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 requires judge name, case number, exhibit list, and table of contents. Final pretrial order required for all criminal jury trials before Judge Ellis.
The rule requires exhibit list and table of contents. Two sets of exhibit binders required one week before pretrial conference.
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.
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.
Final pretrial order must include specified items and two courtesy copies to Court.
Settlement letters must be delivered to Judge Ellis' courtroom deputy before the settlement conference.
Plaintiff's settlement letter must include claims summary, affirmative defenses, evidence summary, damages itemization, and settlement demand.
Defendant's settlement letter must address plaintiff's points, provide counter-offer, and include helpful information.
Settlement letters should be 5 pages or fewer, but may be longer if necessary.
Exhibits must be tabbed with protruding tabs per Local Rule 5.2.
Plaintiff's letter due 14 business days before; defendant's letter due 7 business days before settlement conference.
Settlement letters should not be filed with the Clerk or on CM/ECF.