Judge Gabriel A. Fuentes
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Document Limits
Courtesy Copies
Brief, Exhibits
Binding: Securely Bound
Exhibit Binder
- 2 copies • Chambers Drop Off • With Final Pretrial Order
Adjournments
- The parties must comply with the settlement-conference and mediation-statement schedule; changes or withdrawal require a request and court order, and exigent circumstances should be raised promptly with the Court.
- Counsel are encouraged to raise scheduling issues arising from health or family commitments.
Request must include
Communication
Chambers
Phone
Chambers
Page & Word Limits8 rules
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important
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).
Mediation Statement
5 pages
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
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.
Summary: Motions in limine limited to 15 pages per party (total, not per motion); responses also limited to 15 pages per party.
Motion In Limine
15 pages
Applies to: Attorney
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
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.
Summary: Case statement limited to 1-2 paragraphs covering case nature, claims, and defenses.
Case Statement
2 pages
Applies to: Attorney
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
For each witness, provide a very concise (two or three sentences maximum) description of the witness and the witness’s role in the case.
Summary: Witness descriptions limited to two or three sentences maximum.
Structured details unavailable. See the source text.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
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.
Summary: Written juror questionnaire limited to two pages.
Juror Questionnaire
2 pages
Applies to: Attorney
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
Exhibits are limited to a total of 25 pages.
Summary: Exhibits accompanying mediation statements are limited to 25 pages total.
Exhibits
25 pages
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
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.
Summary: Each side limited to 15 proposed disputed voir dire questions unless good cause shown.
Structured details unavailable. See the source text.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?
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).
Summary: 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.
Brief
Document Format Requirements10 rules
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Settlement conferences will be held in person at the Dirksen Courthouse unless the Court orders otherwise.
The format of settlement conferences will be in person at the Dirksen Courthouse unless otherwise ordered.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important
Mediation statements should use single spacing and 12-point type, and counsel should not manipulate formatting to evade the page limit.
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).
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Note
The Court currently prefers in-person hearings.
The Court's current preference is for in-person hearings, which offer more opportunities for the Court and counsel to pick up on non-verbal cues and to know when a party or counsel wants to be heard further.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
As with the fact statements submitted under Local Rules 56.1(a)(3) and 56.1(b)(3)(C), the responses to those fact statements must refrain from argument.
Summary: Responses to summary-judgment fact statements must refrain from argument.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
All responses to statements of undisputed material facts offered by the opposing party under Local Rule 56.1(b)(3)(B), or responses to statements of additional facts offered by the moving party under Local Rule 56.1(a), shall be in a format similar to that used in answering a complaint: that is, the response must repeat each numbered paragraph of the fact statement, and then immediately following each numbered statement must state whether the alleged fact is "undisputed" or "disputed."
Summary: Responses to summary-judgment fact statements must repeat each numbered paragraph and immediately label the alleged fact disputed or undisputed.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
All statements of undisputed material facts offered by the moving party under Local Rule 56.1(a)(3) or statements of additional facts offered by the opposing party under Local Rule 56.1(b)(3)(C), must list the facts in short, numbered paragraphs that refrain from argument.
Summary: Moving-party undisputed facts and opposing-party additional facts must be stated in short, numbered paragraphs without argument.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
With regard to creating and naming the electronic versions of the exhibits, the parties must use the exhibit-file format and exhibit-naming convention for the Jury Evidence Recording System (JERS).
Summary: Electronic exhibits must use JERS format and naming convention.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
Any variations or additions that the parties wish to make must be submitted in writing, in the format and under the schedule set forth in the Court's Standing Order on Preparation of Final Pretrial Order and Other Trial Preparation Materials.
Summary: Variations or additions to the standard voir dire questions must be submitted in writing and follow the format and schedule in the referenced Standing Order.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?
The Court reminds parties that the fact statements under Local Rule 56.1(a)(3) and Local Rule 56.1(b)(3)(C) "shall consist of short numbered paragraphs."
Summary: Local Rule 56.1 fact statements must consist of short numbered paragraphs.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Note?
Ideally, any exhibit in /pdf format will have undergone Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and be text-searchable.
Summary: PDF exhibits should be OCR-processed and text-searchable.
Document Filing Requirements29 rules
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
When settlement is likely to depend in whole or in part on financial matters, mediation statements must include a concrete monetary proposal.
The parties' mediation statements must contain a concrete monetary proposal, where settlement is likely to turn in whole or in part on financial matters, as most settlements do.
Document Type
Mediation Statement
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
In applicable matters, if the client has received or will receive Medicare conditional payments for treatment related to the case, counsel must bring a Medicare conditional pay letter to the settlement conference.
In applicable matters, please consider whether your client has received or will be receiving conditional payments from Medicare to pay for treatment related to this case. If so, you must bring a conditional pay letter from Medicare to the settlement conference.
Document Type
Settlement Conference
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
For discovery disputes, bare emails do not suffice; the required certification must detail the in-person or remote conference or explain why it could not occur through no fault of the movant.
Bare emails to resolve discovery disputes are not enough, and the required certification must state the details of the in-person or remote conference that was had, or state why through no fault of the movant, the conference could not be had.
Document Type
Discovery Motion
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Same-day hearings must be transcribed by the retained private court reporter, and the transcript must be prepared and filed on an expedited basis.
All same-day hearings shall be conducted on the record as transcribed by the retained private court reporter, with the hearing transcript prepared and filed on an expedited basis to ensure public access.
Document Type
Hearing Transcript
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
A discovery motion must identify the time, manner, and participants in the Local Rule 37.2 conference.
Nor does a motion comply with the rule if it does not identify the time, manner and persons who participated in the Local Rule 37.2 conference.
Document Type
Discovery Motion
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important
For an agreed or unopposed motion, the movant should file it with a title identifying it as agreed or unopposed.
For agreed or unopposed motions, the movant should file the motion and indicate in the title that it is agreed or unopposed.
Document Type
Motion
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important
The Court prefers strict compliance with Local Rules 56.1(a) and (b) when briefing summary judgment motions.
In the event a litigant decides that a summary judgment motion is appropriate, the Court prefers strict compliance with Local Rules 56.1(a) and 56.1(b) in the briefing of all summary judgment motions.
Document Type
Brief
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important
Privilege logs should identify the listed participants, dates, document type and Bates numbers, privilege asserted, and sufficiently detailed subject matter.
Any privilege log should be detailed enough to enable other parties to assess the applicability of the privilege asserted, and should include: (1) the name and capacity of each individual from whom or to whom a document and any attachments were sent (including which persons are lawyers); (2) the date of the document and any attachments; (3) the type of document; (4) the Bates numbers of the documents, (5) the nature of the privilege asserted; and (6) a description of the subject matter in sufficient detail to determine if legal advice was sought or revealed, or if the document constitutes work product.
Document Type
Privilege Log
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Note
At the initial hearing, parties should be prepared to discuss phased discovery as a way to assess whether they may wish to pursue an earlier settlement conference.
At the initial hearing, the parties also should be prepared to address whether they have considered, or will consider, phased discovery aimed at determining whether they mutually might wish to engage in a settlement conference sooner rather than later.
Document Type
Initial Status Hearing
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Note
For a joint status report ordered to address identified issues during case management, the parties may limit the report to those issues.
Where the Court orders a joint status report to address identified issues during the Court's ongoing management of a case, the parties may limit their report to those identified issues.
Document Type
Joint Status Report
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Note
When a recent status report is already on file, the Court will rely on it and will not require another report.
If a recent status report is on file, the Court will not require an additional report and will rely on the previously filed report.
Document Type
Status Report
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
A list by each side of all exhibits the party will definitely use at trial, including the following: (a) the exhibit number or letter for each document; (b) the date of the document; (c) a brief description of the document; (d) whether there is an objection to admission of the document and, if so, a concise statement of the basis for the objection (e.g., Rule 402—relevance; Rule 403—undue prejudice or confusion); and (e) a concise statement of the asserted basis of admissibility, if there is an objection.
Summary: Exhibit lists must include exhibit number, date, description, objections, and admissibility basis.
Document Type
Final Pretrial Order
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Separate lists for plaintiff and defendant providing the names of witnesses, including expert witnesses, divided into the following three categories: (a) witnesses who will be called to testify at trial; (b) witnesses who may be called to testify at trial; and (c) witnesses whose testimony a party will present by deposition or other prior testimony (indicating whether the presentation will be by reading a transcript or playing a video).
Summary: Witness lists must categorize witnesses into three groups: will call, may call, and deposition testimony.
Document Type
Final Pretrial Order
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
A list of the attorneys trying the case, including business addresses and telephone numbers. A list of the names of all people who will be sitting at counsel table, including parties, consultants, legal and technical assistants, etc., should also be provided.
Summary: Trial attorneys and counsel table attendees must be listed with contact information.
Document Type
Final Pretrial Order
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
Generally, the Court requires strict compliance with Local Rule 37.2, which movants should read carefully.
Summary: Movants are expected to comply strictly with Local Rule 37.2.
Document Type
Discovery Motion
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
Local Rule 37.2 provides that the Court shall not hear a discovery dispute unless the movant certifies that it has complied with the rule.
Summary: A movant must certify Local Rule 37.2 compliance for the Court to hear a discovery dispute.
Document Type
Discovery Motion
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
Each numbered fact statement must contain a specific citation to affidavits, depositions or other materials that support the fact statement, as well as to the tab(s) in the compendium where those materials may be found.
Summary: Each numbered fact statement must cite supporting materials and the compendium tabs where they appear.
Document Type
Brief
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
If a particular fact assertion is "disputed" in whole or in part, the response must state what part of the assertion is disputed and must contain a specific citation to the supporting affidavits, depositions or other materials as well as to the tab(s) in the compendium where those materials may be found.
Summary: A response disputing any part of a fact assertion must identify the disputed part and cite supporting materials and compendium tabs.
Document Type
Brief
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
The motions in limine must be briefed as thoroughly as possible (the Court will set a briefing schedule in each case).
Summary: Motions in limine must be thoroughly briefed with court-set schedule.
Document Type
Motion In Limine
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
On the same date as the Joint Pretrial Statement, each party shall file a list of witnesses (and email an MS Word version to Judge Fuentes’s Proposed Order email account), including expert witnesses, divided into (a) witnesses who will be called; and (b) witnesses who might be called.
Summary: Witness lists must be filed same day as Joint Pretrial Statement and emailed to Judge Fuentes in MS Word format.
Document Type
Witness List
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
The parties shall file on the docket a Joint Pretrial Statement with the following items, and also email the complete Statement to Judge Fuentes’s Proposed Order email account in MS Word format:
Summary: Joint Pretrial Statement must be filed on docket and emailed to Judge Fuentes in MS Word format.
Document Type
Joint Pretrial Statement
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Each party must file an exhibit chart on the same date as the Joint Pretrial Statement. The charts must state the following: (a) the exhibit number; (b) the date of the document or exhibit, if applicable; (c) a concise, neutral description of the exhibit; (d) a concise statement of the exhibit’s relevance; and (e) whether there is an objection to the exhibit’s admission, and if so, a concise explanation of the objection.
Summary: Exhibit charts must be filed same day as Joint Pretrial Statement with specific required elements.
Document Type
Exhibit Chart
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?
The Court does not require trial briefs in jury trials. Parties who wish to file a trial brief must seek leave of the Court to do so.
Summary: Trial briefs are not required but may be filed with leave of court.
Document Type
Trial Brief
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?
Non-monetary aspects of a settlement proposal should also be included where relevant and material.
Summary: Mediation statements should include non-monetary settlement terms when relevant and material.
Document Type
Mediation Statement
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?
That said, counsel otherwise and ordinarily are expected to appear at all court hearings.
Summary: Counsel are ordinarily expected to appear at all court hearings, subject to the stated accommodation for telephonic participation.
Document Type
Court Hearing
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?
These concerns should be raised in the parties' briefs.
Summary: Concerns about Local Rule 56.1 facts should be raised in the parties' briefs.
Document Type
Brief
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Note?
There is no need to list every conceivable exhibit that can possibly be used. The parties should submit a list of trial exhibits they definitely intend to introduce.
Summary: Only exhibits definitely intended for trial need to be listed.
Document Type
Final Pretrial Order
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Note?
The estimated number of trial days, including jury selection, and the number of jurors the parties recommend be selected (subject to Rule 48(a)). Typically, each side will be allowed three peremptory challenges. The Court presumptively seats an eight-person jury, with all eight jurors deliberating, for trials of five days or less, or when otherwise appropriate.
Summary: Eight-person jury presumptively seated for trials of five days or less; three peremptory challenges per side.
Document Type
Final Pretrial Order
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Note?
Where the Court orders an initial joint status report upon referral, the report is requested to contain the below information, included here as guidance.
Summary: An initial joint status report ordered upon referral is requested to include the information listed in the appendix, which is provided as guidance.
Document Type
Joint Status Report
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Mediation statements are confidential, subject to Federal Rule of Evidence 408, and must not be filed on the public docket.
These statements are confidential and subject to Federal Rule of Evidence 408, and they are not to be filed on the public docket.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 3 | MEDIATION STATEMENTS
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
A mediation schedule usually sets the plaintiff's proposal due 21 days before the settlement conference and the defendant's proposal due 10 days before, but these are general dates.
If a mediation schedule is to be set, usually it will include the settlement conference as well as dates for an exchange of mediation statements, generally with plaintiff's proposal due 21 days before the date chosen for the settlement conference, and with the defendant's proposal due 10 days before.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 2 | MEDIATION STATEMENTS
The Court may adjust the general mediation-statement deadlines.
The Court is flexible about these dates.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 2 | MEDIATION STATEMENTS
Courtesy Copy Requirements
Two copies of exhibit binder required with final pretrial order.
As part of the final pretrial order, the parties must provide the Court with two copies of an exhibit binder containing all exhibits on the respective parties’ lists.
Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases
If court staff requests a summary-judgment compendium courtesy copy, it must be securely bound, separately tabbed, indexed, and include the CM/ECF header.
A courtesy copy of the memorandum of law, depositions and other materials relied upon in support of the motion (as required by Local Rule 56.1(a)(1)-(3) or in opposition to the ===== PAGE 14 ===== motion (as required by Local Rule 56.1(b)(1)-(3)) may be requested by court staff. If so, the courtesy copy of the compendium must be securely bound, must separately tab each document, and must contain an index identifying what document is contained under each tab. It must also have the CM/ECF header.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 13 | Summary Judgment Motions
Filing Bundling Requirements
Multiple motions in limine and responses should be filed as single documents.
Parties filing multiple motions in limine should file their initial motions and the supporting exhibits as one document for the Court. Responses to motions in limine should also be filed in one document.
Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases
Page 2 | II. Motions in Limine
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
The Court strongly prefers in-person settlement conferences and permits remote participation only in hardship cases or other exceptional circumstances.
The Court's current strong preference is for in-person settlement conferences, with remote participation allowed only in hardship cases or other exceptional circumstances.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 2 | INITIAL PRE-SETTLEMENT TELEPHONIC CONFERENCE
The second pre-settlement telephonic conference generally occurs after all mediation statements are submitted and before the settlement conference.
The second pre-settlement telephonic conference will generally take place after all mediation statements are in but before the settlement conference.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 3 | SECOND PRE-SETTLEMENT TELEPHONIC CONFERENCE
Parties should not notice discovery motions for presentation or hearing when filing them.
The Court has continued its practice, adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic, of not having parties notice their discovery motions for presentation or for motion hearing at the time of filing of the motion.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 2 | Motion Practice Guidelines
For complex issues requiring briefing, the Court may order additional briefing and either decide the motion on the papers or hold a hearing after briefing is complete.
If the Court's review of the motion indicates that it raises more complex issues that will not lend themselves to a fair airing at a motion hearing without additional briefing, the Court may order additional briefing and may decide the motion on the papers or set the motion for a hearing after briefing is completed.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 3 | Motion Practice Guidelines
If a motion cannot be heard reasonably promptly, the Court may order prompt additional briefing and decide it on the papers.
If the motion cannot be heard reasonably promptly, the Court may order prompt additional briefing and decide the motion on the papers.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 3 | Motion Practice Guidelines
The Court may deny a motion promptly without a hearing or additional briefing.
discretion, the Court may deny the motion promptly without a hearing and without any further briefing.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 3 | Motion Practice Guidelines
For a referral that includes discovery supervision, the magistrate judge is likely to order a prompt, in-person initial status hearing on a floating status call date.
Upon a district court referral including discovery supervision, the magistrate judge is likely to order a prompt, in-person, initial status hearing on a floating status call date.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 3 | New Referral Procedures and Guidelines – Discovery Supervision
After a hearing, the Court may order additional briefing if it determines briefing is necessary before deciding the motion.
If a hearing is held and the Court is persuaded that additional briefing is necessary before a decision, the Court may order additional briefing.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 3 | Motion Practice Guidelines
For a contested motion with grounds for relief and a straightforward disputed issue, the Court may order a prompt hearing with oral argument and no further briefing.
If the contested motion states grounds for relief and the Court deems the disputed issue straightforward, the Court may order a prompt hearing with oral argument and no further briefing, so that the parties may present their positions more efficiently and inexpensively simply by appearing for a brief motion hearing.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 3 | Motion Practice Guidelines
The Court ordinarily will not schedule a settlement conference until all parties express a wish to participate; when the referral also includes discovery supervision, discovery usually continues until all parties wish to negotiate.
The Court ordinarily will not seek to schedule a settlement conference unless and until all parties have stated that they wish to participate in a settlement conference, and where the referral also includes discovery supervision, discovery usually will proceed until all parties wish to attempt to negotiate a resolution.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 4 | New Referral Procedures and Guidelines -- Settlement
After the parties mutually agree to a settlement conference and notify court staff, or upon a requested express settlement referral, the Court will promptly schedule a telephonic pre-settlement conference to confirm interest and readiness.
Once the parties mutually agree that they wish to engage in a settlement conference and have so advised court staff, or upon a referral for the express purpose of a settlement conference at the parties’ request, the Court promptly will schedule a pre-settlement telephonic conference to confirm mutual interest and readiness for a settlement conference (including whether the
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 4 | New Referral Procedures and Guidelines -- Settlement
The Court ordinarily will not stay discovery during settlement discussions unless mediation or settlement is scheduled or the Court is persuaded the discussions are serious or advanced.
The Court will not ordinarily stay discovery pending settlement discussions unless a mediation or settlement is scheduled, or unless the Court otherwise is persuaded of the serious or advanced nature of settlement discussions.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 4 | New Referral Procedures and Guidelines -- Settlement
The Court has no standing hearing dates for discovery motions and independently decides whether a hearing is necessary.
The Court has not set aside standing dates and times for the hearing of discovery motions because the Court's practice is to determine on its own whether a hearing is even necessary, and the Court continually keeps its weekly calendar open for settlement conferences at the parties' convenience.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 2 | Motion Practice Guidelines
The Court may decide whether to order a reply.
The Court may or may not order a reply.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 3 | Motion Practice Guidelines
The Court will decide summary judgment motions in matters before the magistrate judge on consent.
The Court will decide summary judgment motions in matters before the magistrate judge on consent.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 13 | Summary Judgment Motions
The Court may decide a discovery dispute without Local Rule 37.2 compliance when requiring compliance may be futile or inefficient.
Nonetheless, in some cases, the Court may exercise its discretion in favor of deciding a discovery dispute where requiring Local Rule 37.2 compliance may be futile, or where doing so may be inefficient.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 13 | Local Rule 37.2 Compliance
Motions to strike or to deem Local Rule 56.1 facts admitted are disfavored.
Motions to strike or to have Local Rule 56.1 statement of facts deemed admitted are disfavored.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 14 | Summary Judgment Motions
Meet and confer required before filing motions in limine; unopposed motions should be described in final pretrial order.
The parties are directed to meet and confer on all motions in limine before filing them and determine which motions, if any, are unopposed and do not need to be filed. Unopposed motions in limine should be briefly described in the final pretrial order.
Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases
Page 2 | II. Motions in Limine
Replies to motions in limine are not permitted unless ordered by the Court.
No replies should be filed unless ordered by the Court.
Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases
Page 2 | II. Motions in Limine
After required conferral, the movant should file a contested motion without noticing a hearing date.
For contested motions, after required conferral, the movant should file the motion without noticing it for a hearing date.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 2 | Motion Practice Guidelines
A contested motion that does not strictly comply with Rule 37.2 may be denied without prejudice.
If the contested motion does not comply strictly with Rule 37.2 (all counsel are advised to review that rule carefully), the motion may be denied without prejudice.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 2 | Motion Practice Guidelines
The Court may deny relief on a contested motion that states no grounds for relief or seeks relief plainly unwarranted under the circumstances.
If the Court determines that the contested motion does not state grounds for relief, or that the requested relief is plainly unwarranted under the circumstances of the case at that time and in the Court's substantial
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 2 | Motion Practice Guidelines
The Court usually directs parties to confer about discovery scheduling before the initial status hearing.
The Court usually will direct the parties to confer in advance of the hearing about discovery scheduling.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 3 | New Referral Procedures and Guidelines – Discovery Supervision
The Court ordinarily will not initially adjust a schedule entered by the district court, but may do so on oral motion at the initial status hearing for good cause.
In the event that the district court already has entered a schedule, the Court ordinarily will not adjust it initially, except perhaps on oral motion at the initial status hearing and for good cause.
We could not find this wording in the court's document. Open the source before relying on it. · Civil cases
Page 4 | New Referral Procedures and Guidelines – Discovery Supervision
The Court prefers that parties first attempt to resolve deposition disputes under Local Rule 37.2 and present unresolved disputes by motion.
The Court generally prefers that parties resolve their deposition disputes consistent with Local Rule 37.2 and then present the dispute to the Court by motion if the dispute cannot be resolved.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 8 | Depositions — Resolving disputes
A motion that does not comply with Local Rule 37.2 risks denial without prejudice.
But filing a motion not in compliance with Local Rule 37.2 risks having the motion denied without prejudice.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 13 | Local Rule 37.2 Compliance
An unanswered email without a requested face-to-face or telephone conference does not satisfy Local Rule 37.2.
The Court does not consider an unanswered email, where no face-to-face or telephonic conference was requested, to be in compliance with the local rule.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 13 | Local Rule 37.2 Compliance
After referral, if the parties indicate they are prepared to participate in settlement, the Court usually schedules a telephonic pre-settlement conference.
Upon a referral for settlement, when the parties have indicated that they are prepared to participate in a settlement conference with the magistrate judge, the Court usually will schedule a telephonic pre-settlement conference.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 1 | INITIAL PRE-SETTLEMENT TELEPHONIC CONFERENCE
The Court will promptly review contested motions and determine how to proceed.
The Court will review the motion promptly, and one of the following scenarios will occur:
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 2 | Motion Practice Guidelines
Most agreed or unopposed motions will be granted promptly without a hearing.
Most of these motions will be granted promptly without a hearing.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 2 | Motion Practice Guidelines
If the Court has a question about an agreed or unopposed motion, it will schedule a hearing when available.
If the Court has a question, the Court will schedule a hearing at a date and time when the Court is available.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 2 | Motion Practice Guidelines
At the initial status hearing, the Court will entertain oral motions concerning an agreed or contested discovery schedule or other relief if the parties conferred in advance or already addressed proposed scheduling.
In that event, or if the parties already have addressed proposed discovery scheduling, the Court will entertain oral motions to enter an agreed or contested discovery schedule or for other relief.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 3 | New Referral Procedures and Guidelines – Discovery Supervision
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
Counsel are encouraged to raise scheduling issues arising from health or family commitments.
Counsel should not hesitate to raise scheduling issues arising from health or family commitments, as the Court views those issues as important.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 3 | Motion Practice Guidelines
The parties must comply with the settlement-conference and mediation-statement schedule; changes or withdrawal require a request and court order, and exigent circumstances should be raised promptly with the Court.
The Court must insist on strict compliance with the settlement conference and mediation statement exchange schedule, as this schedule has been set with the needs of other litigants and the Court's limited resources in mind. Once the Parties commit to a schedule, that schedule will become part of a Court order, and relief from that order – including amending the mediation statement due dates or postponing the conference itself – must come through a request and an order from the Court. If such changes (or even withdrawal from a settlement conference) should become necessary as a result of exigent circumstances, the Parties should contact the Court promptly about rescheduling the conference.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 3 | MEDIATION STATEMENTS
Exchange voir dire questions 5 business days before due date; confer 2 business days before.
Each side shall provide the other with proposed voir dire questions five business days before the due date of the Joint Pretrial Statement and shall confer by two business days before the due date in order to generate this section of the Statement.
Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Criminal cases
Serve proposed stipulations 5 business days before pretrial conference; responses due 2 business days before.
No later than five business days before the pretrial conference, the parties must serve on each other proposed stipulations. No later than two business days before the pretrial conference, the parties must serve on each other their responses to the proposed stipulations.
Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Criminal cases
Exchange exhibit charts 10 business days before deadline; return with objections 5 business days before.
Because of the need to work together to create the charts (because of the objection column), the parties must exchange their respective proposed exhibit charts 10 business days before the deadline for filing the charts, and the objecting side must return the chart with the objection column filled in five business days before the deadline.
Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Criminal cases
Chambers Communication Rules
The Court lists a chambers telephone number.
Telephone: (312) 435-7570
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026
Page 1 | MAGISTRATE JUDGE GABRIEL A. FUENTES
Counsel must jointly contact the Court at the official number provided by the courtroom deputy for the brief, off-the-record initial conference, which concerns settlement only.
At this relatively brief initial conference, which is about settlement only and is off the record, the Court will have counsel for the parties contact the Court ===== PAGE 2 ===== jointly at the Court's official number provided to them by the courtroom deputy.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 1 | INITIAL PRE-SETTLEMENT TELEPHONIC CONFERENCE
Mediation statements are confidential and must be submitted to the Court's settlement correspondence email box and to opposing counsel.
All mediation statements are confidential and are submitted to the Court's settlement correspondence email box, as well as to each party's opposing counsel.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 2 | MEDIATION STATEMENTS
A copy of each mediation statement should be sent to the Court by email at the same time it is sent to the adversary.
A copy should be sent simultaneously to the Court at Settlement_Correspondence_Fuentes@ilnd.uscourts.gov.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 3 | MEDIATION STATEMENTS
Counsel should call each other first and then merge the call into the Court; the Court's number is not a call-in bridge.
That number is not a call-in bridge, as counsel are asked to call each other and then merge in the Court.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 2 | INITIAL PRE-SETTLEMENT TELEPHONIC CONFERENCE
The parties should notify the Court immediately if they reach an agreement before the settlement conference.
They should notify the Court immediately if they reach an agreement before the settlement conference.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 3 | MEDIATION STATEMENTS
The Court will accommodate requests made reasonably in advance for telephonic participation based on substantial expense, medical necessity, or other hardship.
As with motion calls and hearings, the Court will accommodate requests, made reasonably in advance of a scheduled hearing, for telephonic participation based on substantial expense, medical necessity, or other hardship.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 4 | New Referral Procedures and Guidelines – Discovery Supervision
The Court will accommodate reasonably advance requests for telephonic participation based on substantial expense, medical necessity, or other hardship.
The Court will accommodate requests, made reasonably in advance of a scheduled hearing, for telephonic participation based on substantial expense, medical necessity, or other hardship.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 2 | Motion Practice Guidelines
When counsel informs the courtroom deputy of a conflict with a hearing date selected by the Court, the Court commonly accommodates the parties by rescheduling.
If counsel communicates to the courtroom deputy a scheduling conflict with a date the Court selects for a hearing, the Court commonly will accommodate the parties by rescheduling the hearing.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 3 | Motion Practice Guidelines
After a settlement referral, parties may request a settlement conference at any time by contacting the courtroom deputy, and the Court will try to accommodate the request as scheduling allows.
Upon a district court referral including settlement before the parties have requested a settlement conference, the parties will be advised that they may seek to schedule a settlement conference with the magistrate judge at any time by contacting the courtroom deputy, and the Court will do its best to accommodate the request as soon as scheduling allows.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 4 | New Referral Procedures and Guidelines -- Settlement
A party may telephone chambers to request a same-day hearing if the dispute can reasonably be presented briefly and orally.
if the dispute reasonably can be presented briefly and orally, such party is welcome to telephone chambers to request a same-day hearing.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 9 | New Referral Procedures and Guidelines – Discovery Supervision
Junior Lawyer Participation Incentives
The Court encourages, but does not require, parties to foster professional development by giving qualifying attorneys a greater speaking role at motion hearings or settlement conferences; experienced attorneys may supervise as they wish.
The Court continues its practice of encouraging (but not requiring) the parties to foster the professional development of less experienced attorneys or attorney who may have unique experiences, character traits or qualities such as an ability to overcome adversity, including how race may have affected the person's life, "be it through discrimination, inspiration, or otherwise," Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College, 600 U.S. 181, 143 S. Ct. 2141, 2176 (2023). Parties at their discretion may do so by permitting such attorneys a greater speaking role at motion hearings or settlement conferences, and in that event, the Court will permit more experienced attorneys to supervise to the full extent they wish.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 16 | Professional Development of Attorneys