Judge Jeffrey I. Cummings
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Document Limits
Courtesy Copies
Courtesy copies
Exhibits
- Chambers Drop Off • Shortly Before Trial
Binding: Tabbed Three Ring
Proposed Voir Dire, Jury Instructions
- Chambers Drop Off
Settlement Letter
- Not required
Adjournments
- Settlement conferences can only be rescheduled by court order with 14-day advance written motion and supporting affidavit.
Communication
Phone
Chambers
Phone
Clerk
Fax
Chambers
Video Conferencing
Chambers
Page & Word Limits4 rules
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Trial briefs are limited to 10 pages and must be filed unless the Court waives filing; the Court may grant prior leave for more pages.
Trial briefs are limited to ten (10) pages unless prior leave of Court is obtained and shall be filed unless waived by the Court.
Trial Brief
10 pages
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Motions in limine and opposition responses are each limited to five pages unless the Court grants prior leave.
Motions in limine and responses in opposition are limited to five (5) pages unless prior leave of Court is obtained.
Motion In Limine
5 pages
Opposition
5 pages
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?
At least five business days prior to the initial status hearing in this case, please file a joint Initial Status Report for New Case, not to exceed five pages, containing the following information:
Summary: The joint Initial Status Report must not exceed five pages.
Initial Status Report
5 pages
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Each of these letters should be six pages or fewer, exclusive of exhibits unless prior leave of Court is sought.
Summary: Settlement letters limited to 6 pages (excluding exhibits).
Settlement Letter
6 pages
Applies to: Attorney
Document Format Requirements1 rule
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
The proposed final Pretrial Order and its courtesy copies must be tabbed and contain the required items listed by the Court.
The proposed final Pretrial Order (including the Court’s courtesy copies) must be appropriately tabbed, and must include the following items.
Document Filing Requirements50 rules
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
The proposed final Pretrial Order must include the jurisdiction statement, trial-attorney contact list, and concise joint case statement with the specified information.
1. Jurisdiction - A statement of the basis alleged for the Court’s jurisdiction and, if jurisdiction is disputed, the nature and basis of the dispute. 2. Trial Attorneys – A list of the attorneys trying the case that includes their business and cell phone numbers and email addresses. 3. Case Statement - A concise joint statement of the case, which includes the names of the parties and the attorneys who will be representing them at trial; the nature of the case; and the claims, counterclaims and cross-claims asserted by the parties.
Document Type
Pretrial Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
The parties must jointly prepare a proposed Pretrial Order before trial.
In advance of trial, the Court will require the parties to jointly prepare a proposed Pretrial Order.
Document Type
Pretrial Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
The proposed Pretrial Order must include a concise numbered list of contested factual or legal issues and a statement of any party stipulations.
4. Contested Issues – A concise, numbered list of contested issues of fact and/or law. 5. Stipulations - A statement of any stipulations reached by the parties.
Document Type
Pretrial Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
For each witness whose testimony will be presented by deposition or other prior testimony, the Pretrial Order must include a chart identifying the proposed testimony by page and line, objections and supporting citations, and the asserted basis for admissibility with citations.
For witnesses who will be presented by deposition or other prior testimony, the Pretrial Order must include for each such witness a chart containing the following information: (a) the testimony that each side seeks to present, by page and line; (b) a concise statement of objections to any testimony and the basis for the objection with appropriate citations to evidentiary rules or case law; and (c) a concise statement of the asserted basis of admissibility with appropriate citations to evidentiary rules or case law.
Document Type
Pretrial Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
An unlisted witness may not testify absent good cause, except that a party may call necessary rebuttal witnesses who are not presently identifiable as such.
Any witness not listed in the Pretrial Order will be precluded from testifying absent a showing a good cause, except that each party reserves the right to call such rebuttal witnesses (who are not presently identifiable as rebuttal witnesses) as may be necessary.
Document Type
Pretrial Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
The Pretrial Order must state all objections to calling witnesses and their reasons; omitted objections are waived absent good cause.
All objections to the calling of any witnesses, and the reasons for the objections, must be stated in the Pretrial Order. Objections not made in the Pretrial Order will be deemed waived absent a showing of good cause.
Document Type
Pretrial Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Parties must submit highlighted deposition transcripts with the Pretrial Order for every witness presented by deposition.
parties must also submit with the Pretrial Order highlighted deposition transcripts for each witness who will be presented by deposition.
Document Type
Pretrial Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
A party displaying an exhibit to the jury must provide enough copies for all jurors or use an enlargement or projection.
If an exhibit is to be displayed to the jury, the party intending to display the exhibit must make sufficient copies for all jurors or must use an enlargement or projection of the exhibit.
Document Type
Exhibit
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
The Pretrial Order’s joint-exhibit list must include each exhibit’s JX number, document date, and brief description.
A list of any joint exhibits, which states: (a) the exhibit number for the document (preceded by “JX”); (b) the date of the document; and (c) a brief description of the document.
Document Type
Pretrial Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
An exhibit not listed in the Pretrial Order will be excluded unless good cause is shown.
Any exhibit not listed in the Pretrial Order will be excluded from evidence absent a showing of good cause.
Document Type
Pretrial Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
An objection omitted from the Pretrial Order is waived unless good cause is shown.
Objections not made in the Pretrial Order will be deemed waived absent a showing of good cause.
Document Type
Pretrial Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Each motion in limine must include a statement confirming conferral and that the opposing party intends to offer the evidence the movant seeks to exclude.
Accordingly, any motion in limine must be accompanied by a statement that the party has conferred with the opposing party and has determined that the matter upon which a ruling is sought is actually in dispute – that is, the opposing party actually intends to offer evidence that the movant seeks to exclude.
Document Type
Motion In Limine
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Under the Court’s pretrial schedule, the parties must jointly file a document containing each party’s additional proposed voir dire questions and any objections to other parties’ proposed questions.
Pursuant to the pretrial schedule set by the Court, the parties must file a joint document that includes: (a) each party’s proposed additional voir dire questions, and (b) each party’s objections, if any, to the voir dire questions proposed by other parties.
Document Type
Proposed Voir Dire
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
The joint jury-instruction document must include objections or requests concerning standard preliminary instructions and all proposed preliminary instructions.
The parties’ joint document shall set forth any objections to the standard instructions, or any requests for different or additional preliminary instructions. The joint document must set forth all proposed preliminary instructions.
Document Type
Jury Instructions
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Each proposed instruction must show its number, proponent, and agreed-or-disputed status at the top, and supporting legal authority at the bottom.
Each proposed instruction must be identified at the top of the page by number, and must indicate the proponent of the instruction and whether the instruction is agreed or disputed (e.g., “Agreed Plaintiff’s Proposed Preliminary Instruction No. __”; “Defendant’s Disputed Proposed Final Instruction No. __”). The bottom of each instruction must identify the legal authority supporting that instruction.
Document Type
Jury Instructions
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
The parties must jointly file all agreed and proposed jury instructions no later than 7 calendar days before trial.
By no later than seven (7) calendar days before trial, the parties must file a joint document setting forth all agreed and proposed jury instructions as follows:
Document Type
Jury Instructions
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
For a disputed instruction, concise objection grounds and any proposed alternative must appear on the immediately following page; the proponent may state supporting reasons on the next page.
If an instruction is disputed, the grounds for the objection (and any proposed modification or alternate instruction) must be concisely stated on the page immediately following the disputed instruction; on the next immediate page, the party proposing the instruction may state concisely the reasons supporting the instruction as proposed.
Document Type
Jury Instructions
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
The joint document must include proposed closing instructions in the parties’ proposed order and state any objections or requests to vary standard final instructions.
The joint document must set forth all instructions that the parties propose to be given at the close of trial, arranged in the order that the parties propose they be given. The Court uses certain standard final instructions, which are available on the Court’s website. Any objections to those standard instructions and any requests for variation to those instructions should be set forth in this portion of the submission.
Document Type
Jury Instructions
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important
The Court will set case-specific deadlines for submitting the proposed final Pretrial Order and filing motions in limine, responses, proposed jury instructions, and proposed voir dire questions.
In each particular case, the Court will set the date on which the proposed final Pretrial Order is to be submitted, as well as deadlines for filing motions in limine, responses thereto, proposed jury instructions and proposed voir dire questions.
Document Type
Pretrial Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important
Deposition transcripts will not be provided to the jury during deliberations.
Deposition transcripts will not be provided to the jury during deliberations.
Document Type
Deposition Transcript
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important
Objections or additions to the juror questionnaire must be filed by the Court’s pretrial deadlines.
Any objections or additions to the questionnaire shall be filed in accordance with the pretrial deadlines set by the Court.
Document Type
Juror Questionnaire Objections
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important
For a bench trial, proposed findings and conclusions must be filed separately rather than included in the proposed final Pretrial Order, following the Court’s deadlines.
In a bench trial, proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law are not to be included in the proposed final Pretrial Order but are to be separately filed in accordance with the deadlines set by the Court.
Document Type
Proposed Findings Conclusions
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Note
For an objection covered by a motion in limine or Daubert motion, the Pretrial Order may refer to the motion without repeating its grounds.
If the objection is the subject of a motion in limine or Daubert motion, the Pretrial Order may simply refer to the motion and it need not repeat the grounds stated in the motion.
Document Type
Pretrial Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Note
If conferral produces agreement that matters are inadmissible, the parties should memorialize it in a stipulation for the Court in the Pretrial Order or at the final pretrial conference.
If the meet-and-confer process results in agreement that certain matters are inadmissible, that agreement should be memorialized in a stipulation to be provided to the Court in the Pretrial Order (see paragraph 5 above) or at the final pretrial conference.
Document Type
Stipulation
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Important?
At least five business days prior to the initial status hearing in this case, please file a joint Initial Status Report for New Case, not to exceed five pages, containing the following information:
Summary: The parties must jointly file an Initial Status Report containing the required information: nature of the case, jurisdiction, service of process status, pending motions, case plan, and consent/settlement discussions.
Document Type
Initial Status Report
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Important?
to complete service of process on all defendants, then counsel must describe the efforts to perfect service to date, and provide an estimate for completion of service consistent with Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 4.
Summary: If service has not yet been completed on all defendants, counsel must describe in the Initial Status Report the efforts to perfect service to date and provide an estimated completion date consistent with FRCP 4.
Document Type
Initial Status Report
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
The following should be filed five business days before the conference, unless otherwise indicated:
Summary: Pretrial submissions due five business days before conference.
Document Type
Pretrial Submission
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
At least three weeks before a criminal trial, the parties will be scheduled to appear for a pretrial conference. The Defendant(s) must be present for the conference unless their presence is personally waived at a prior court proceeding.
Summary: Criminal defendants must attend pretrial conference unless personally waived.
Document Type
Pretrial Conference
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
At least one week before the pretrial conference, the parties must provide the court with two sets of exhibit binders containing copies of the objected-to representative exhibits.
Summary: Two sets of exhibit binders with objected-to exhibits due one week before pretrial conference.
Document Type
Exhibit Binder
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
After the pretrial conference and rulings on exhibits, two binders of the final exhibits will be required to be given to the Court no later than the day before trial.
Summary: Two binders of final exhibits due day before trial.
Document Type
Final Exhibit Binder
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
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.
Summary: Parties must meet and confer on motions in limine before filing.
Document Type
Motion In Limine
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
The parties are instructed to meet and attempt to agree on jury instructions and to file proposed instructions before the final pre-trial conference.
Summary: Parties must meet and confer on jury instructions before pretrial conference.
Document Type
Jury Instructions
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Unless otherwise ordered, all motions in limine must be filed three weeks before the final pre-trial conference. Responses are due one week before the final pre-trial conference. No replies should be filed unless ordered by the Court.
Summary: Motions in limine due three weeks before pretrial conference; responses due one week before.
Document Type
Motion In Limine
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Before the trial begins, provide copies of all exhibits to opposing counsel, to the Court and for use by witnesses. In a jury trial, prepare exhibit books for each juror or alternatively, use enlarged or projected copies. All exhibits should be marked in advance and ruled upon at the final pretrial conference.
Summary: All exhibits must be provided to opposing counsel, Court, and witnesses before trial.
Document Type
Trial
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Counsel shall disclose the identity of trial witnesses no less than one day before the beginning of the trial day in which counsel expect to call the witnesses.
Summary: Witness identity must be disclosed at least one day before trial day.
Document Type
Trial
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
All expert witnesses who will or may be called must be included on the witness list. No more than one expert will be permitted to testify on a subject for any party. In the event that any party identifies more than one expert witness, a brief statement of the topic of each expert’s testimony must be provided.
Summary: The witness list must include all experts who will or may testify; each party may have no more than one expert testify on a subject, and parties identifying multiple experts must briefly state each expert’s testimony topic.
Document Type
Pretrial Order
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
6. Witness Lists - Separate lists for plaintiff and defendant providing the names and addresses of witnesses, including experts, 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 will be presented by deposition or other prior testimony (indicating whether the presentation will be by transcript or video).
Summary: The Pretrial Order must contain separate plaintiff and defendant witness lists with names and addresses, grouped into the three specified categories and identifying transcript or video presentation where applicable.
Document Type
Pretrial Order
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
For each witness, provide a concise (two or three sentence maximum) description of the witness and the witness’ role in the case.
Summary: The Pretrial Order must provide a description of each witness and the witness’s role, limited to two or three sentences.
Document Type
Pretrial Order
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
Separate lists of plaintiff’s and defendant’s exhibits, which each state: (a) the exhibit number for the document (preceded by “PX” for plaintiff’s exhibits and “DX” for defendant’s exhibits); (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; and (e) a concise statement of the asserted basis of admissibility.
Summary: Separate plaintiff and defendant exhibit lists must give exhibit numbers, dates, descriptions, objections and their bases, and asserted admissibility bases.
Document Type
Pretrial Order
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
Trial briefs are intended to provide a full and complete disclosure of the parties’ respective theories of the case. Accordingly, each trial brief shall set forth the party’s theory of liability or defense, the party’s theory of damages or other relief in the event liability is established, and the party’s theory of any anticipated motion for judgment as a matter of law. The trial brief shall also include citations to authorities to support each theory stated in the brief.
Summary: Each trial brief must disclose the party’s theories of liability or defense, damages or other relief, anticipated judgment-as-a-matter-of-law motions, and supporting legal authorities.
Document Type
Trial Brief
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
The cover document: (a) must recite that each of the foregoing categories of materials is included, (b) after that recitation, must state that “This Order will control the course of the trial and may not be amended except by consent of the parties, or by order of the Court to prevent manifest injustice,” and (c) must include the electronic signatures of counsel for each of the parties and provide a space for the signature of the Court.
Summary: The cover document must recite the included material categories, include the specified controlling-order language, bear counsel’s electronic signatures, and provide space for the Court’s signature.
Document Type
Proposed Pretrial Order
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Counsel are required to provide copies of the settlement letters to their clients to read prior to the conference.
Summary: Counsel must provide settlement letters to clients before conference.
Document Type
Settlement Letter
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
In the joint status report on settlement, the parties should address the following issues: (1) whether the parties have the necessary information to conduct meaningful settlement discussions; (2) the earliest anticipated date when all parties will be ready to participate in a productive settlement conference and the parties mutually available dates for a remote settlement conference in the months specified in the Court’s minute order requesting the status report; (3) any circumstances that would warrant an expedited conference; (4) whether the parties have engaged in previous settlement discussions and the current status of those discussions; (5) the individuals who will be present at the settlement conference on behalf of their respective parties, consistent with the requirements of this Order; and (6) whether there are outstanding lien holders or third parties who must provide information or should participate in the settlement conference.
Summary: Joint status report must address 6 specific settlement issues.
Document Type
Joint Status Report
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
The plaintiff’s counsel’s settlement letter must set forth the following information: (a) a brief summary of the evidence and legal principles that plaintiff asserts will allow it
Summary: Plaintiff’s settlement letter must include summary of evidence and legal principles.
Document Type
Settlement Letter
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Settlement conferences are more likely to be productive if, before the conference, the parties have had a written exchange of their settlement positions. Accordingly, Judge Cummings will set a schedule for the exchange of pre-conference when scheduling the settlement conference. Each party shall email a copy of its letter to Judge Cummings’ chambers on the same day that it is provided to opposing counsel. The subject line of the email shall include the case name, case number, and the date of the settlement conference. The email address for the submission of settlement letters to the Court is Settlement_Correspondence_Cummings@ilnd.uscourts.gov. These letters are not electronically filed on the court docket.
Summary: Pre-conference settlement letters must be emailed to chambers on same day as opposing counsel.
Document Type
Settlement Letter
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Upon agreement by the parties and the Court to proceed with a settlement conference before this Court instead of the assigned Magistrate Judge, Judge Cummings will enter a minute order requesting the submission of a joint status report on settlement to this Court’s settlement correspondence mailbox (Settlement_Correspondence_Cummings@ilnd.uscourts.gov) within 14 days.
Summary: Joint status report on settlement required within 14 days of minute order.
Document Type
Joint Status Report
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Note?
(xiii) The Court permits interim statements if appropriate due to the length of the trial.
Summary: Interim statements permitted for lengthy trials.
Document Type
Trial Procedure
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Note?
(xii) Upon completion of a witness’s testimony in civil trials, jurors are permitted to submit written questions for the witness in accordance with procedures to be discussed at the Final Pretrial Conference. Such questioning by the jurors will also be permitted in criminal trials if all parties agree. The government and defense counsel should discuss this issue with the Court at the Final Pre-trial Conference.
Summary: Juror questions allowed in civil trials; in criminal trials only if all parties agree.
Document Type
Final Pretrial Order
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Note?
In a jury case, this statement will be read to the jury during voir dire.
Summary: In jury cases, the case statement in the proposed Pretrial Order will be read to the jury during voir dire.
Document Type
Pretrial Order
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Note?
In a jury case, these lists will be read to the jury during voir dire.
Summary: In jury cases, the witness lists will be read to the jury during voir dire.
Document Type
Pretrial Order
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Motions in limine must be electronically filed separately on CM/ECF.
The actual motions in limine are not to be bound with the proposed final Pretrial Order, but must be electronically filed separately on the CM/ECF system in accordance with the deadlines set by the Court.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 4 | THE PROPOSED FINAL PRETRIAL ORDER
The proposed Pretrial Order should be filed on CM/ECF with a cover page containing the case caption and specified title.
The Pretrial Order should be filed on the CM/ECF system with a cover page with the case caption and the title PROPOSED FINAL PRETRIAL ORDER.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 5 | THE PROPOSED FINAL PRETRIAL ORDER
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
Plaintiff’s counsel must prepare the initial Pretrial Order draft and provide it to defendant’s counsel at least 21 days before the Pretrial Order is due.
Plaintiff’s counsel has the responsibility to prepare the initial draft of the Pretrial Order and must provide a draft to defendant’s counsel no later than twenty-one (21) days before the date the Pretrial Order is due.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 4 | INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPILING THE FINAL PRETRIAL ORDER
If the Court has not set another briefing schedule, motions in limine are due at least 21 days before the Pretrial Order and responses are due at least 14 days before it.
If no briefing schedule has otherwise been set by the Court, motions in limine shall be filed no later than twenty-one (21) days before the Pretrial Order is to be filed and responses shall be filed no later than fourteen (14) days before the Pretrial Order is to be filed.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 4 | THE PROPOSED FINAL PRETRIAL ORDER
Defendant’s counsel must provide a written response at least 14 days before the Pretrial Order is due, including objections, changes, additions, and defendant’s portions of the draft.
Defendant’s counsel must respond in writing to plaintiff’s draft by no later than fourteen (14) days before the Pretrial Order is due, including any objections, changes, and additions to plaintiff’s draft, as well as defendant’s portions of the draft Pretrial Order (e.g., defendant’s witness list, exhibit list, and objections to exhibits and deposition or other prior testimony listed by plaintiff).
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 4 | INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPILING THE FINAL PRETRIAL ORDER
The final Pretrial Order must not be filed on CM/ECF until the Court has approved and signed it.
The final Pretrial Order will not be filed on CM/ECF until it is approved and signed by the Court.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 5 | THE PROPOSED FINAL PRETRIAL ORDER
Daubert challenges are not motions in limine and must follow the applicable schedule for those motions.
Please note that motions challenging the admissibility of expert testimony under Daubert v. Merrell Lynch Dow Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 509 U.S. 579 (1993), are not deemed motions in limine and must be filed in accordance with the applicable schedule for such motions.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 4 | THE PROPOSED FINAL PRETRIAL ORDER
The joint Initial Status Report must be filed at least five business days before the initial status hearing.
At least five business days prior to the initial status hearing in this case, please file a joint Initial Status Report for New Case, not to exceed five pages, containing the following information:
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases
Page 1 | Initial Status Report for New Case (preamble)
If any jurisdictional information provided in the Initial Status Report changes, a supplement to the statement of the basis for federal jurisdiction must be filed within 14 days of the change.
NOTE 2: A supplement to the statement of the basis for federal jurisdiction shall be filed within 14 days of any change in the information provided in the Initial Status Report.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases
Page 1 | II. Jurisdiction (NOTE 2)
Objections to the preliminary jury instructions and requests for variation must be brought to the Court's attention at or before the final pretrial conference.
Objections to any of these instructions, and any requests for variation, should be brought to the Court’s attention at or before the final pretrial conference.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases
Page 1 | Standard Preliminary Jury Instructions-Civil
Service and Proof of Service Rules
Defendant’s counsel must serve plaintiff’s counsel, at least 14 calendar days before trial, a document identifying agreed and disputed instructions with dispute grounds and any modified or additional proposed instructions.
By no later than fourteen (14) calendar days before trial, defendant’s counsel must serve on plaintiff’s counsel a document setting forth: (a) which of plaintiff’s proposed instructions are agreed, (b) which of plaintiff’s proposed instructions are disputed (and the basis for any dispute), and (c) any modified or additional instructions proposed by defendant’s counsel.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 6 | OTHER MATERIALS TO BE FILED BEFORE TRIAL
Unless the Court orders a different schedule, plaintiff’s counsel must serve proposed jury instructions on defendant’s counsel at least 21 calendar days before trial.
Absent an order of the Court setting a different schedule, by no later than twenty-one (21) calendar days before trial, plaintiff’s counsel must serve on defendant’s counsel a set of proposed jury instructions.
We could not find this wording in the court's document. Open the source before relying on it. · Civil cases
Page 6 | OTHER MATERIALS TO BE FILED BEFORE TRIAL
Courtesy Copy Requirements
In a jury trial, additional proposed voir dire questions and jury instructions must be filed separately from the proposed final Pretrial Order, with courtesy copies delivered to chambers.
In a jury trial, additional proposed voir dire questions and jury instructions are not to be included in the proposed final Pretrial Order, but are to be separately filed with courtesy copies delivered to chambers.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 5 | OTHER MATERIALS TO BE FILED BEFORE TRIAL
Courtesy copies of trial-related materials are not required unless the Court specifically orders them.
Courtesy copies of trial-related materials are not required unless specifically ordered by the Court.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 7 | COURTESY COPIES
Parties must prepare tabbed exhibit binders and deliver them to Chambers shortly before trial.
The Court will require the parties to prepare tabbed exhibit binders and deliver them to Chambers shortly before the trial date.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 3 | THE PROPOSED FINAL PRETRIAL ORDER
Courtesy copies not required for settlement letters.
Courtesy copies are not required unless otherwise requested by the Court.
Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases
Page 3 | B. SETTLEMENT CONFERENCE PREPARATION
Filing Bundling Requirements
Motions in limine must not be bound with the proposed final Pretrial Order and must be filed separately through CM/ECF by Court-set deadlines.
The actual motions in limine are not to be bound with the proposed final Pretrial Order, but must be electronically filed separately on the CM/ECF system in accordance with the deadlines set by the Court.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 4 | THE PROPOSED FINAL PRETRIAL ORDER
Multiple motions in limine should be filed in one document.
Parties filing multiple motions in limine should submit their initial motions and the supporting exhibits in one document for the Court.
Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Criminal cases
Page 2 | I. Final Pretrial Submissions
Responses to motions in limine should be filed in one document.
Responses to motions in limine should also be submitted in one document.
Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Criminal cases
Page 2 | I. Final Pretrial Submissions
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
The parties must comply with Local Rule 37.2 before filing any motion, including a motion in limine.
The parties are reminded that the Court’s Case Management Procedures require compliance with Local Rule 37.2 before filing any motions, including motions in limine.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 4 | THE PROPOSED FINAL PRETRIAL ORDER
The parties must meet and confer under FRCP 26(f) and conduct a planning conference before filing the joint Initial Status Report.
The parties are directed to meet pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 26(f) and conduct a planning conference.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases
Page 1 | Initial Status Report for New Case (preamble)
The parties must meet and confer at least seven days before the Pretrial Order is due to discuss their drafts and seek agreement where possible.
The parties must meet and confer by no later than seven (7) days before the Pretrial Order is due to discuss their respective drafts and to reach agreement to the extent possible.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 4 | INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPILING THE FINAL PRETRIAL ORDER
Counsel for both sides must meet and confer to try to resolve instruction disagreements no later than 10 calendar days before trial.
By no later than ten (10) calendar days before trial, plaintiff’s counsel and defendant’s counsel must meet and confer to attempt to resolve any disagreements about instructions.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 6 | OTHER MATERIALS TO BE FILED BEFORE TRIAL
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
Settlement conferences can only be rescheduled by court order with 14-day advance written motion and supporting affidavit.
No conference, once scheduled, shall be rescheduled except by court order pursuant to written motion made and noticed not less than 14 days in advance of the conference. The motion shall fully explain the reasons for the requested extension and be supported by an affidavit/declaration justifying the need for the continuance.
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No recess requests before cross-examination; proceed immediately unless natural recess timing.
(xi) Do not ask for a recess before cross-examination. If the direct examination should end at about the time the court would recess anyway, e.g., lunch time, a recess will be taken. Otherwise, be prepared to commence cross-examination immediately upon conclusion of the direct.
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Telephonic rescheduling requests for settlement conferences are not allowed except in exigent circumstances.
Telephonic requests to reschedule a settlement conference will not be entertained in the absence of exigent circumstances.
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Chambers Communication Rules
Chambers can be reached by telephone at (312) 435-5630.
Courtroom 1219 Telephone: (312) 435-5630
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Page 1 | Standard Preliminary Jury Instructions-Civil
Chambers can be reached by fax at (312) 777-3810.
Chambers 1278 Fax: (312) 777-3810
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Page 1 | Standard Preliminary Jury Instructions-Civil
The Courtroom Deputy (Chez Chambers) can be reached by telephone at (312) 435-6051.
Courtroom Deputy – Chez Chambers Room 1218 Telephone: (312) 435-6051
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Page 1 | Standard Preliminary Jury Instructions-Civil
No contact with jurors after trial without court permission.
(xiv) Counsel are not permitted to contact jurors after trial without permission of the Court.
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No contact with jury after verdict without court permission.
22. talking to jury after verdict
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No speaking objections; only brief objections like irrelevant, asked and answered, hearsay.
21. no speaking objections, unless requested; just – irrelevant, asked and answered, hearsay
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Counsel may approach witnesses without permission.
20. can always approach witness without permission
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Settlement conferences conducted remotely via video conferencing unless otherwise ordered.
Unless otherwise ordered, all settlement conferences will be conducted remotely via video conferencing.
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