Judge Michael F. Iasparro
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Document Limits
Courtesy Copies
Exhibits
- 2 copies • Hand Delivery • Five Business Days Before Pretrial Conference
Binding: Three Ring Binder
Proposed Final Pretrial Order
Communication
Chambers
Chambers
Page & Word Limits2 rules
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?
As a general rule, parties must limit settlement letters to no more than five (5) pages, exclusive of exhibits, unless they obtain leave of Court.
Summary: Pre-settlement conference letters are limited to five pages, exclusive of exhibits, unless the Court grants leave for a longer letter.
Pre Settlement Conference Letter
5 pages
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
Each side is limited to 12 proposed disputed questions, unless a motion is filed before the pretrial conference that explains good cause for proposing more than the limit.
Summary: Each side may propose no more than 12 disputed voir dire questions unless it files a pretrial-conference motion explaining good cause to exceed the limit.
Voir Dire Questions
Document Format Requirements8 rules
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
After filing, the proposed pretrial order must also be emailed to the judge’s proposed-order inbox in Microsoft Word format.
To file it, select the appropriate CM/ECF event, “Other Filings” and then “Other Documents,” and choose the Proposed Pretrial Order event. Also email it to Judge Iasparro’s proposed order inbox in Microsoft Word format: Proposed_Order_Iasparro@ilnd.uscourts.gov.
DOCX
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Note
Exhibit charts should use a format substantially similar to the example, and landscape orientation is encouraged.
The chart’s format shall be substantially similar to the example below (landscape orientation is encouraged).
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
JERS accepts these common file types: Documents and Photographs: .pdf, .jpg. Video and Audio Recordings: .avi, .wmv, .mpg, .mp3, .wma, .wav
Summary: JERS accepts specific file types for documents, photos, video, and audio.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Use consecutive numbers to designate exhibits; do not use letters to distinguish exhibits. Also, do not use an “exhibit part,” such as 1A or 2A. Just use consecutive numbers (plus the neutral description).
Summary: Exhibit numbers must be consecutive without letters or parts.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
One last thing: a physical object of course will not be imported into JERS, but you should still assign a consecutively numbered exhibit designation to it, along with a neutral description. Then create a one-page .pdf with the exhibit number and neutral description on it, and submit those exhibits as part of the JERS disc.
Summary: Physical objects need PDF stand-ins for JERS with exhibit number and description.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
To use JERS, both sides must use the following exhibit-naming convention, which also will serve as the file name for the digital file: the exhibit number, followed by an underscore, followed by a neutral description of the exhibit. The convention is thus: <exhibit number>__<exhibit description>.<file extension>1
Summary: Exhibits must be named with number, underscore, and neutral description.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
If there are multiple parties on a particular side, then you must coordinate with your co-plaintiff’s or co-defendant’s attorney to generate a consecutively numbered set of exhibits.
Summary: Multiple parties on same side must coordinate exhibit numbering.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Note?
If you are using litigation-display software that imprints a “digital” exhibit sticker on documentary exhibits, that is fine, though you should confine the exhibit sticker to the party designation (e.g., Pla or Gov, and Def) and the exhibit number.
Summary: Digital exhibit stickers limited to party designation and number.
Document Filing Requirements37 rules
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
For each claim, the proposed order must state the jurisdictional basis and, when a threshold amount is required, address agreement that the amount in controversy exceeds it and explain the supporting evidence.
State the jurisdictional basis for each claim. If the parties rely on either diversity jurisdiction or another jurisdictional basis that requires a threshold amount, then state whether the parties agree that the amount in controversy exceeds the amount and include a concise explanation of how the evidence supports that statement.
Document Type
Proposed Final Pretrial Order
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
The proposed order must state estimated trial days based on six-hour testimony days, propose time limits for openings, closings, and witness examination, and recommend a jury size.
State the estimated number of trial days, including jury selection and deliberations, premised on six-hour trial-testimony days (the six hours already accounts for lunch and breaks). Propose estimated time limits for: ===== PAGE 2 ===== (a) opening statements per side; (b) closing arguments per side (including an initial close and rebuttal for the plaintiff); and (c) the total number of hours of witness examination per side. Also, state the number of jurors that the parties recommend (subject to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 48(a)).
Document Type
Proposed Final Pretrial Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
The proposed order must list all trial attorneys and each attorney’s business address, telephone number, and email address.
List all of the attorneys trying the case, as well as contact information (business address, telephone number, and email address).
Document Type
Proposed Final Pretrial Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
The proposed order must state any stipulations and uncontested facts in numbered paragraphs.
In numbered paragraphs, state any stipulations and uncontested facts.
Document Type
Proposed Final Pretrial Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
After exhibit rulings, the parties must submit final trial exhibits on a disc or drive and provide one double-sided paper copy in three-ring binders no later than 5 business days before trial.
After the pretrial conference and rulings on exhibits, no later than 5 business days before trial, the parties must submit the final trial exhibits on a disc or drive and provide one paper copy of the exhibits, double-sided in three-ring binders.
Document Type
Final Trial Exhibits
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
With the proposed-exhibit disc, the parties must supply two sets of exhibit binders containing only objected-to exhibits.
In addition to the disc, the parties also must supply 2 sets of exhibit binders containing copies of objected-to exhibits only.
Document Type
Exhibit Binders
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
The parties must submit all proposed exhibits to chambers on a USB storage device, DVD, or CD at least 5 business days before the pretrial conference.
At least 5 business days before the pretrial conference, the parties must submit to chambers a USB storage device, DVD, or CD with all of the proposed exhibits.
Document Type
Proposed Exhibits
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Each party must briefly summarize its motions in limine in the Proposed Final Pretrial Order.
In the Proposed Final Pretrial Order, each party must provide a list that very briefly summarizes its motions in limine, e.g., “Motion to bar reference to Witness A’s drug use.”
Document Type
Proposed Final Pretrial Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
The plaintiff and any counter- or cross-claimants must itemize damages and other requested relief and briefly explain the evidentiary basis for each item.
Plaintiff (and counter/cross-claimants, if any) shall itemize damages and other relief sought, and provide a concise explanation of the evidentiary basis for each itemization.
Document Type
Damages Itemization
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Counsel for each party must electronically sign the Proposed Final Pretrial Order.
The Proposed Final Pretrial Order must be signed (electronically) by counsel for each party.
Document Type
Proposed Final Pretrial Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Each instruction must identify its proponent, legal authority, and whether it is objected to.
(a) the proponent of the instruction; (b) the legal authority for the instruction; and (c) whether there is an objection to the instruction.
Document Type
Jury Instruction
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
For a disputed instruction, the proponent should briefly explain its basis when the cited authority needs more explanation, and the objecting party must state its grounds and any proposed modification or alternative on the immediately following page.
If an instruction is disputed, the proponent of the instruction should concisely explain the basis for the instruction, if more explanation is required beyond the identified legal authority. Moreover, if an instruction is disputed, the objecting party must concisely state—on the page immediately following the instruction— the grounds for the objection, as well as any proposed modification or alternative.
Document Type
Jury Instruction
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
After the settlement conference, counsel must jointly file a Report Regarding Settlement by 90 days from the Order, addressing settlement status or proposed further settlement efforts.
By _________________ [90 days from the date this Order is issued], after the settlement conference, counsel shall jointly file a Report Regarding Settlement that notifies the Court whether: (1) the parties have settled the case; (2) the parties have not settled the case but wish to continue settlement discussions for a specific period of time; (3) the parties wish to engage in a formal mediation conference before a specific mediator on or before a specific date;
Document Type
Settlement Report
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important
Proposed exhibits must use the JERS exhibit-naming convention, for which the Court will provide instructions.
The parties must use the exhibit-naming convention for the Jury Evidence Recording System (JERS); the Court will provide the parties with an instruction memorandum on how to use JERS and name exhibits.
Document Type
Proposed Exhibits
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Note
Where applicable, the Court generally prefers the Seventh Circuit’s Pattern Jury Instructions.
Document Type
Jury Instructions
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?
The Court requires one letter from each party: a settlement position letter addressed to and exchanged with the other party and submitted to the Court.
Summary: Each party must submit one settlement position letter that is exchanged with the opposing party and provided to the Court.
Document Type
Settlement Position Letter
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Important?
Plaintiff's letter should include at least the following information: a. A brief summary of the admissible evidence and legal principles supporting plaintiff's claims that plaintiff asserts will allow it to establish liability and defeat any applicable affirmative defenses. b. A brief explanation of why damages or other relief would appropriately be granted at trial; c. An itemization of the damages plaintiff believes can be proven at trial and a brief summary of the evidence and legal principles supporting those damages; d. A settlement proposal that includes both monetary and non-monetary relief requested; and e. Any additional information plaintiff believes would be helpful to the Court in assisting the parties to fully resolve the litigation.
Summary: Plaintiff's settlement letter must include, at minimum, a summary of admissible evidence and legal principles on liability and affirmative defenses, an explanation of entitlement to relief, an itemization of provable damages with supporting evidence, a settlement proposal covering monetary and non-monetary relief, and any other helpful information.
Document Type
Plaintiff Settlement Position Letter
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Important?
Defendant's responsive letter should include at least the following information:
Summary: Defendant's responsive settlement letter must include at least the specified information (content list continues beyond this excerpt).
Document Type
Defendant Responsive Settlement Letter
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Important?
b. Any points in plaintiff's letter with which defendant disagrees, with references to supporting admissible evidence and legal principles; c. A response to plaintiff's settlement proposal and a counter-proposal; and d. Any additional information defendant believes would be helpful to the Court in assisting the parties to fully resolve the litigation.
Summary: The defendant's pre-settlement conference letter must address points of disagreement with references to admissible evidence and legal principles, respond to the plaintiff's settlement proposal with a counter-proposal, and include any additional information helpful to resolving the litigation.
Document Type
Defendant Pre Settlement Conference Letter
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Important?
If a party has received or will be receiving conditional payments from Medicare to pay for treatment related to this case, he/she must bring a conditional payment letter from Medicare to the settlement conference.
Summary: A party who has received or will receive Medicare conditional payments related to the case must bring a Medicare conditional payment letter to the settlement conference.
Document Type
Medicare Conditional Payment Letter
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Important?
If a settlement is reached, the Court will require the parties to complete a settlement term sheet unless the parties provide their own.
Summary: Upon reaching a settlement, the parties must complete the Court's settlement term sheet unless they submit their own.
Document Type
Settlement Term Sheet
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
Provide a concise agreed statement of the case to be read by the Court to the jury pool during jury selection. The statement must describe the nature of the case, claims, and defenses. This is a neutral description of the case, with just enough information to introduce the case to the jury and to ask potential jurors whether they happen to know anything about the case.
Summary: The proposed order must include a concise, agreed, neutral case statement describing the case, claims, and defenses for the Court to read during jury selection.
Document Type
Proposed Final Pretrial Order
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
No later than 5 business days before the due date, the parties must confer in good faith to arrive at as many stipulations and uncontested facts as possible.
Summary: The parties must confer in good faith to reach as many stipulations and uncontested facts as possible at least 5 business days before the order is due.
Document Type
Proposed Final Pretrial Order
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
The parties must submit an exhibit chart, one each for Plaintiff’s exhibits and Defendant’s exhibits. The charts must state the following: (a) the exhibit number; (b) the date of the document or exhibit, if applicable; (c) a concise, neutral description of the exhibit; (d) a concise statement of the exhibit’s relevance; and (e) whether there is an objection to the exhibit’s admission, and if so, a concise explanation of the objection. The chart’s format shall be substantially similar to the example below (landscape orientation is encouraged).
Summary: The parties must submit separate plaintiff and defendant exhibit charts identifying each exhibit, its date if applicable, a neutral description, relevance, and any objection with a concise explanation; landscape orientation is encouraged.
Document Type
Proposed Final Pretrial Order
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
Each party shall provide a list of witnesses, including expert witnesses, divided into: (a) witnesses who will be called; and (b) witnesses who might be called. The lists should include even those witnesses whose testimony will not be presented in court (e.g., a video deposition). For each witness, provide a very concise (2 or 3 sentences) description of the witness and the witness’ role in the case. For example: “George Washington is Plaintiff’s cousin. Washington witnessed the arrest of Plaintiff where Defendants allegedly used excessive force.” Or: “John Adams is Defendant’s Chief Operating Officer. Adams made promises concerning the timing of payments under the contract.” Witnesses who are not on the lists are barred from testifying unless the proponent shows good cause for the failure to disclose the witness. The names of witnesses on the lists will be read to the jury during jury selection to ensure that potential jurors do not personally know any witnesses.
Summary: Each party must provide witness lists separating witnesses who will be called from those who might be called, include expert and non-court testimony witnesses, and give each witness a concise two- or three-sentence description; an unlisted witness may testify only upon a showing of good cause.
Document Type
Proposed Final Pretrial Order
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
The parties shall generate a joint chart, in page order, that sets forth the designation, objection, counter-designation if objection overruled, any counter-designations, and any objections to the counter-designations (again, with a concise basis for the objection, like the Exhibit Chart).
Summary: The parties must prepare a joint, page-ordered chart listing designations, objections and their concise bases, and counter-designations.
Document Type
Deposition Designation Chart
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
For additional questions, the parties must file a list divided into: (a) agreed-upon questions; and (b) proposed questions to which there is an objection.
Summary: For additional voir dire questions, the parties must file a list separating agreed-upon questions from disputed questions.
Document Type
Voir Dire Questions
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
A short basis for any objection must accompany the list.
Summary: The filed voir dire question list must include a short basis for each objection.
Document Type
Voir Dire Questions
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Five business days before the trial, supply the trial exhibits to the Court’s operations specialist and to the other side, again on a USB drive, CVD, or CD.
Summary: Supply trial exhibits on USB/DVD/CD to court operations specialist and opposing side 5 business days before trial.
Document Type
Trial Exhibits
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Counsel for the offering party must supply the exhibit in digital format as soon as possible (a thumb drive comes in handy for this), and the operations specialist will import it into JERS.
Summary: Newly admitted trial exhibits must be supplied in digital format as soon as possible.
Document Type
Newly Admitted Exhibits
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?
The party that is objecting to an exhibit is responsible for providing the copy of the objected-to exhibit.
Summary: The party objecting to an exhibit must provide its copy for the exhibit binders.
Document Type
Objected To Exhibit
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?
If there is no objection to a motion, but the movant wishes to file a motion memorializing the non- objection, then the motion must state that there is no objection.
Summary: A motion filed to memorialize a non-objection must state that there is no objection.
Document Type
Motion In Limine
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?
The same principles apply to proposed verdict forms.
Summary: The requirements for instructions apply equally to proposed verdict forms.
Document Type
Proposed Verdict Form
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?
For now, also supply one copy of the exhibits in paper form. This paper set will serve as the backup to JERS, in the event that JERS suffers a technical failure during deliberations.
Summary: Supply one paper copy of exhibits as backup to JERS system.
Document Type
Exhibits
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?
The jury will not be supplied with paper copies, unless there is good cause for a particular exhibit (or if JERS breaks down).
Summary: Jury receives exhibits only via JERS unless good cause or system failure.
Document Type
Jury Exhibits
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?
If JERS fails during deliberations, the jury will ask for help in writing. The systems staff will not be permitted in the jury room without the Court’s express permission, and only after the jury has been escorted out of the jury room. If the problem is not fixable in a short time, the Court will provide the jury with the paper-copy backup of the allowed exhibits.
Summary: If JERS fails, jury requests help in writing; systems staff needs court permission; paper backup provided if not quickly fixable.
Document Type
Exhibits
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Note?
Physical-object exhibits that the Court allows the jury to examine during deliberations will be provided to the jury as usual, via the court security officer.
Summary: Physical exhibits for jury examination provided via court security officer.
Document Type
Physical Exhibits
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Proposed final pretrial orders must be filed electronically using CM/ECF; courtesy copies are not needed.
Proposed final pretrial orders must be filed electronically using CM/ECF (no need for courtesy copies).
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 1 | Standing Order Governing Proposed Final Pretrial Orders
Settlement correspondence must not be filed in the Clerk's Office or on the CM/ECF system.
As a reminder, do not file copies of settlement correspondence in the Clerk's Office or on the CM/ECF system.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.
Page 2 | PRE-SETTLEMENT CONFERENCE LETTERS
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
Unless otherwise ordered, responses are due 5 business days after a motion is filed and replies are due 3 business days after responses; filings should be consolidated as much as reasonable.
Unless otherwise ordered, responses are due 5 business days after the motion’s filing, and replies are due 3 business days after the responses; again, consolidate as much as reasonable.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 4 | MOTIONS IN LIMINE
In collective actions, parties must exchange documents for opt-in Plaintiffs who join before notice dissemination within twenty days of their opt-in notices being filed, and those Plaintiffs must file and serve answers to the Court’s Interrogatories within an additional twenty days.
In collective actions, an exchange of documents as referenced in Paragraph 1 shall occur with respect to opt-in Plaintiffs who join the action before the dissemination of a court- approved opt-in notice. The exchange of documents must occur within twenty days of their filing of opt-in notices with this Court, and such opt-in Plaintiffs must thereafter file and serve their respective answers to the Court's Interrogatories within an additional twenty days.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026
Page 2 | FLSA SCHEDULING ORDER
Counsel must jointly file the Report Regarding Settlement by 90 days from the Order and after the settlement conference.
By _________________ [90 days from the date this Order is issued], after the settlement conference, counsel shall jointly file a Report Regarding Settlement that notifies the Court whether: (1) the parties have settled the case; (2) the parties have not settled the case but wish to continue settlement discussions for a specific period of time; (3) the parties wish to engage in a formal mediation conference before a specific mediator on or before a specific date;
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026
Page 2 | FLSA SCHEDULING ORDER
Defendant's counsel must deliver the defendant's settlement letter to plaintiff's counsel and the Court at least 7 days before the settlement conference.
defendant's counsel must deliver defendant's settlement letter to plaintiff's counsel and the Court at least seven (7) days before the settlement conference
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.
Page 2 | PRE-SETTLEMENT CONFERENCE LETTERS
Plaintiff's counsel must deliver the plaintiff's settlement letter to defendant's counsel and the Court at least 14 days before the settlement conference, unless a different schedule is set.
Unless the Court sets a different schedule, plaintiff's counsel must deliver plaintiff's settlement letter to defendant's counsel and the Court at least fourteen (14) days before the settlement conference
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.
Page 2 | PRE-SETTLEMENT CONFERENCE LETTERS
Motions in limine must be filed by the earlier of the Proposed Final Pretrial Order due date or 3 weeks before trial.
The motions themselves must be filed the earlier of: (a) the due date of the Proposed Final Pretrial Order; or (b) 3 weeks before trial.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 4 | MOTIONS IN LIMINE
Plaintiff must file the interrogatory answers with the Court by 42 days after the Order, and no earlier, using the specified title.
By _________________ [42 days from the date this Order is issued], and no earlier, Plaintiff shall answer the Court's Interrogatories (attached to this Order) under oath or penalty of perjury, serve a copy on Defendant, and file the answers with the Court entitled "Notice of Filing Answers to Court's Interrogatories."
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 2 | FLSA SCHEDULING ORDER
Service and Proof of Service Rules
The parties must serve proposed stipulations and uncontested facts on each other at least 10 business days before the proposed order is due.
No later than 10 business days before the Proposed Final Pretrial Order’s due date, the parties must serve on each other proposed stipulations and uncontested facts.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 2 | STIPULATIONS AND UNCONTESTED FACTS
For deposition testimony offered instead of live testimony, the offering party must serve page-and-line designations 10 business days before the pretrial order is due.
If a party proposes to introduce a witness’ testimony via a deposition rather than live testimony, then the offering party must serve the page/line designations of the deposition transcript on the opposing party 10 business days in advance of the pretrial order’s due date.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 4 | DEPOSITION DESIGNATIONS
The opposing party must serve designation objections with concise grounds and counter-designations 5 business days before the pretrial order is due.
The opposing party must serve objections to designations (including a concise basis for the objection, like the Exhibit Chart) and also state the opposing party’s counter-designations (including counter-designations conditioned on an objection being overruled) 5 business days in advance of the pretrial order’s due date.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 4 | DEPOSITION DESIGNATIONS
By 42 days after the Order, and no earlier, Plaintiff must answer the Court's Interrogatories under oath or penalty of perjury, serve Defendant, and file the answers under the specified title.
By _________________ [42 days from the date this Order is issued], and no earlier, Plaintiff shall answer the Court's Interrogatories (attached to this Order) under oath or penalty of perjury, serve a copy on Defendant, and file the answers with the Court entitled "Notice of Filing Answers to Court's Interrogatories."
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026
Page 2 | FLSA SCHEDULING ORDER
For qualifying opt-in Plaintiffs in collective actions, the Paragraph 1 document exchange is due within 20 days after filing an opt-in notice, and interrogatory answers must be filed and served within an additional 20 days.
In collective actions, an exchange of documents as referenced in Paragraph 1 shall occur with respect to opt-in Plaintiffs who join the action before the dissemination of a court- approved opt-in notice. The exchange of documents must occur within twenty days of their filing of opt-in notices with this Court, and such opt-in Plaintiffs must thereafter file and serve their respective answers to the Court's Interrogatories within an additional twenty days.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026
Page 2 | FLSA SCHEDULING ORDER
The parties must serve the specified documents on each other within 21 days of the Order, but must not file them.
By _________________ [21 days from the date this Order is issued], the parties shall serve upon each other (but not file) copies of the following:
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | FLSA SCHEDULING ORDER
Courtesy Copy Requirements
Courtesy copies of proposed final pretrial orders are not needed.
Proposed final pretrial orders must be filed electronically using CM/ECF (no need for courtesy copies).
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 1 | Standing Order Governing Proposed Final Pretrial Orders
Supply exhibits on USB/DVD/CD to court and opposing side 5 business days before pretrial conference; provide chambers with 2 double-sided paper copies of objected-to exhibits in three-ring binders.
Five business days before the pretrial conference, supply the exhibits to the Court (and to the other side) on a USB drive, DVD, or CD. Consistent with the Standing Order, you will also be supplying chambers with two paper copies of only the objected-to exhibits, double-sided in three-ring binders.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.
Filing Bundling Requirements
The parties are encouraged, when reasonable, to combine multiple motions in one or a few consolidated filings.
To the extent reasonable, file multiple motions in one filing (or a few consolidated filings) to reduce the number of filings.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 4 | MOTIONS IN LIMINE
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
The parties must confer on every motion in limine before filing it.
The parties must confer on all motions in limine before filing them.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 4 | MOTIONS IN LIMINE
The parties must meet and confer to try to agree on as many jury instructions and verdict forms as possible.
The parties must meet and confer in order to attempt to agree on as many jury instructions and verdict forms as possible.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 4 | JURY INSTRUCTIONS/ VERDICT FORMS
Chambers Communication Rules
The proposed pretrial order must be emailed to Judge Iasparro’s proposed-order inbox.
To file it, select the appropriate CM/ECF event, “Other Filings” and then “Other Documents,” and choose the Proposed Pretrial Order event. Also email it to Judge Iasparro’s proposed order inbox in Microsoft Word format: Proposed_Order_Iasparro@ilnd.uscourts.gov.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 1 | Standing Order Governing Proposed Final Pretrial Orders
Settlement letters submitted to the Court must be emailed to Settlement_Correspondence_Iasparro@ilnd.uscourts.gov.
All settlement letters submitted to the Court should be emailed to the Court at Settlement_Correspondence_Iasparro@ilnd.uscourts.gov.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.
Page 2 | PRE-SETTLEMENT CONFERENCE LETTERS