not been served.
The initial status report must confirm that parties have been advised of consent to a Magistrate Judge and state whether they have consented.
The initial status report must describe pending motions and state whether the defendant will answer or move, and counsel must be prepared to discuss the basis of any anticipated motion at the Initial Status Hearing.
The initial status report must propose a discovery plan (type, dates for disclosures, written discovery, fact and expert discovery, dispositive motions) and indicate whether a jury trial is requested and its probable length.
The initial status report must indicate whether settlement discussions occurred, describe their status, and state whether a settlement conference is requested.
The initial status report must not provide the particulars of any settlement demands or offers.
Final pretrial order required for all criminal jury trials before Judge Ellis.
Two courtesy copies of final pretrial order required.
Two sets of exhibit binders required one week before pretrial conference.
Motions in limine due 3 weeks before pretrial order; responses due 1 week before.
Meet and confer required before filing motions in limine.
Motions in limine and responses must be submitted in single documents.
Joint document required with proposed voir dire questions and objections.
Parties must meet to agree on jury instructions and verdict form before filing pretrial order.
7th Circuit Pattern Jury Instructions used; modifications require redline submission.
All jury instructions must be submitted with pretrial order; disputed instructions require grounds and proposed modifications.
Digital evidence projection system available; training recommended 4 weeks before trial.
Final pretrial conference 1-3 weeks before trial; lead counsel must attend with full authority.
Two sets of exhibit binders required one week before pretrial conference, with two final binders after rulings.
Motions in limine must be filed 3 weeks before pretrial order; responses due 1 week before.
Motions in limine and responses must be submitted in single documents.
Parties must file joint document with proposed voir dire questions and objections.
Parties must meet and confer on jury instructions before filing pretrial order.
Jury instructions must include proponent, status, legal authority, and objections.
Trial briefs are not required but may be filed with leave of court.
Evidence projection systems require 4-week advance request to Alexander Zeier.
Final pretrial conference 1-3 weeks before trial; lead counsel must attend.
Final pretrial order required in civil jury trials before Judge Ellis, with two courtesy copies to Court.