Court Rules
Judge

Judge Michael F. Otto

Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies

Rules last changed:
Circuit Court of Cook County

Limits & Logistics

Document Limits

Brief
15 pgs
Pre Trial Memorandum
5 pgs
Courtesy CopyCourt-wide
20 pgs

Courtesy Copies

Brief, Exhibits

  • Upon Filing

Courtesy copies

  • 1 copy
  • 1 copy • Email • When Fully Briefed
  • 2 copies • Email
  • When Fully Briefed
  • With Courtesy Copy

Exhibits, Pleading, Deposition

  • 1 copy

Motion

  • For Piggy Backed Motion
  • Hand Delivery • At Least 3 Court Days Before Initial Presentment
  • No Later Than March 15 2024

Communication

Chambers4 contacts

  • law.calrcc@cookcountyil.gov
  • (312) 603-5943
  • (312) 603-7546
  • (312) 603-7545

Clerk2 contacts

  • (312) 603-5025
  • (312) 603-6878

Other Contacts1 contacts

  • efiling.support@tylertech.com
Filters:AllMandatoryImportantFormattingMemorandaConferencesCourtesy CopiesSettlementExhibitsProposed OrdersTRO/Injunction

Page & Word Limits3 rules

Page Limits

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory

Absent leave of court, initial briefs and separately filed supporting memoranda and opposition briefs are limited to 15 pages, excluding exhibits; reply briefs are limited to 7 pages.

(iii) Absent leave of court the following page limits apply: a. Initial brief (and memorandum in support, if separately filed): 15 pages total (exclusive of exhibits) b. Opposition brief: 15 pages (exclusive of exhibits) c. Reply brief: 7 pages

Initial Brief

15 pages

Memorandum In Support

15 pages

Opposition Brief

15 pages

Reply Brief

7 pages

Page LimitsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Once a pre-trial conference is scheduled, each party should deliver to the court at least two days before the pre-trial conference an unfiled pre-trial memorandum of five pages or less

Summary: Pre-trial memoranda are limited to five pages or fewer.

Pre Trial Memorandum

5 pages

Page LimitsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Absent leave of court the following page limits apply: Initial brief (and memorandum in support, if separately filed): 15 pages total (exclusive of exhibits) Opposition brief: 15 pages (exclusive of exhibits) Reply brief: 7 pages

Summary: Briefs are limited to 15 pages for initial/opposition and 7 pages for reply, excluding exhibits, unless leave of court is granted.

Initial Brief

15 pages

Opposition Brief

15 pages

Reply Brief

7 pages

Document Format Requirements5 rules

Formatting

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory

Briefs must be double-spaced, have numbered pages, use 12-point font, and have 1-inch margins.

(ii) All briefs shall be: o double-spaced with numbered pages; o typed in 12-point font; o with 1-inch margins.

Typography
Size12 pt
Line SpacingDouble
Layout & Binding
Margins
Top:1"
Left:1"
Right:1"
Bottom:1"
Formatting

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Important

Deposition transcripts should be submitted in mini-script format, with four pages per side.

Deposition transcripts should be submitted in mini-script format (four pages per side).

FormattingCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

All briefs shall be: (1) double-spaced with numbered pages; (2) typed in 12-point font; (3) with 1-inch margins.

Summary: All briefs must be double-spaced, pagan-numbered, typed in 12-point font, and have 1-inch margins.

Typography
Size12 pt
Line SpacingDouble
Layout & Binding
Margins
Top:1"
Left:1"
Right:1"
Bottom:1"
FormattingCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?

Interim CMCs shall be in person.

Summary: Interim case management conferences must be conducted in person.

FormattingCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?

Deposition transcripts should be submitted in mini-script format (four pages per side).

Summary: Deposition transcripts in courtesy copies must be in mini-script format, four pages per side.

Document Filing Requirements29 rules

Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory

Agreed motions must be filed, and an order on a routine or agreed matter will not be entered until a file-stamped motion is provided.

Even agreed motions must be filed. Failure to attach a file stamped motion regarding a routine or agreed matter will result in the order not being entered until a filed motion is provided.

Document Type

Routine Or Agreed Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory

Orders dismissing wrongful death, survival, or minors’ cases must not be submitted as routine or agreed; those matters follow the settlement-petition procedure in Section 4.

Parties shall not submit as routine or agreed any orders dismissing wrongful death, survival, or minors’ cases. For Petitions to Approve settlement and dismissal of such matters, see Section 4 below.

Document Type

Dismissal Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory

A settlement dismissal order must state whether voluntary mediation was used; a pretrial with a sitting judge does not count as voluntary mediation.

Any order dismissing a case pursuant to settlement must state whether voluntary mediation was or was not utilized in arriving at the settlement. (Pretrials with a sitting judge are not “voluntary mediation.”)

Document Type

Settlement Dismissal Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory

Agreed motions and orders must be titled “Agreed.”

Motions and orders presented by agreement must be titled “Agreed.”

Document Type

Agreed Motion And Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory

A movant must include a proposed order with the motion or the motion will not be ruled on.

Movant must include a proposed order with their motion. Failure to do so will result in motion not being ruled on.

Document Type

Motion

Content & Formatting
Proposed Order
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory

Settlement petitions must include an itemized list of costs, the fee agreement or counsel’s representation of the contingency percentage, a description of all lien claims, and appropriate language when further probate proceedings are required.

(b) Petitions shall include: (i) an itemized descriptive list of costs; (ii) a copy of the fee agreement or counsel’s representation as to the contingency percentage; (iii) a description of all lien claims, even if the lien does not attach to the proceeds; and (iv) appropriate language where further probate proceedings are required.

Document Type

Settlement Petition

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory

An order may not include Illinois Supreme Court Rule 304(a) language without express advance judicial authorization.

No Ill. Sup. Ct. R. 304(a) language may be included in any order without express advance judicial authorization.

Document Type

Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Important

Judge Otto generally prefers short pretrial memoranda at least two days in advance, containing the listed information, but may be flexible in urgent situations; the parties may choose whether to share them.

(c) As a general matter, Judge Otto prefers the parties to provide short memoranda at least two days in advance (contents see below). He can be flexible when there is urgency (i.e. incipient trial). Memos can be submitted confidentially or provided to the other side as each side sees fit. Contents should include: (i) summary of the allegations, defenses, facts, claimed injuries, damages, and (ii) the last demand, offer, and policy limits.

Document Type

Pretrial Memorandum

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Important

Dismissal orders should strike future Calendar R dates and include the specific date.

Dismissal orders should strike future court dates on Calendar R (include specific date).

Document Type

Dismissal Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Important

Dismissal orders should not purport to strike trial dates or dates set in Courtroom 2005, which are stricken administratively upon dismissal.

This Court is not authorized to strike trial dates or any dates set in Courtroom 2005, and such language should not be included. (Upon dismissal, 2005 dates will be stricken administratively.)

Document Type

Dismissal Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Important

Parties should not submit agreed orders amending the Case Management Order without prior Court authorization.

Parties should not submit agreed orders to amend the Case Management Order unless previously authorized by the Court.

Document Type

Agreed Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Important

Attorneys should be prepared to present all prior case management orders at any case management conference.

Attorneys should be prepared to present to the judge all prior case management orders at any case management conference.

Document Type

Case Management Conference

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Important

At the initial case management conference, counsel should be prepared to address whether the case is a refiling, whether all parties have been served, and known injuries and special damages.

At the initial case management conference, counsel should be prepared to address: 1. whether the case is a re-filing; 2. whether all parties have been served, and; 3. the known injuries and special damages at that point.

Document Type

Case Management Conference

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Note

The Court will enter a Case Management Order on the earliest practical date.

The Court will enter a Case Management Order on the earliest practical date

Document Type

Case Management Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Litigants MUST use the Motion Calendar Section Form Case Management Orders for Category 1 and Category 2 Case Types located at https://www.cookcountycourt.org/ABOUT-THE-COURT/County-Department/Law-Division, and also are available in the motion court rooms.

Summary: Litigants must use the official Motion Calendar Section Case Management Order forms for Category 1 and Category 2 case types.

Document Type

Case Management Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Petitions shall include: (1) an itemized descriptive list of costs; (2) a copy of the fee agreement or counsel's representation as to the contingency percentage; (3) a description of all lien claims, even if the lien does not attach to the proceeds; and (4) appropriate language where further probate proceedings are required.

Summary: Each petition to approve settlement must include specified cost, fee, lien, and probate information.

Document Type

Petition To Approve Settlement

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

No ISCR 304(a) language may be included in any order without prior express judicial authorization.

Summary: No Supreme Court Rule 304(a) appealability language may appear in any order without the judge's advance express approval.

Document Type

Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Movant must include a proposed order as a court order, absence of such an order. The document will not be ruled on.

Summary: Every motion must include a proposed mandatory order; otherwise it will not be ruled on.

Document Type

Motion

Content & Formatting
Proposed Order
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Include language in any dismissal order specifically striking any future dates in Calendar R only. This Court is not authorized to strike any dates set in Courtroom 2005, however, and such language should not be included.

Summary: Dismissal orders must strike future court dates in Calendar R only and must not include language striking Courtroom 2005 dates.

Document Type

Dismissal Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?

(i) The movant must have an appearance on file and must give notice to opposing parties according to circuit court rules.

Summary: An emergency-motion movant must have an appearance on file and notify opposing parties according to circuit court rules.

Document Type

Emergency Motion

Content & Formatting
Certificate Of Service
Filing Requirements

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?

(d) Emergency Motions with a proposed order must be submitted via email and include an introductory paragraph stating the grounds for the emergency.

Summary: An emergency motion must include a proposed order and an introductory paragraph stating the grounds for the emergency.

Document Type

Emergency Motion

Content & Formatting
Proposed Order
Legal Argument
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?

Attorneys shall present to the judge all prior case management orders at any case management conference.

Summary: Attorneys must present all prior case management orders to the judge at every case management conference.

Document Type

Prior Case Management Orders

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?

Once a pre-trial conference is scheduled, each party should deliver to the court at least two days before the pre-trial conference an unfiled pre-trial memorandum of five pages or less containing (1) a summary of the allegations, defenses, facts, claimed injuries, and damages, and (2) the last demand, offer, and policy limits.

Summary: The pre-trial memorandum must contain a summary of allegations, defenses, facts, claimed injuries and damages, and the last demand, offer, and policy limits.

Document Type

Pre Trial Memorandum

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?

For motions attacking a pleading (motions to dismiss, to strike, for bill of particulars, etc.), the courtesy copy should include the pleading at issue.

Summary: For a motion attacking a defensive pleading, the chamber's courtesy copy must include the underlying pleading.

Document Type

Motion

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?

Courtesy copies should include briefs and exhibits, if any.

Summary: Courtecopysets must include the brief and any exhibits.

Document Type

Chambers Copy

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?

Case law should be made unless it is not available through a public available or inapplicable format.

Summary: Case law should not be provided with the courtesy copy unless it is unavailable through any format of LEXIS.

Document Type

Chambers Copy

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?

All parties should be prepared to address the motion at the court date of presentment at a briefing schedule is not guaranteed, especially for non-dispositive motions.

Summary: At present all parties be prepared to argue the motion; a briefing schedule is not guaranteed, particularly for non-dispositive motions.

Document Type

Motion

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?

The emergency reason must have an appearance on file.

Summary: The movant filing an emergency motion must have an appearance of record on file.

Document Type

Motion

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Note?

Motions to Strike in, or portions thereof, the briefs will be taken way with the Court with the motion.

Summary: Motions to strike briefs, or portions of briefs, are decided together with the underlying motion.

Document Type

Motion To Strike

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.

Filing & Service rules

Electronic Filing Rules

Emergency motions must be emailed with a proposed order and an introductory paragraph stating the grounds for the emergency.

(d) Emergency Motions with a proposed order must be submitted via email and include an introductory paragraph stating the grounds for the emergency.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026

Page 5 | Motions

Settlement petitions may also be provided to the Court by email with all necessary exhibits and a proposed settlement order.

Petitions to settle may also be provided to the Court via email, with all necessary exhibits and proposed settlement order.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026

Page 6 | Petitions to Approve Settlement

Agreed motions and orders may be submitted by email with all parties copied or presented at a scheduled case management conference.

Agreed motions and orders may be submitted by email, cc’ing all parties, or may be presented at any scheduled case management conference to be reviewed by the Court.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026

Page 3 | Motions

Settlement petitions must be presented to the court in hard copy as unfiled petitions in the Courtroom 2208 basket, and must not be filed until court approval.

Petitions to settle cases involving minors, disabled persons and survival and wrongful death claims shall be presented to the Court in hard copy by placing the unfiled petition in the basket outside of Courtroom 2208. Petitions must not be filed until approved by the Court.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 6 | 4. Petitions to Approve Settlement

Emergency motions with a proposed order must be submitted by 10:00 AM by email and must include an introductory paragraph stating the grounds for the emergency.

Emergency Motions with a proposed Order must be submitted by 10:00 AM via email and include an introductory paragraph stating the grounds for the emergency.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Contested motions must be non-submitted through the Odyssey system to obtain a presentment date, unless piggy-backed onto a previously scheduled court date with notice and a courtesy copy.

Parties may “piggy-back” motions to previously-scheduled court dates so long as they give all parties proper notice and provide the court with a courtesy copy. Unless piggy-backing, parties MUST obtain a date and time for presentment of contested motions by spindling the motion through the Odyssey system.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Wrongful death, survival, and minor-injury dismissal orders may not be handled as routine or agreed submit, dismissal of such matters goes through Section 4 petitions to approve settlement.

Parties shall not submit as routine or agreed any orders dismissing wrongful death, survival, or minors’ cases, INCLUDING partial dismissals pursuant to settlement with some but not all defendants. For Petitions to Approve settlement and dismissal of such matters, see Section 4 below.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Settlement petitions involving minors, disabled persons, and survival or wrongful-death claims must be presented in hard copy by placing the unfiled petition in the basket outside Courtroom 2208.

Petitions to settle cases involving minors, disabled persons and survival and wrongful death claims shall be presented to the Court in hard copy by placing the unfiled petition in the basket outside of Courtroom 2208.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 6 | Petitions to Approve Settlement

If any party objects to a routine motion, the movant must spindle the motion and put it on for presentment under paragraph 2(b).

If any party objects to a routine motion, the movant must rule on it in a way that is not supported by the motion for presentment per 2(b) below.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Routine motions marked agreed may be submitted by email (copying all parties) or at a scheduled case management conference.

marked agreed, may be submitted by email, cc’ing all parties, or at any scheduled case management conference.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Filing Timing and Cure Windows

Each party should deliver an unfiled pre-trial memorandum to the court at least two days before the scheduled pre-trial conference.

Once a pre-trial conference is scheduled, each party should deliver to the court at least two days before the pre-trial conference an unfiled pre-trial memorandum of five pages or less

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 6 | 5. Pre-Trial Conferences

Emergency motions must be submitted no later than 10:00 AM.

Emergency Motions with a proposed Order must be submitted by 10:00 AM via email and include an introductory paragraph stating the grounds for the emergency.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Contested motions must be scheduled for initial present at least 3 court days in advance.

scheduled for initial presentment at least 3 court days in advance.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Settlement petitions must not be filed until the Court approves them.

Petitions must not be filed until approved by the Court.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 6 | Petitions to Approve Settlement

The initial case management conference is scheduled 60 days after the Complaint is filed, with notice sent to all parties of record.

Electronic notices/post cards will be sent to all attorneys and self-represented parties of record for the initial CMC date, 60 days from the date of filing of the Complaint.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 5 | 3. Case Management Conferences

Service and Proof of Service Rules

The movant must give opposing parties notice under circuit court rules.

(i) The movant must have an appearance on file and must give notice to opposing parties according to circuit court rules.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 3, 2026

Page 5 | Motions

The movant must provide notice to all other parties when presenting an emergency motion.

The movant must provide notice to all other parties.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 5 | Motions

Piggy-backing a motion requires proper notice to all parties and a courtesy copy to the court.

Parties may “piggy-back” motions to previously-scheduled court dates so long as they give all parties proper notice and provide the court with a courtesy copy.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Courtesy Copy Requirements

Physical courtesy-copy exhibits must be tabbed, and all materials should be printed double-sided.

In the physical copy all exhibits must be tabbed, and all materials should be printed double-sided.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 3, 2026

Page 4 | Motions

Submit only one copy of any exhibit, pleading, or deposition.

Submit only one copy of any exhibit, pleading, or deposition.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026

Page 5 | Motions

For fully-briefed motions pending as of February 1, 2024, the movant must submit a paper courtesy copy set by March 15, 2024, including all briefs, tabbed exhibits, transcripts, orders, case management order, and a cover letter listing trial and other future dates, or the motion may be deemed abandoned.

PENDING FULLY-BRIEFED MOTIONS: For any parties to cases pending on Calendar R with motions which are already fully-briefed as of February 1, 2024, but as to which no ruling has yet been issued. Movant must submit a full set of courtesy copies in hard-copy format (paper) no later than March 15, 2024, regardless of whether courtesy copies have previously been submitted in any format. Failure to do so will be considered abandonment of the motion, which may result in its summary denial. Courtesy copies must include (all printed double-sided if possible): All Briefs on the motion; All Exhibits, tabbed for identification (except initials printed in miniscript format); Any transcripts of argument which has previously been heard on the motion, if a court reporter was present; All orders previously entered relating to the motion (including briefing schedule orders, and any orders setting the matter for ruling or continuing the matter for ruling); Most recent order entered in the case; Current Case Management Order; Cover letter noting (i) trial date and (ii) any other future dates in 2005.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 2 | 2.a

A physical courtesy copy of a motion scheduled for initial presentment must be provided to the Court at least three court days in advance.

Parties must provide the Court a physical courtesy copy of any motions scheduled for initial presentment at least 3 court days in advance.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 4 | Motions

Physical courtesy-copy sets must have tabbed exhibits and must be printed double-sided.

In the physical copy all exhibits must be tabbed and all materials must be printed double-sided.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

A complete courtesy-copy set must be sent electronically to the Calendar R email and another physical set delivered to Room 2208.

Courtesy copies should be one complete set sent electronically to the Calendar R email, and one complete set of physical courtesy copies delivered to Room 2208.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Parties must submit only one copy of each exhibit, pleading, or deposition with a courtesy-copy set.

Submit only one copy of any exhibit, pleading, or deposition.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Parties may piggy-back motions to previously scheduled court dates if they give all parties proper notice and provide the Court a courtesy copy.

Parties may “piggy-back” motions to previously scheduled court dates so long as they give all parties proper notice and provide the Court with a courtesy copy.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 4 | Motions

After briefing is complete, courtesy copies should follow the stated delivery and formatting guidelines.

Once briefing is complete, courtesy copies should adhere to the following guidelines:

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 4 | Motions

After briefing is complete, parties should send one complete electronic set to the Calendar R email and deliver one complete physical set to Room 2208.

Courtesy copies should be one complete set sent electronically to the Calendar R email, and one complete set of physical courtesy copies delivered to Room 2208.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 4 | Motions

Courtesy copies for motions attacking a pleading should include the pleading at issue.

For motions attacking a pleading (motions to dismiss, to strike, for bill of particulars, etc.), the courtesy copy should include the pleading at issue.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 4 | Motions

Courtesy copies should include briefs and any exhibits; case law should be included only if it is unavailable through LEXIS.

(iv) Courtesy copies should include briefs and exhibits, if any. Case law should not be provided unless unavailable through LEXIS.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 5 | Motions

Filing Bundling Requirements

Parties must not submit courtesy copies of contested-motion briefs until all briefing is complete.

Other than the copy provided to the court for presentment (see 2(b) above), parties should not submit copies of any briefs relating to contested motions until all briefing is complete.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Except for copies provided for presentment, parties should not submit contested-motion briefs until briefing is complete.

Other than copies provided to the Court for presentment (see 2(b)(i) above), parties should not submit copies of any briefs relating to contested motions until all briefing is complete.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 4 | Motions

Pre-Motion Conference Requirements

Contested motions that are not piggy-backed must be spindled through Odyssey to obtain a presentment date and time.

Unless piggy-backing, parties must obtain a date and time for presentment of contested motions by spindling the motion through the Odyssey system.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026

Page 4 | Motions

If a party objects to a routine motion, the movant must spindle it for presentment or may notice it to be piggy-backed to an upcoming hearing or status date.

If any party objects to a routine motion, the movant must spindle it for presentment or may notice the routine motion to be piggy-backed to an upcoming hearing/status date- as set forth in 2(b) below.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026

Page 4 | Motions

All parties should be ready to address the motion at presentment because a briefing schedule is not guaranteed, particularly for non-dispositive motions.

All parties should be prepared to address the motion at the time of presentment; a briefing schedule is not guaranteed, especially for non-dispositive motions.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026

Page 4 | Motions

Motions to amend the Case Management Order are generally not emergencies.

Motions to amend the Case Management Order are generally not an emergency.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 3, 2026

Page 5 | Motions

The definition of an emergency is provided in GAO 20-9 § 3.5(A).

See GAO 20-9 § 3.5(A) for what constitutes an emergency.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026

Page 5 | Motions

The Law Division arbitration program is described in Part 25 of the Local Cook County Rules on the Court’s website.

The Law Division arbitration program is described at Part 25 of the Local Cook County Rules on the Court’s website.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026

Page 6 | Case Management Conferences

Cases may be screened at any case management conference for transfer to First Municipal or referral to Law Division Arbitration based on case type and value.

Cases may be screened at any CMC for transfer to First Municipal or referral to Law Division Arbitration based on case type and value.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026

Page 6 | Case Management Conferences

The movant should not notice themselves to appear before the Court to present an emergency motion.

(ii) The movant should not notice themselves to appear before the Court to present the motion.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 5 | Motions

If the Court finds an emergency and a hearing is necessary, it will set a prompt presentment date.

Otherwise, the Court will set a prompt date for presentment.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 5 | Motions

A motion determined not to be an emergency may still be spindled or piggy-backed as a regular motion.

The motion may still be spindled or piggy-backed as a regular motion.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 5 | Motions

Chambers Communication Rules

All communications with the Court must be emailed to the Calendar R email address, must copy all parties who have appeared, and are limited to proposed agreed orders, routine or agreed motions, courtesy copies for fully-briefed motions, and court-permitted communications.

Any communications with the Court with respect to Calendar R matters must be submitted to the email address for Calendar R listed above (Law.CalRcc@cookcountyil.gov). Any email correspondence to the Court must copy all parties who have appeared. Such email communication is strictly limited to (1) the submission of proposed agreed orders; (2) the submission of routine or agreed motions; (3) submission of courtesy copies for fully-briefed motions; and (4) other email communication expressly permitted by court order.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 1 | 1.c

Calendar R email about Calendar R matters or pretrials must go to the designated address and copy all appearing parties, and may be used only for the listed purposes or as expressly permitted by court order.

(b) Any email communications with the Court with respect to Calendar R matters or inquiring about a pretrial should be submitted to the Calendar R email address (Law.CalRcc@cookcountyil.gov) and should cc all parties who have appeared. Such email communication is strictly limited to: (i) the submission of proposed agreed orders; (ii) the submission of routine or agreed motions; (iii) submission of courtesy copies for fully briefed motions; (iv) scheduling (including pretrials); and (v) other email communication expressly permitted by court order. • Counsel, parties, and others may not use email for any other purpose. Any such emails may not be answered.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 2 | General Provisions

Parties may request a pre-trial conference by email or in person with the clerk in Courtroom 2208.

Parties may request a pre-trial conference through email or in person with the clerk in Courtroom 2208.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 6 | 5. Pre-Trial Conferences

The Court reviews an emailed motion to determine whether it qualifies as an emergency and how to proceed.

The court will review the motion when it is emailed to determine whether it constitutes an emergency and proceed accordingly (see below).

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 5 | Motions

If the Court finds an emergency and determines no hearing is necessary, it will rule on the motion and advise the parties by email.

If the Court finds an emergency and finds a hearing is not necessary, the Court will rule on the motion and advise the parties by email.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 5 | Motions

If the Court determines a matter is not an emergency, it will inform the parties by email.

(iii) If the Court determines that the matter is not an emergency the Court will inform the parties by email response.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 5 | Motions

Court-wide rules

Applies court-wide

These 118 rules apply across Circuit Court of Cook County. Where this judge's own standing orders above address the same topic, the judge's requirement controls.

Communication

All 59
  • Contact
    Email

    Questions, comments, or concerns about the eFileIL e-filing system should be directed to Tyler Technologies at efiling.support@tylertech.com.

  • Contact
    Email to chambers

    Courtesy copies for Judge Daniel R. Degnan must be submitted via email to daniel.degnan@cookcountyil.gov.

  • Contact
    Phone to chambers
    Phone
    (312) 603-5943

    Judge Daniel R. Degnan's chambers phone number is (312) 603-5943.

Filing Timing

All 12
  • Deadline
    60 calendar days

    Attorney fee petitions for court-appointed attorneys must be filed within 60 days after final order or 6 months after service/cost, whichever is earlier.

  • Deadline
    2 business days

    Guardianship agreed order requests must be filed and submitted 2-5 business days prior to the scheduled court date.

  • Deadline
    2 business days

    Guardians must email annual reports and guardian training certificates in PDF format, one email per case, 2-5 business days prior to assigned court date.

Filing Requirements

All 11
  • Applies to
    Complaint
    Must include
    caption

    Chancery Division complaints must include specific caption designations based on the relief sought.

  • Applies to
    Motion
    Must include
    caption

    Motions to correct errors in criminal cases must be in writing, accompanied by affidavit, and notice must be served on the prosecution.

  • Applies to
    Complaint
    Must include
    caption

    All initiating papers must include the court name and department/division/district in the caption; small claims complaints must be endorsed 'Small Claims'.

E-Filing

All 9
  • Applies to
    Civil case filing

    E-filing is mandatory for all Cook County civil cases through the eFileIL system as of July 1, 2018, except Quasi-Criminal, Housing, and Wills cases.

  • Applies to
    Verified status report

    Attorneys must e-file a verified status report via Odyssey system before submitting decedent's estate agreed order requests.

  • Attorneys must maintain accurate email address in Odyssey e-filing system and be filed as attorney of record to receive entered orders via email.

About Judge Michael F. Otto

Michael F. Otto is a judge on the Circuit Court of Cook County, serving in the Law Division. The Law Division handles civil litigation, including complex cases and jury trials.

This judge's published procedures include a standing order for Calendar R in the Law Division, dated February 1, 2024.

Common questions about Judge Michael F. Otto's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Michael F. Otto?

Courtesy-copy rule applies for motions. Details: delivery no later than march 15 2024. For fully-briefed motions pending as of February 1, 2024, the movant must submit a paper courtesy copy set by March 15, 2024, including all briefs, tabbed exhibits, transcripts, orders, case management order, and a cover letter listing trial and other future dates, or the motion may be deemed abandoned.

View ruleSource: page 2, section 2.a

Does Judge Michael F. Otto require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

Judge Michael F. Otto's rules set a pre-motion procedure for routine motions. If a party objects to a routine motion, the movant must spindle it for presentment or may notice it to be piggy-backed to an upcoming hearing or status date.

View ruleSource: page 4, section Motions

What page or word limits apply to brief before Judge Michael F. Otto?

Judge Michael F. Otto's rule states these limits: 15 pages; 15 pages; 7 pages. Excludes exhibits. Briefs are limited to 15 pages for initial/opposition and 7 pages for reply, excluding exhibits, unless leave of court is granted.

What page or word limits apply to pre trial memorandum before Judge Michael F. Otto?

Judge Michael F. Otto's rule states these limits: 5 pages. Pre-trial memoranda are limited to five pages or fewer.

View ruleSource: page 6, section 5. Pre-Trial Conferences

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Michael F. Otto?

Judge Michael F. Otto's formatting rule includes 12 point type, double spacing, margins top 1 inches, bottom 1 inches, left 1 inches, right 1 inches, and numbered pages. All briefs must be double-spaced, pagan-numbered, typed in 12-point font, and have 1-inch margins.

What must be included with dismissal order filings before Judge Michael F. Otto?

The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. Dismissal orders must strike future court dates in Calendar R only and must not include language striking Courtroom 2005 dates.

What must be included with motion filings before Judge Michael F. Otto?

The rule requires proposed order. Every motion must include a proposed mandatory order; otherwise it will not be ruled on.

How may parties contact Judge Michael F. Otto's chambers?

The rule addresses email communications with Judge Michael F. Otto's chambers. The rule lists email Law.CalRcc@cookcountyil.gov. All communications with the Court must be emailed to the Calendar R email address, must copy all parties who have appeared, and are limited to proposed agreed orders, routine or agreed motions, courtesy copies for fully-briefed motions, and court-permitted communications.

View ruleSource: page 1, section 1.c

Does Judge Michael F. Otto require motion papers to be bundled?

Yes. Judge Michael F. Otto requires bundling for covered papers. Parties must not submit courtesy copies of contested-motion briefs until all briefing is complete.

Is electronic filing required before Judge Michael F. Otto?

No. Electronic filing is prohibited for the covered filings. Wrongful death, survival, and minor-injury dismissal orders may not be handled as routine or agreed submit, dismissal of such matters goes through Section 4 petitions to approve settlement.

What filing deadlines does Judge Michael F. Otto set?

Contested motions must be scheduled for initial present at least 3 court days in advance.

What rule applies to serving the opposing party before Judge Michael F. Otto?

The rule addresses service method, recipient, or timing requirements. Details: recipient: the opposing party. The movant must give opposing parties notice under circuit court rules.

View ruleSource: page 5, section Motions
Complete rules summary for Judge Michael F. Otto

All communications with the Court must be emailed to the Calendar R email address, must copy all parties who have appeared, and are limited to proposed agreed orders, routine or agreed motions, courtesy copies for fully-briefed motions, and court-permitted communications.

For fully-briefed motions pending as of February 1, 2024, the movant must submit a paper courtesy copy set by March 15, 2024, including all briefs, tabbed exhibits, transcripts, orders, case management order, and a cover letter listing trial and other future dates, or the motion may be deemed abandoned.

Routine motions marked agreed may be submitted by email (copying all parties) or at a scheduled case management conference.

At present all parties be prepared to argue the motion; a briefing schedule is not guaranteed, particularly for non-dispositive motions.

For a motion attacking a defensive pleading, the chamber's courtesy copy must include the underlying pleading.

Dismissal orders must strike future court dates in Calendar R only and must not include language striking Courtroom 2005 dates.

Wrongful death, survival, and minor-injury dismissal orders may not be handled as routine or agreed submit, dismissal of such matters goes through Section 4 petitions to approve settlement.

If any party objects to a routine motion, the movant must spindle the motion and put it on for presentment under paragraph 2(b).

Every motion must include a proposed mandatory order; otherwise it will not be ruled on.

Contested motions must be non-submitted through the Odyssey system to obtain a presentment date, unless piggy-backed onto a previously scheduled court date with notice and a courtesy copy.

Piggy-backing a motion requires proper notice to all parties and a courtesy copy to the court.

Contested motions must be scheduled for initial present at least 3 court days in advance.

Parties must not submit courtesy copies of contested-motion briefs until all briefing is complete.

All briefs must be double-spaced, pagan-numbered, typed in 12-point font, and have 1-inch margins.

Briefs are limited to 15 pages for initial/opposition and 7 pages for reply, excluding exhibits, unless leave of court is granted.

A complete courtesy-copy set must be sent electronically to the Calendar R email and another physical set delivered to Room 2208.

Courtecopysets must include the brief and any exhibits.

Case law should not be provided with the courtesy copy unless it is unavailable through any format of LEXIS.

Deposition transcripts in courtesy copies must be in mini-script format, four pages per side.

Motions to strike briefs, or portions of briefs, are decided together with the underlying motion.

Emergency motions with a proposed order must be submitted by 10:00 AM by email and must include an introductory paragraph stating the grounds for the emergency.

Emergency motions must be submitted no later than 10:00 AM.

The movant filing an emergency motion must have an appearance of record on file.

Parties must submit only one copy of each exhibit, pleading, or deposition with a courtesy-copy set.

The movant must provide notice to all other parties when presenting an emergency motion.

The initial case management conference is scheduled 60 days after the Complaint is filed, with notice sent to all parties of record.

Litigants must use the official Motion Calendar Section Case Management Order forms for Category 1 and Category 2 case types.

Attorneys must present all prior case management orders to the judge at every case management conference.

Interim case management conferences must be conducted in person.

Settlement petitions must be presented to the court in hard copy as unfiled petitions in the Courtroom 2208 basket, and must not be filed until court approval.

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