Judge John J. Tharp Jr.
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Document Limits
Courtesy Copies
All filings
- 1 copy • Within One Business Day
Electronic Document Requiring Judges Signature
- Promptly
Motion To Extend Mediation Deadline
- 1 copy • Upon Filing
Adjournments
- A motion to extend the mediation deadline must detail the supporting considerations, state whether the other parties concur or object, and be accompanied by a proposed order setting a new mediation deadline.
- Draft pretrial-order submission deadlines will not be extended unless circumstances beyond counsel’s control justify an extension; a busy schedule does not qualify.
- Pretrial order due dates will not be extended for busy schedules.
Request must include
- A request to be excused from in-person mediation attendance requires a showing of extraordinary hardship and must be submitted by motion no fewer than 15 calendar days before the mediation, with a copy supplied to the mediator.
Communication
Phone
Chambers
Page & Word Limits1 rule
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?
The statements must be concise, no more than five pages in length
Summary: Mediation statements must be concise and no more than five pages in length.
Mediation Statement
5 pages
Document Format Requirements5 rules
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?
A document is in "Compatible Format" if it is in Portable Document Format (PDF) created by Adobe Acrobat or another similar and compatible program, or in such other format as the Clerk of the Court may designate and post on the Court Web Site.
Summary: Documents filed electronically must be in PDF format (or another format designated by the Clerk of the Court).
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?
Individual documents filed electronically must not exceed 35 megabyes in size. Any document that exceeds the 35 megable limit must be broken into multiple PDF files. The 35 megabyte limitation applies to each individual component of the filing. For example, if a motion is filed with three related exhibits as attachments in one entry, each of the four files may be up to 35 megabytes in size. There is no limit to the aggregate total for multiple attachments within one filing.
Summary: Each electronic file must not exceed 35 megabytes; larger documents must be broken into multiple PDF files, with the 35 megabyte limit applying to each individual component and no aggregate limit for multiple attachments within one entry.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Important?
Each document filed electronically must be titled using one of the categories contained in ECF.
Summary: Each electronically filed document must be titled using one of the categories contained in ECF.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Important?
Each exhibit or attachment must be filed as a separate document within the same entry.
Summary: Each exhibit or attachment must be filed as a separate document within the same ECF entry.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Important?
All electronic documents must be submitted in Compatible Format.
Summary: All electronically filed documents must be submitted in Compatible Format.
Document Filing Requirements22 rules
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
For civil bench trials before Judge Tharp, the parties must jointly prepare and docket a proposed pretrial order by the date set by the Court in advance of trial.
In all civil bench trials scheduled before Judge Tharp, the Court will set the date in advance of trial by which the parties shall jointly prepare and file, on the docket, a proposed pretrial order.
Document Type
Pretrial Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
All motions in limine must be filed with the pretrial order.
7. Motions In Limine: All motions in limine must be filed with the pretrial order.
Document Type
Pretrial Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
The proposed pretrial order must include a list of all trial exhibits, with each document’s exhibit number, date, brief description, and any admission objections.
5. Exhibit Lists: A list of all trial exhibits (including demonstratives, summaries or other specially prepared exhibits), which includes the following: (a) the exhibit number for each document; (b) the date of the document; (c) a brief description of the document; and (d) any objections to the admission of such document.
Document Type
Pretrial Order
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?
In order to assist the court in determining whether or not placing a case on the short civil trial calendar might be inappropriate, counsel will include in the final pretrial order form information concerning the anticipated circumstances of the trial that might impact scheduling.
Summary: Counsel must include in the final pretrial order form information concerning the anticipated circumstances of the trial that might impact scheduling.
Document Type
Final Pretrial Order
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?
The person filing the petition for withdrawal of reference, report and recommendation, appeal, motion for leave to appeal, or application for a writ shall complete the designation sheet required by LR 3.1 and shall include on the sheet a list of any associated bankruptcy cases, adversary proceedings, non-core proceedings, appeals or motions for leave to appeal, or application for a writ from such proceedings previously assigned to one or more district judges.
Summary: A person filing a petition for withdrawal of reference, report and recommendation, appeal, motion for leave to appeal, or writ application must complete the LR 3.1 designation sheet listing all associated matters previously assigned to district judges.
Document Type
Designation Sheet
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?
The motion for relatedness shall include a listing of the dates and times of filing of each of the matters which movant is asking to be found related.
Summary: A motion for relatedness must include a listing of the filing dates and times of each matter the movant asks to be found related.
Document Type
Motion For Relatedness
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?
Parties shall consent to proceed before a magistrate judge by filing a joint statement of consent. See LR 73.1(c).
Summary: Consent to proceed before a magistrate judge must be filed as a joint statement of consent.
Document Type
Joint Statement Of Consent
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?
In cases brought for judicial review under the Social Security Act, the Memorandum Opinion and Order shall not identify the non-government party by using his or her full name. The non-government party shall be named and referred to by using his or her full first name and the first initial of the last name. All parties shall follow the requirements of Local Rule 8.1.
Summary: In Social Security Act judicial review cases, memorandum opinions and orders must refer to the non-government party by full first name and last initial rather than the full name, consistent with Local Rule 8.1.
Document Type
Memorandum Opinion And Order
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?
The party seeking relief must demonstrate that mediation would not be likely to deliver benefits to the parties sufficient to justify the resources consumed by its use and/or would impose an undue hardship upon the moving party and/or would unnecessarily increase litigation costs.
Summary: A motion for relief from court-ordered mediation must demonstrate that mediation would not deliver sufficient benefits, would impose an undue hardship, and/or would unnecessarily increase litigation costs.
Document Type
Motion For Relief From Mediation Referral
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?
Unless otherwise ordered, and no later than the date specified in the case management order, the parties, through their attorneys, must e-file with the court a certification indicating: (a) each has read the Local Rules and pamphlet governing the court's mediation program; (b) the attorneys have discussed with their respective clients the available dispute resolution options provided by the court and private entities; (c) an estimate of the fees and costs that would be associated with litigation of the matter, through trial, has been given to the client; and (d) When applicable, the mediator has been selected by the parties and the date of mediation or the other method of ADR selected is identified. This certification may be contained in the body of the CMO.
Summary: Unless otherwise ordered, parties must file an ADR certification confirming counsel read the mediation-program materials, discussed ADR options with clients, provided a litigation fee/cost estimate through trial, and (when applicable) identified the selected mediator and mediation date or other ADR method; the certification may be contained in the body of the CMO.
Document Type
Adr Certification
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?
(3) be accompanied by a proposed order, emailed to the proposed order e-mail, setting forth a new deadline by which the mediation must be held.
Summary: A motion to extend the mediation deadline must be accompanied by a proposed order, emailed to the proposed order e-mail, setting a new mediation deadline.
Document Type
Motion To Extend Mediation Deadline
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?
The motion shall: (1) set forth all considerations that support the request; (3) indicate whether the other party or parties join in or object to the request, and (4) be accompanied by a proposed order.
Summary: The motion to be excused from mediation attendance must set forth all supporting considerations, indicate whether other parties join in or object, and be accompanied by a proposed order.
Document Type
Motion To Be Excused From Mediation
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?
A mediator who perceives a material violation of these ADR Local Rules shall make a written report directly to the ADR Magistrate Judge and contemporaneously provide copies to all counsel and to the Clerk of Court.
Summary: A mediator who perceives a material violation of the ADR Local Rules must make a written report directly to the ADR Magistrate Judge.
Document Type
Mediator Report
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?
A complaint alleging that any person or party, including the mediator, has materially violated any of the ADR Local Rules shall be presented in writing directly to the ADR Magistrate Judge. Such a letter of complaint must be accompanied by a competent declaration.
Summary: A complaint alleging a material violation of the ADR Local Rules must be presented in writing directly to the ADR Magistrate Judge and must be accompanied by a competent declaration.
Document Type
Letter Of Complaint
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?
Within 14 calendar days of the close of each mediation session and on the form Certification of Session provided by the court, the mediator must email a report to ADR@ilnd.uscourts.gov indicating: the date the session was held, whether the case settled in whole or in part, whether any follow-up is scheduled, any stipulations the parties agree may be disclosed, and any other data necessary for the effective management of the program which would not violate expectations of confidentiality.
Summary: The Certification of Session must be on the court-provided form and must state the session date, whether the case settled in whole or part, any scheduled follow-up, disclosable stipulations, and other non-confidential program management data.
Document Type
Certification Of Session
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?
Each document filed electronically must, if possible, indicate that it has been electronically filed. Electronically filed documents must include a signature block and must set forth the name, address, telephone number and the attorney's bar registration nurnber, if applicable. Lr addition, the name of the E-Filer under whose login and password the document is submitted must be appear.
Summary: Electronically filed documents must indicate that they were electronically filed where possible and must include a signature block setting forth the filer's name, address, telephone number, and bar registration number (if applicable).
Document Type
Electronically Filed Document
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Important?
The statements must be concise, no more than five pages in length, and may include any information that may be useful to the mediator and, unless directed otherwise by the mediator: (1) identify, by name and title or status: (A) the person(s) with decision-making authority, who, in addition to counsel, will attend the mediation as representative(s) of the party, and (B) persons connected with a party opponent (including an insurer representative) whose presence might substantially improve the utility of the mediation or the prospects for settlement; (2) describe briefly the substance of the suit, addressing the party’s views of the key liability issues and damages and discussing the key evidence; (3) identify the discovery or motions that promise to contribute most to equipping the parties for meaningful settlement negotiations; (4) describe the history and current status of any settlement negotiations and provide any other information about any interests or considerations not described elsewhere on the statement that might be pertinent to settlement; and (5) include copies of documents likely to make the mediation more productive or to materially advance settlement prospects.
Summary: Unless the mediator directs otherwise, mediation statements must identify decision-makers and party representatives, describe the substance of the suit including liability and damages, identify the most useful discovery or motions, describe the settlement negotiation history, and include documents likely to advance settlement.
Document Type
Mediation Statement
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
The proposed pretrial order must include the following items:
Summary: The proposed pretrial order must include the items specified in the order.
Document Type
Pretrial Order
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Following consultation with the defendant(s), the plaintiff(s) shall prepare and submit the draft pretrial order.
Summary: Plaintiff must prepare and submit draft pretrial order after consulting with defendant.
Document Type
Pretrial Order
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
The draft order must include the following items:
Summary: Pretrial order must include 10 specific items.
Document Type
Pretrial Order
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?
Objections to motions in limine, jury instructions, and proposed voir dire questions MAY BE DEEMED WAIVED if not timely filed.
Summary: Objections to motions in limine, jury instructions, and voir dire questions may be waived if not timely filed.
Document Type
Pretrial Order
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Note?
The Court does not require trial briefs in jury trials. Any party who wishes 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
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Parties, through their attorneys, must e-file the ADR certification with the court unless otherwise ordered.
Unless otherwise ordered, and no later than the date specified in the case management order, the parties, through their attorneys, must e-file with the court a certification
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases
Page 7 | 3-2. ADR Certification.
Requests to extend the mediation deadline must be e-filed to the ADR Magistrate Judge.
Requests for extension of the deadline for conducting a mediation must be e-filed to the ADR Magistrate Judge, with a paper copy to the the mediator (if selected).
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases
Page 9 | 4-5. Request to Extend the Deadline
Mediation statements must not be filed with the court.
(b) Prohibitions against Filing. The statements must not be filed.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases
Page 10 | Prohibitions against Filing
The motion seeking excusal from in-person mediation attendance must be filed electronically, and a copy must be supplied to the mediator.
A person seeking to be excused must submit, no fewer than 15 calendar days before the date set for the mediation, an electronically filed motion and supply a copy to the mediator.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases
Page 11 | (d) Request to be Excused
If a settlement is reached in mediation, the mediator assists the parties in drafting a settlement agreement and stipulation to dismiss within the same 14 days, and the executed documents must be electronically filed with the court.
Within the same 14 calendar days, if a settlement was reached, the mediator shall assist the parties in drafting a settlement agreement and a stipulation to dismiss which, once executed, is then electronically filed with the court.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases
Page 13 | 4-12. Certification of Session
The letter of complaint and accompanying declaration must not be filed in the case.
The letter of complaint and declaration shall not be filed in the case.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases
Page 13 | 4-13. Violation of the ADR Local Rules
The mediator's written report of a material violation must not be filed in the case.
Such report shall not be filed in the case.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases
Page 13 | 4-13. Violation of the ADR Local Rules
All petitions, motions, memoranda of law, and other pleadings or documents in ECF-assigned cases filed after September 30, 2005 must be filed electronically.
Except as expressly provided and in exceptional circumstances preventing an E-Filer from filing electronically, all petitions, motions, memoranda of law, or other pleadings and documents required to be filed with the court after September 30, 2005 in connection with a case assigned to ECF shall be electronically filed.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.
Page 2 | III. Scope of Electronic Filing
All civil, criminal, and admiralty cases are assigned to the ECF electronic filing system except specifically excepted categories of cases.
All civil, criminal, and admiralty cases are assigned to ECF except those categories of cases specifically excepted below.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.
Page 2 | III. Scope of Electronic Filing
Email or fax transmissions to court staff do not constitute a filing.
An email or fax transmission to court staff does not constitute a filing.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.
Page 2 | III. Scope of Electronic Filing
For emergency filings, the filer must bring the paper document to the court.
If the case is an emergency filing, the filer must bring the paper document.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.
Page 3 | III. Scope of Electronic Filing
The order lists special categories of documents (administrative records, state court records in habeas cases, restricted/sealed/in camera documents, ex parte motions, pretrial services and presentence reports, and MLAT applications) that, consistent with the following subsection referring to them as paper-form documents, are not filed electronically.
following categories of documents shall be filed electronically: (a) administrative records; (b) state courtrecords in ahabeas co{pus case; (c) restricted, sealed, or in camera documents; (d) ex parte motions; (e) pretrial services reports and presentence reports; (0 applications pursuant to Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties (MLATs).
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.
Page 3 | III. Scope of Electronic Filing
Login and password use is limited to the E-Filer and specifically authorized agents, and documents filed with the password are deemed authorized and signed by the E-Filer, who is responsible for associated charges.
Use of the login and password is limited to the E-Filer and agents specifically authorized by the E-Filer. The E-Filer shall be responsible for all applicable charges associated with use of the E-Filer's password, and any documents filed by use of the password shall be deemed authorized and signed by the E-Filer.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.
Page 4 | IV. Eligibility, Registration, and Passwords
Parties in custody may not register as E-Filers, and an E-Filer placed in custody during the action must promptly advise the Clerk to terminate the registration.
Parties who are in custody are not permitted to register as E-Filers. Iq dr.rring the course of the action, aparty who is registered as an E-Filer is placed in custody, the E-Filer shall promptly advise the Clerk of the Court to terminate the E-Filer's registration as an E-Filer.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.
Page 4 | IV. Eligibility, Registration, and Passwords
E-Filers must file all documents electronically unless this General Order or the court permits otherwise.
E-Filers must file all documents in electronic form, except where this General Order or the court permits otherwise.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.
Page 6 | VII. Documents, Attachments, and Exhibits
Electronic filing does not override local-rule page limitations: pages of electronic documents must substantially comply with LR 5.2, and absent leave of court the LR 7.1 page limitations apply to briefs filed in electronic form.
Nothing in section VII of this General Order shall override the local rules regarding page limitations on specific types of documents. The pages of electronic documents should substantially comply with the page limitations contained in LR 5.2. Absent leave of court, the page limitations set forth in LR 7.1 applyto briefs filed in elecfronic form.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.
Page 7 | VII (F)(1)
E-Filers must retain paper originals of electronically filed documents requiring another person's signature (e.g., affidavits, declarations) until 4 years after all appeal periods expire.
Documents that are electronically filed and require original signatures other than that of the E-Filer, e.g, affidaits, declarations, must be maintained in paper fonn by the E-Filer until 4 years after all time periods for appeals expire.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.
Page 7 | VIII. Retention Requirements for Documents with Signatures of Persons Other Than E-Filers
An E-Filer's ECF login and password serve as the E-Filer's signature on all electronically filed documents, including for purposes of Fed. R. Civ. P. 11 and any other purpose requiring a signature.
The user login and password required to transmit documents to ECF serve as the E-Filer's signature on all elechonic documents filed with the court. They also serve as a signature for purposes of Fed. R. Civ. P. 11, the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, the local rules of this court, and.any other purpose for which a signature is required in connection with proceedings before the court.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.
Page 7 | IX. Signatures of E-Filers
In ECF cases, documents requiring signatures of more than one party must be e-filed by scanned signatures, represented consent of the other parties, a notice of endorsement filed no later than three court days after filing, or another court-approved manner.
In cases assigned to ECF, documents requiring signatures of more than one party must be electonically filed either by: (1) fransmitting a scanned document containing all necessary signatures; (2) representing the consent of the other parties on the document; (3) identifring on the document the parties whose signatures are required and by the submission of a notice of endorsement by the other parties no later than three court days after filing; or (4) h any other manner approved by the court.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.
Page 8 | IX. Signatures of E-Filers
All E-Filers must maintain a current and active e-mail address to receive Notices of Electronic Filing through ECF.
All E-Filers shall maintain a curre,nt and active e-mail address to receive Notices of Electronic Filing through ECF.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.
Page 8 | X. Service of Documents by Electronic Means
E-Filers may not knowingly allow anyone other than an authorized agent to use their ECF password, and delegated filing by an authorized agent still constitutes the E-Filer's signature.
No E-Filer or other person may knowingly penrrit or cause to permit an E-Filer's password to be used by anyone other than an authorized agent of the E-Filer. Elecfronic filing may be delegated to an authoized agufi, who may use the login and password to transmit a filing. However, use of the login and password to transmit the filing constitutes a signature by the E-Filer, even when the E-Filer does not perform the physical act of filing.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.
Page 8 | IX. Signatures of E-Filers
The Clerk's procedures may not provide for maintaining electronic versions of in camera documents unless the Clerk specifically determines the current version of ECF has adequate security protections.
Those procedures (a) may contain provisions for creating redacted versions of documents and (b) shall not provide for the maintenance of electonic versions of in catilera documents unless the Clerk of the Court specifically determines that the then-current version of ECF contains adequate protections for securing and restricting access to such documents.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.
Page 3 | III. Scope of Electronic Filing
Attorney E-Filer registration requires the applicant's name, address, telephone number, internet e-mail address, and a declaration (with a PACER account required per the continuation on the next page).
Registration shall be in accordance with procedures established by the Clerk of the Court and shall require that the applicant provide his or hetr name, address, telephone number, lnternet e-mail address, and a declaration that the applicant is
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.
Page 3 | IV. Eligibility, Registration, and Passwords
The E-Filer is responsible for maintaining adequate facilities and equipment to participate in ECF, including a current and active e-mail address (sentence continues beyond this chunk).
It is the responsibility of the E-Filer to maintain adequate facilities and equipment to participate in ECF, including maintaining a current and active e-mail
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.
Page 4 | IV. Eligibility, Registration, and Passwords
E-Filers must protect the security of their passwords and immediately notify the Clerk if the password is compromised.
E-Filers agree to protect the security of their passwords. (1) An E-Filer shall immediately notift the Clerk of the Court if he or she leams that the E-Filer's password has been compromised.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.
Page 4 | IV. Eligibility, Registration, and Passwords
Pro se E-Filer registration requires identifying the case and the applicant's contact information and having or obtaining a PACER account.
Registration shall be in accordance with procedures established by the Clerk of the Court and shall require that the applicant identify the action as well as the name, address, telephone number, and Internet e-mail address of the applicant. Registation also requires that the applicant have or obtain an account on the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (,PACER,) system.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.
Page 4 | IV. Eligibility, Registration, and Passwords
E-Filers may be sanctioned for failure to comply with the General Order or ECF procedures established by the Clerk.
E-Filers may be subject to sanctions for failure to comply with the provisions of this General Order or any ECF procedures established by the Clerk of the Court.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.
Page 4 | IV. Eligibility, Registration, and Passwords
When a registered pro se party retains an attorney who appears, the attorney must advise the Clerk to terminate the party's E-Filer registration upon appearance.
If, during the course of the action, the party retains an attomey who appears on the party's behatf, the attomey must advise the C1erk of the Court to terminate the party's regishation as an E-Filer upon the attomey's appearance.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.
Page 4 | IV. Eligibility, Registration, and Passwords
Components that cannot be reduced to electronic format need not be e-filed; they must instead be filed in paper with the Clerk of the Court and served on the parties under the applicable Federal Rules and local rules.
E-Filers may be excused from filing a particular component electonically under certain limited circumstances, such as when the component cannot be reduced to an electronic format. Such component shall not be fi1ed electronically, but instead shall be filed with the Clerk of the Court and served upon the parties in accordance with the applicable Federal Rules of Civil Procedure or Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure and the local rules for filing and service of paper documents.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.
Page 6 | VII. Documents, Attachments, and Exhibits
E-Filers who file a paper component must also file a corresponding notice electronically (source text is cut off mid-sentence).
E-Filers filing a paper component shall file electronically a Notice
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.
Page 6 | VII. Documents, Attachments, and Exhibits
Electronic filers may submit as exhibits or attachments only excerpts of referenced documents that are directly germane to the matter before the court, and excerpted material must be clearly and prominently identified as such.
An E-Filer, unless otherwise inskucted by the court, may submit as exhibits or attachments only those excerpts of the referenced documents that are directly gennane to the matter under consideration by the court. Excerpted material must be clearly and prominently identified as such. E-Filers who file excerpts of documents as exhibits or attachments under this rule do so without prejudice to their right to timely file additional excerpts or the complete document.
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Page 7 | VII (E)
On the court's request, the E-Filer must provide the original paper documents for review.
On request of the court, the E-Filer must provide original documents for review.
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Page 7 | VIII. Retention Requirements for Documents with Signatures of Persons Other Than E-Filers
Parties may electronically file a joint motion for relief from a court-ordered mediation referral.
The parties may e-file a joint motion under this Rule.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases
Page 5 | 2. GENERAL PROVISIONS - Relief from Court Ordered Mediation
The Clerk may establish procedures for creating and storing electronic versions of documents filed in paper form.
As to those documents listed in $ [I(B)(2) and any other documents filed in p4per form, the Clerk of the Court may establish procedures for creating and storing electronic versions of such documents.
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Page 3 | III. Scope of Electronic Filing
Attorneys admitted to the bar of the court (including pro hac vice) and attorneys representing the United States in their official capacity may register as E-Filers.
Attomeys admiued to the bar of this court, including those admiued pro hac vice, arrd attorneys representing the United States in the attorney's ofEcial capacily, may register as E-Filers.
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Page 3 | IV. Eligibility, Registration, and Passwords
After completing registration and/or training, the E-Filer receives notification of login and password from the Clerk.
Once registration and/or training is completed in accordance with procedures e.stablished by the Clerk of the Court, the Clerk of the Court shall provide the E-Filer with notification of the E-Filer's login and password.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.
Page 4 | IV. Eligibility, Registration, and Passwords
A self-represented party to a pending civil action who is not under Executive Committee filing restrictions may register as an E-Filer solely for that case.
A party to a pending civil action who is not rqlresorted by an attomey and who is not under filing restrictions imposed by the Executive Committee of this Court, may register as an E-Filer solely for purposes of the case.
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Page 4 | IV. Eligibility, Registration, and Passwords
The Clerk may require E-Filer applicants to complete online and/or in-person ECF training before receiving full E-Filer access.
The Clerk of the Court may establish registration procedures that require an E-Filer applicant to complete on-line and/or in-person ECF training prior to being provided full access as an E-Filer.
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Page 4 | IV. Eligibility, Registration, and Passwords
Charging documents, arrest warrants and summons, defendant-signature documents, sealed complaints, bonds, letters of request, and other designated or court-ordered documents must not be filed electronically.
The following categories of documents are not to be filed electronically: (a) charging documents in a criminal case, including superseding indictments, superseding informations, and superseding complaints; (b) warrants for arrest and summons in criminal cases; (c) all documents that require the signature of a criminal defendant; (d) sealed complaints; (e) bonds; (f) letters of request; (g) other designated documents in accordance with procedures established by the Clerk of the Court; and (h) documents that the court expressly orders or permits to be filed in paper form.
We could not find this wording in the court's document. Open the source before relying on it.
Page 2 | III. Scope of Electronic Filing
Petty offenses, grand jury matters, sealed cases, and cases expressly ordered out of ECF do not qualify for electronic filing assignment.
The following categories of cases do not qualify to be assigned to ECF: (a) petty offenses; (b) grand jury matters; (c) sealed cases, until a point in the proceedings when the case is unsealed; and (d) any other specific case where the court expressly orders that it not be assigned to ECF, until a point in the proceedings that the court may order otherwise.
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Page 2 | III. Scope of Electronic Filing
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
A party added after a case is transferred to a magistrate judge on consent must consent within 30 days of appearance or the case will be transferred back to the district judge.
If the additional party does not consent to proceed before a magistrate judge within 30 days of appearance, the magistrate judge will transfer the case to the calendar of the district judge to whom the case was previously assigned.
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Page 30 | IOP 20. CONSENTS TO PROCEED BEFORE A MAGISTRATE JUDGE
After an after-hours arrest warrant is granted, the probation officer must forward the original Probation Form 12C to the Clerk of Court for filing by the next business day.
The United States Probation Officer shall forward the original Form 12C to the Clerk of Court the next business day to file the document.
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Page 31 | IOP 21. AFTER-HOURS ARREST WARRANT
A written response setting forth the reasons for the requested deferral must be filed with the chief judge within 14 days after the copy of the clerk's petition was transmitted to the United States attorney.
a written response to the petition setting forth the reasons for the requested deferral must be filed with the chief judge within 14 days of the date the copy of the clerk's petition was transmitted to the United States attorney.
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Page 37
A motion for relief from a court-ordered mediation referral must be filed with the ADR Magistrate Judge within 14 calendar days of the referral.
Any party whose case has been ordered to mediation may file with the ADR Magistrate Judge, within 14 calendar days of court ordered referral, a motion for relief from the court ordered referral.
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Page 5 | 2. GENERAL PROVISIONS - Relief from Court Ordered Mediation
The ADR certification is due no later than the date specified in the case management order, unless otherwise ordered.
Unless otherwise ordered, and no later than the date specified in the case management order, the parties, through their attorneys, must e-file with the court a certification
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Page 7 | 3-2. ADR Certification.
Unless otherwise ordered, the mediation must be held within 60 days after entry of the case management order or the order of referral.
(b) Deadline for Conducting Mediation. Unless otherwise ordered, the mediation must be held within 60 days after entry of the case management order or the order of referral, whichever is appropriate.
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Page 9 | Deadline for Conducting Mediation
Each party must submit a written mediation statement directly to the mediator no later than 10 calendar days before the first mediation session, unless the mediator establishes a different time.
(a) Time for Submission. No later than 10 calendar days before the first mediation session, or in the time established by the mediator, each party must submit directly to the mediator, a written mediation statement. The statement may be transmitted solely to the mediator. Whether the statement will be sent solely to the mediator, or exchanged by the parties, will be determined at the ADR L.R. 4-6 conference.
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Page 10 | Time for Submission
The mediator must email the Certification of Session report to ADR@ilnd.uscourts.gov within 14 calendar days after each mediation session closes.
Within 14 calendar days of the close of each mediation session and on the form Certification of Session provided by the court, the mediator must email a report to ADR@ilnd.uscourts.gov
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Page 13 | 4-12. Certification of Session
A document filed electronically is deemed filed at the date and time stated on the Notice of Electronic Filing, except for documents first filed in paper form and later submitted electronically under Section III(B)(4).
Except in the case of documents first filed in paper form and subsequently submitted elechonically under S III(B)(4), a document filed electronically is deemed filed at the date and time stated on the Notice of Electronic Filing from the court.
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Page 5 | V. Consequences of Electronic Filing
Electronic filing does not alter filing deadlines, and electronic filings must be completed before midnight Central Time in the Northern District of Illinois to be considered timely filed that day.
Filing a document electronically does not alter the filing deadline for that document. Filing must be completed before midnight Cenhal Time in the Northern District of Illinois in order to be considered timely filed that day.
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Page 5 | V. Consequences of Electronic Filing
E-Filers must immediately report ECF connection difficulties and other technical failures to the ECF Help Desk, whose contact information is posted on the Court Web Site.
Any difficulty connecting to ECF and any other technical failure experienced should be immediatelyreported to the ECF Help Desk. The Court Web Site shall provide information as to how to contact the ECF Help Desk.
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Page 9 | XII. Technical Failures
An E-Filer whose filing is untimely due to a technical failure may seek appropriate relief from the court.
An E-Filer whose filing is made untimely as a result of a technical failure may seek appropriate relief from the court.
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Page 9 | XII. Technical Failures
Electronic transmission of a document to ECF together with the court's Notice of Electronic Filing constitutes filing of the document and entry on the docket.
Elechonic transmission of a document to ECF consistent with these rules, together with the transmission of a Notice of Electronic Filing from the court, constitutes filing of the document for all purposes of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, and the local rules of this court, and constitutes entry of the document on the docket kept by the Clerk of the Court under Fed. R. Civ. P. 58 and 79 and Fed. R. Crim. P. 49 and 55.
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Page 5 | V. Consequences of Electronic Filing
Service and Proof of Service Rules
When counsel is assigned to represent a pro se party and the summons and complaint have not yet been served, an order directing service by the U.S. marshal or other appropriate method must accompany the assignment order.
If service of the summons and complaint has not yet been made, an order directing service by the United States marshal or by other appropriate method of service shall accompany the assignment order.
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Page 7 | IOP 08. APPOINTMENT OF PRO BONO ATTORNEYS IN CIVIL CASES
When an after-hours arrest warrant petition is granted, the probation officer must provide a copy of the signed Probation Form 12C to the U.S. Marshals Service as proof of the warrant order.
If the petition is granted, the United States Probation Officer shall provide a copy of the signed Probation Form 12C to the United States Marshals Service as proof of the order issuing the warrant.
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Page 31 | IOP 21. AFTER-HOURS ARREST WARRANT
Registration as an E-Filer constitutes consent to electronic service of all documents under the Federal Rules of Civil and Criminal Procedure, evidenced by an express consent on the registration form.
Regisfuation as an E-Filer constitutes consent to electronic service of all documents as provided in this General Order and in accordance with the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. The Clerk of the Court shall use an electronic and/or paper regisffation form that contains an express consent to service by electronic means in accordance with Fed. R. Civ. P. s(bX2XE) and Fed. R. Crim. P. 49(b).
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Page 4 | IV. Eligibility, Registration, and Passwords
Parties in ECF cases who are neither E-Filers nor represented by an E-Filer and who have not consented to electronic service are entitled to paper copies of electronically filed documents, served in accordance with the Federal Rules and local rules.
Parties to a case assigned to ECF, who are not E-Filers or represented by an E-Filer and who have not otherwise consented to service by electronic means under Fed. R. Civ. P. 5(bX2XD), are entitled to receive a paper copy of any elechonically filed document. Service of such paper copy must be made in accordance with the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, and the local rules of this court.
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Page 8 | X. Service of Documents by Electronic Means
A certificate or affidavit of service (complying with the local rules) must be included with all electronically filed documents whenever service is made on a party who is not an E-Filer or is represented by an E-Filer.
Where service is made as to any party who is not an E-Filer or is represented by an E-Filer, a certificate or affidavit of service must be included with all documents filed electronically. Such certificate or affidavit shall comply with LR
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Page 8 | X. Service of Documents by Electronic Means
Except for sealed documents filed electronically, the ECF-generated Notice of Electronic Filing constitutes service on all E-Filers in the case under Fed. R. Civ. P. 5(b)(2)(E) and Fed. R. Crim. P. 49(d).
Except where sealed documents are filed electronically, subject to the provisions of Fed. R. Civ. P. 5OX3), the Notice of Electronic Filing constitutes service under Fed. R. Civ. P. 5(bX2)(E) and Fed. R. Crim. P. 49O) as to all E-Filers in a case assigned to ECF.
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Page 8 | X. Service of Documents by Electronic Means
The Clerk electronically transmits a Notice of Electronic Filing to all E-Filers immediately upon entry of an order or judgment, and that electronic transmission constitutes official notice under Fed. R. Civ. P. 77(d) and Fed. R. Crim. P. 49(c).
Immediately upon the enty of an order or judgment in a case assigned to ECF, the Clerk of the Court will kansmit to E-Filers in the case, in electronic form, a Notice of Electronic Filing. Elecfronic transmission of the Notice of Electronic Filing constitutes the notice required by Fed. R. Civ. P.77(d) and Fed. R. Crim. p. a9@).
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Page 9 | XI. Notice of Court Orders and Judgments
A claimant seeking payment of registry funds must petition the Court, give notice to the United States attorney, and provide full proof of the right to the funds to obtain an order directing payment.
Any claimant entitled to any such money may, upon petition to the Court and upon notice to the United States attorney and full proof of the right thereto, obtain an order directing payment to him pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §2042.
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Page 38
Mediators must email the executed copy of their oath to the ADR Coordinator.
The mediator is required to email the executed copy of the oath to ADR Coordinator.
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Page 6 | 2-4. Mediators - (c) Oath
The mediator must contemporaneously provide copies of the written violation report to all counsel and to the Clerk of Court.
A mediator who perceives a material violation of these ADR Local Rules shall make a written report directly to the ADR Magistrate Judge and contemporaneously provide copies to all counsel and to the Clerk of Court.
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Page 13 | 4-13. Violation of the ADR Local Rules
Copies of the complaint letter and declaration must be sent contemporaneously to all other parties, the mediator (if identified), and the Clerk of Court.
Copies of the letter of complaint and declaration must be sent contemporaneously to all other parties, the mediator (if identified) and the Clerk of Court.
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Page 13 | 4-13. Violation of the ADR Local Rules
The Clerk must provide paper-form notice of orders and judgments to persons who are not E-Filers or represented by an E-Filer.
The Clerk of the Court must give notice in paper form to a person who is not an E-Filer or represented by an E-Filer in accordance with the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, and the local rules of this court.
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Page 9 | XI. Notice of Court Orders and Judgments
Filing Fees and Waivers
A summons will not be issued until the filing fee is paid by credit card, check, cash, or money order.
Summons will not be issued until the fee is paid by credit card, check, cash, or money order.
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Page 3 | III. Scope of Electronic Filing
If a credit card transaction is invalid or CM/ECF credit card processing is experiencing problems, payment must be made within two business days.
If a credit card transaction is invalid for anyreason or if the credit card processing function in CIWECF is experiencing problems, palar.ent must be made within two business days.
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Page 3 | III. Scope of Electronic Filing
Refunds for inadvertent erroneous or duplicate online fee payments are available upon written request and processed through the electronic credit card system, and repeated fee mistakes may trigger an order to show cause.
The Clerk of Court is hereby granted the authority to authorize refunds upon written request by a party who has inadvertently made erroneous or duplicate payments on line. All approved refunds shall be processed through the elecfronic credit card system. In the event that a particular attomey or law flrm continues to make repeated mistakes when submitting fees and requesting refunds, the Clerk of Court may request that the Court issue an order to show cause why further requests for refunds should be considered.
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Page 3 | III. Scope of Electronic Filing
A registry fee, equal to the amount prescribed by the Judicial Conference based on income earned on the investments, is due and payable on registry funds invested in interest-bearing accounts.
Payment of a registry fee is due and payable on funds held in the Courts' registry and invested in interest-bearing accounts. The fee is equal to the amount prescribed by the Judicial Conference based on the income earned on the invested funds throughout the life of the investments.
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Page 38
Courtesy Copy Requirements
A paper copy of the motion to extend the mediation deadline must be provided to the mediator, if one has been selected.
Requests for extension of the deadline for conducting a mediation must be e-filed to the ADR Magistrate Judge, with a paper copy to the the mediator (if selected).
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Page 9 | 4-5. Request to Extend the Deadline
Where a local rule or court order requires filing or service by a specific time of day to be timely, a courtesy copy must be submitted to the court within one business day.
To the extent local rule or an order of the court requires filing with the court or or served by that time of day to be timely and a courtesy copy submitted to the court within one business day.
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Page 6 | V. Consequences of Electronic Filing
Electronically submitted documents requiring a judge's signature must be promptly delivered to the judge in the form the judge requires.
An E-Filer submitting a document electronically that requires a judge's signature must promptly deliver the document in such form as the judge requires.
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Page 6 | VI. Entry of Court Orders
Sealing & Redaction Procedures
Documents authorized for non-electronic filing under seal must be delivered for filing pursuant to Local Rule 5.8.
Where the court has authorized the non-electronic filing of a document under seal, it is to be delivered for filing pursuant to LR 5.8.
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Page 36 | IOP 30. RESTRICTED DOCUMENTS
The destruction petition, the United States attorney's response, and any related chief judge order are restricted documents by default unless the court orders otherwise.
The petition for leave to destroy the documents, the response of the United States attorney, and any order of the chief judge dealing with the petition and response are, except as otherwise ordered, restricted documents.
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Page 37
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
Draft pretrial-order submission deadlines will not be extended unless circumstances beyond counsel’s control justify an extension; a busy schedule does not qualify.
Due dates for the submission of draft pretrial orders will not be extended absent circumstances beyond counsel’s control; a busy schedule is not such a circumstance.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases
A motion to extend the mediation deadline must detail the supporting considerations, state whether the other parties concur or object, and be accompanied by a proposed order setting a new mediation deadline.
(a) Motion Required. Requests for extension of the deadline for conducting a mediation must be e-filed to the ADR Magistrate Judge, with a paper copy to the the mediator (if selected). (b) Content of Motion. Such motion shall: (1) detail the considerations that support the request; (2) indicate whether the other parties concur in or object to the request; and (3) be accompanied by a proposed order, emailed to the proposed order e-mail, setting forth a new deadline by which the mediation must be held.
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Page 9 | 4-5. Request to Extend the Deadline
A request to be excused from in-person mediation attendance requires a showing of extraordinary hardship and must be submitted by motion no fewer than 15 calendar days before the mediation, with a copy supplied to the mediator.
A person who is required to attend mediation may be excused from attending in person only after a showing that personal attendance would impose an extraordinary or otherwise unjustifiable hardship. A person seeking to be excused must submit, no fewer than 15 calendar days before the date set for the mediation, an electronically filed motion and supply a copy to the mediator.
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Page 11 | (d) Request to be Excused
Pretrial order due dates will not be extended for busy schedules.
Due dates for the submission of draft pretrial orders will not be extended absent circumstances beyond counsel’s control; a busy schedule is not such a circumstance.
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Chambers Communication Rules
Before filing an emergency motion or matter (as defined in Local Rule 77.2), an E-Filer must contact the judge's courtroom deputy or chambers by telephone or in person.
Prior to filing an emergency motion or matter, as defined in Local Fiule 77.2, an E-Filer shall contact the judge's courtoom deputy or chambers by telephone or in person. Chambers information, including standing orders, is posted on the Court Website.
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Page 3 | III. Scope of Electronic Filing