Northern District of Illinois Chambers Communication Rules

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Civil cases

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Email to chambers

Defendant must email a Microsoft Word version of the exhibit-chart objections to the specified chambers address.

Separately, Defendant shall e-mail a Microsoft Word version of Defendant’s Objections to Plaintiff’s Exhibit Chart to Proposed_Order_Valderrama@ilnd.uscourts.gov.

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Civil cases

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Email to chambers

Defendant must email a Microsoft Word version of its exhibit-chart objections to the specified address.

Separately, Defendant shall e-mail a Microsoft Word version of Defendant’s Objections to Plaintiff’s Exhibit Chart to Proposed_Order_Valderrama@ilnd.uscourts.gov.

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Civil cases

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Email to chambers

Defendant must email a Microsoft Word version of its deposition-designation objections to the specified address.

Separately, Defendant shall e-mail a Microsoft Word version of Defendant’s Objections to Plaintiff’s Deposition Designation Chart to Proposed_Order_Valderrama@ilnd.uscourts.gov.

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Letter fax to chambers

If counsel cannot resolve a legal or evidentiary issue, the proponent and opposing party must fax their respective positions and supporting legal authority to chambers and opposing counsel by the stated deadlines.

To avoid keeping the jury waiting while legal or evidentiary issues are discussed and resolved, the following procedure shall apply if counsel cannot reach resolution of the issue: The proponent of the objection or evidence shall fax to chambers and to opposing counsel that evening, or in any case no later than 7:00 am the next morning, in succinct terms, a statement of the evidentiary issue or objection and their position, with supporting legal authority. The opposing party shall fax to chambers and to opposing counsel by no later than 8:30 am its contrary position with supporting legal authority. The Court will discuss and rule during the time for preliminary matters each morning before jury is brought to the courtroom for the day’s trial proceedings.

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Civil cases

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Email to chambers

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, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

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Email to clerk

If the parties conclude that a settlement conference is no longer necessary, they should email the Courtroom Deputy as soon as possible.

If the parties conclude that a settlement conference is no longer necessary, they should inform the Court via email to the Courtroom Deputy as soon as possible.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

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Email to chambers

The parties should email Chambers as soon as possible if they need to reschedule or conclude that a settlement conference is unnecessary.

If the parties must reschedule, or if they conclude that a settlement conference is not necessary at this time, they should inform chambers (via email to Chambers_McNally@ilnd.uscourts.gov) as soon as possible.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026INFO

Civil cases

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Phone to clerk

Phone

312.435.6045

For instruction on courtroom display technology, call the Systems Department within the Clerk’s Office at 312.435.6045.

If you need instruction on the courtroom display technology equipment, please call the Systems Department (312.435.6045) within the Clerk’s Office.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026INFO

Civil cases

Parties needing courtroom display technology instruction may consult the court’s technology webpage or contact the Technology Administrator to schedule WebEx training.

If the parties need instruction on the courtroom display technology equipment, please visit https://www.ilnd.uscourts.gov/Pages.aspx?page=CourtRoomTechnology and/or contact Alexander Zeier, the Courtroom Technology Administrator, to schedule a WebEx training session.

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Contact

Phone to chambers

Phone

(312) 435-7570

The Court lists a chambers telephone number.

Telephone: (312) 435-7570

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Civil cases

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Email

At trial, each party shall also submit via email its proposed findings and conclusions.

Summary: At trial, each party must also submit its proposed findings and conclusions via email.

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Civil cases

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Email

At trial, the parties shall submit via email their joint set of jury instructions which incorporates the court's changes.

Summary: At trial, the parties must submit via email their joint set of jury instructions incorporating the court's changes.

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Phone to chambers ?

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.

Summary: 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.

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Email to chambers ?

All settlement letters submitted to the Court should be emailed to the Court at Settlement_Correspondence_Iasparro@ilnd.uscourts.gov.

Summary: Settlement letters submitted to the Court must be emailed to Settlement_Correspondence_Iasparro@ilnd.uscourts.gov.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.INFO?

Civil cases

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Phone to chambers ?

Phone

(312) 435-5630

Courtroom 1219 Telephone: (312) 435-5630

Summary: Chambers can be reached by telephone at (312) 435-5630.

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Civil cases

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Letter fax to chambers ?

Chambers 1278 Fax: (312) 777-3810

Summary: Chambers can be reached by fax at (312) 777-3810.

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Civil cases

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Phone to clerk ?

Phone

(312) 435-6051

Courtroom Deputy – Chez Chambers Room 1218 Telephone: (312) 435-6051

Summary: The Courtroom Deputy (Chez Chambers) can be reached by telephone at (312) 435-6051.

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Letter ecf to chambers ?

If you do, however, the only proper way is to give the Court Security Officer a written request, signed by the foreperson, or by some other juror if the foreperson is unwilling to do so.

Summary: Jurors must submit written requests to the Court Security Officer, signed by the foreperson or another juror.

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Civil cases

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Letter ecf to chambers ?

I caution you, however, with regard to any message or question you might send, that you should never state or specify your numerical division at the time.

Summary: Jurors must not disclose their numerical division in any communication to the court.

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Letter ecf to chambers ?

I do not anticipate that you will need to communicate with me. If you do need to communicate with me, the only proper way is in writing. The writing must be signed by the presiding juror, or, if he or she is unwilling to do so, by some other juror. The writing should be given to the marshal, who will give it to me. I will respond either in writing or by having you return to the courtroom so that I can respond orally.

Summary: Jury must communicate with judge only in writing, signed by presiding juror or another juror, delivered to marshal.

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Criminal cases

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Email to chambers ?

The jury-instructions filing also must be emailed to Judge Chang's Proposed Order email account in MS Word format (a deadline will be set in each case).

Summary: Jury instructions must be emailed to Judge Chang's Proposed Order email account in MS Word format.

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

Civil cases

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Phone to chambers ?

Counsel must provide the correct, direct telephone number where they can be reached.

Summary: Counsel must provide a correct, direct telephone number for telephonic status hearings.

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

Civil cases

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Phone to chambers ?

Counsel must be in a quiet location, free from noise and distractions. A prime example of a good location would be counsel's desk.

Summary: Counsel must participate in telephonic status hearings from a quiet location free from noise and distractions.

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

Civil cases

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Phone to chambers ?

Counsel's telephone must provide clear reception. A landline would help in this regard.

Summary: Counsel's telephone must provide clear reception; use of a landline is recommended.

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

Civil cases

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Phone to chambers ?

Counsel must answer the Court's telephone call.

Summary: Counsel must answer the Court's call for a telephonic status hearing.

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Criminal cases

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Letter ecf to chambers ?

(xiv) Counsel are not permitted to contact jurors after trial without permission of the Court.

Summary: No contact with jurors after trial without court permission.

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Criminal cases

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Chambers to chambers ?

22. talking to jury after verdict

Summary: No contact with jury after verdict without court permission.

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Civil cases

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Phone to chambers ?

Lead trial counsel shall provide to chambers by telephone his or her cell phone number for use in the event the Court needs to reach the parties during trial.

Summary: Lead trial counsel must provide chambers a cell phone number by telephone for use if the Court needs to reach the parties during trial.

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

Civil cases

Phone

(312) 435-6045 ?

As early as possible prior to trial (not less than three weeks), counsel must contact Alexander Zeier, the Courtroom Technology Administrator, to schedule a training session.

Summary: Counsel must contact the Courtroom Technology Administrator to schedule training as early as possible and at least three weeks before trial.

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

Civil cases

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Email to chambers ?

If settlement is not achieved through this exchange of letters, the letters must be submitted to Judge Shah before the settlement conference, by email to Proposed_Order_Shah@ilnd.uscourts.gov.

Summary: If the letter exchange does not achieve settlement, both letters must be emailed to Judge Shah before the settlement conference.

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Criminal cases

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Email to chambers ?

Joint documents of the joint pretrial statement, proposed voir dire, jury instructions and verdict forms must be both filed on the docket and also submitted in Word format to Judge Rowland’s proposed order mailbox: Proposed_Order_Rowland@ilnd.uscourts.gov.

Summary: Joint documents must be filed on docket and emailed in Word format to specific mailbox.

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Criminal cases

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Phone to clerk ?

Phone

312-435-6045

At least three weeks prior to trial, the parties shall contact the Court’s systems department (312-435-6045) to coordinate any specific evidence presentation needs.

Summary: Parties must contact Court systems department 3 weeks before trial for evidence presentation needs.

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Criminal cases

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Other to juror ?

Pursuant to Local Criminal Rule 31.1, no party, agent or counsel shall communicate with any member of a jury without first receiving permission of the court.

Summary: No communication with jurors without court permission.

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Civil cases

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Other to juror ?

Pursuant to Local Rule 48.1, no lawyer or agent thereof shall ask questions or make comments to a juror without first obtaining leave of court.

Summary: Lawyers must obtain court leave before contacting jurors.

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Civil cases

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Other to media ?

Cases will not be tried in the news media and the court will insure the rights of the parties to a fair trial.

Summary: Cases must not be tried in news media; court will protect fair trial rights.

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

Civil cases

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Email to chambers ?

All mediation statements are confidential and are submitted to the Court's settlement correspondence email box, as well as to each party's opposing counsel.

Summary: Mediation statements are confidential and must be submitted to the Court's settlement correspondence email box and to opposing counsel.

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

Civil cases

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Phone to chambers ?

At this relatively brief initial conference, which is about settlement only and is off the record, the Court will have counsel for the parties contact the Court ===== PAGE 2 ===== jointly at the Court's official number provided to them by the courtroom deputy.

Summary: Counsel must jointly contact the Court at the official number provided by the courtroom deputy for the brief, off-the-record initial conference, which concerns settlement only.

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

Civil cases

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Email to chambers ?

A copy should be sent simultaneously to the Court at Settlement_Correspondence_Fuentes@ilnd.uscourts.gov.

Summary: A copy of each mediation statement should be sent to the Court by email at the same time it is sent to the adversary.

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Civil cases

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Email to chambers ?

All settlement statements should be sent to the Court via the following email address: Settlement_Correspondence_McShain@ilnd.uscourts.gov

Summary: Settlement statements must be emailed to specific court address.

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

Civil cases

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Email to chambers ?

Each party shall email a copy of its letter to the Court’s chambers on the same day that it is provided to opposing counsel.

Summary: Each party must email its settlement letter to chambers on the day it provides the letter to opposing counsel.

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

Civil cases

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Email to chambers ?

The email address for the submission of settlement letters to the Court is Settlement_Correspondence_Appenteng@ilnd.uscourts.gov.

Summary: Settlement letters must be submitted to chambers at the stated email address.

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Civil cases

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Email to chambers ?

Each party shall email a copy of its letter to the Court's 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.

Summary: Parties must email settlement letters to chambers on same day as opposing counsel with specific subject line format.

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Civil cases

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Phone to chambers ?

The Court will not permit a party, party representative, or an insurance representative merely to be available by telephone during the conference.

Summary: Parties must attend in person or via videoconference, not by phone.

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Civil cases

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Email to chambers ?

Upon submission to the other side, the parties also are required to submit their settlement letters to the Court by e-mail to Settlement_Correspondence_BassEhler@ilnd.uscourts.gov

Summary: Parties must submit settlement letters to the Court via email to the provided chambers address upon sending to opposing counsel.

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Civil cases

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Phone to chambers ?

The Court generally will hold an initial status hearing or conference call to set dates for the settlement conference and the exchange of settlement letters. Counsel primarily responsible for representing the parties during the settlement conference must participate in this status hearing or call. Counsel will be expected to identify the individuals who will participate (i.e., not just available via phone) in the settlement conference with settlement authority on behalf of their respective clients, including any insurers, consistent with the requirements of this Standing Order. If a party is claiming an inability or hindrance to pay a judgment, counsel must raise it at this initial hearing and provide verification of that assertion prior to any settlement conference.

Summary: Counsel responsible for settlement must participate in the initial status hearing, identify attendees with settlement authority, and raise inability to pay at the initial hearing.

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Email to chambers ?

Each party shall submit to Chambers by email with all counsel included as cc: recipients a chart of all exhibits the party may introduce at trial, as well as any demonstrative exhibits

Summary: Exhibit chart must be submitted to Chambers by email with all counsel cc'd.

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Civil cases

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Email to chambers ?

The parties shall also jointly submit to Chambers by email a joint chart containing any objections to designated testimony by page and line number and the basis for the objection, as well as the opposing party's response to such objections.

Summary: Joint chart of objections to designated testimony must be submitted to Chambers by email.

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Civil cases

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Email to chambers

In preparation for the final pretrial conference, the parties shall jointly prepare and submit a Proposed Final Pretrial Order containing the below listed items by email to Chambers_BassEhler@ilnd.uscourts.gov in Word format with all counsel included as cc: recipients.

Summary: Proposed Final Pretrial Order must be submitted by email to Chambers_BassEhler@ilnd.uscourts.gov with all counsel cc'd.

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Email to chambers ?

For any witness testimony proposed to be offered by deposition, the parties shall jointly submit to Chambers by email the deposition transcript(s) with the proposed designations from each party highlighted in different colors and shall also deliver two courtesy copies of the highlighted transcript(s) to Chambers.

Summary: Deposition transcripts with proposed designations highlighted must be submitted to Chambers by email and two courtesy copies delivered to Chambers.

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Email to chambers ?

A final pretrial conference will be held approximately ten (10) days prior to trial. The purpose of this conference shall be to avoid surprises and to simplify the trial. At the conference, Judge Holleb Hotaling will address pending motions in limine, objections to witnesses and exhibits, and contested jury instructions, and will discuss trial procedures and scheduling. Lead trial counsel fully prepared and with authority to discuss all aspects of the case must attend.

Summary: Final pretrial conference held 10 days before trial; lead counsel must attend.

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Civil cases

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Email to chambers ?

All settlement statements should be sent to the Court via the following email address: Settlement_Correspondence_McNally@ilnd.uscourts.gov.

Summary: Settlement statements must be emailed to specific court address.

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Email to chambers

If the parties must reschedule, or if they conclude that a settlement conference is not necessary at this time, they should inform chambers (via email to Chambers_McNally@ilnd.uscourts.gov) as soon as possible.

Summary: Rescheduling or cancellation requires email to chambers as soon as possible.

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Civil cases

Lead trial counsel fully prepared and with authority to discuss all aspects of the case must attend.

Summary: Lead trial counsel must attend final pretrial conference.

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Email to chambers ?

Plaintiff’s counsel shall electronically submit copies of these letters to the Court at Proposed_Order_Valdez@ilnd.uscourts.gov by the date ordered. DO NOT FILE COPIES OF THESE LETTERS IN THE CLERK’S OFFICE.

Summary: Settlement letters must be emailed to court, not filed with clerk.

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Webex to chambers ?

All conferences will be held remotely on the Webex platform unless otherwise ordered.

Summary: Settlement conferences held remotely on Webex unless otherwise ordered.

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[If you do communicate with me, you should not indicate in your note what your numerical division is, if any.]

Summary: Jury should not indicate numerical division in written communications to judge.

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

Civil cases

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Email to clerk ?

If the parties agree a password is necessary, they must send an e-mail to the Court’s courtroom deputy, Jonathan Martinez (Jonathan_Martinez@ilnd.uscourts.gov), with the password on the same day that the USB/Key Drive is delivered.

Summary: If the parties agree that a password is necessary, they must email it to the courtroom deputy on the day the USB drive is delivered.

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

Civil cases

When reaching out to Mr. Zeier, the parties should coordinate with each other to arrange for a time to come at the same time, and should also copy the Court’s Courtroom Deputy, Jonathan Martinez, so he can be present to assist.

Summary: When contacting the Technology Administrator, the parties should coordinate a joint visit and copy the Courtroom Deputy so he can assist.

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Criminal cases

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Chambers to chambers ?

21. no speaking objections, unless requested; just – irrelevant, asked and answered, hearsay

Summary: No speaking objections; only brief objections like irrelevant, asked and answered, hearsay.

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Email to chambers ?

If the parties are required to reschedule or if they have concluded that a settlement conference is not necessary, they should inform chambers as soon as possible.

Summary: Parties must inform chambers promptly if settlement conference needs rescheduling or cancellation.

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

Civil cases

Phone

312/435-5558

Any requests for daily or other expedited transcripts must be made directly to Judge Dow’s Court Reporter, Lois LaCorte (312/435-5558), at least seven days prior to trial.

Summary: Requests for daily or other expedited transcripts must be made directly to Judge Dow’s Court Reporter at least seven days before trial.

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

Civil cases

If the representative exhibits require more than a single binder, the parties must contact the Court’s courtroom deputy to explain why additional binders are required.

Summary: If representative exhibits need more than one binder, the parties must explain the need for additional binders to the courtroom deputy.

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Phone to chambers ?

Phone

(312) 435-6045

The Court has a limited number of evidence projection systems, which may or may not be available. Parties who would like access to evidence projection systems are advised to make a request as early as possible (four weeks prior to trial is suggested) to Alexander Zeier, the Courtroom Technology Administrator. He may be reached at (312) 435-6045. Parties will be permitted to use their own evidence projection systems, upon reasonable terms, if a request is made in advance of trial.

Summary: Evidence projection systems require 4-week advance request to Alexander Zeier.

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

Civil cases

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Phone to chambers ?

That number is not a call-in bridge, as counsel are asked to call each other and then merge in the Court.

Summary: Counsel should call each other first and then merge the call into the Court; the Court's number is not a call-in bridge.

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

Civil cases

They should notify the Court immediately if they reach an agreement before the settlement conference.

Summary: The parties should notify the Court immediately if they reach an agreement before the settlement conference.

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

Civil cases

As with motion calls and hearings, the Court will accommodate requests, made reasonably in advance of a scheduled hearing, for telephonic participation based on substantial expense, medical necessity, or other hardship.

Summary: The Court will accommodate requests made reasonably in advance for telephonic participation based on substantial expense, medical necessity, or other hardship.

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Email to chambers

If the parties must reschedule, or if they conclude that a settlement conference is not necessary at this time, they should inform chambers (via email to Chambers_McShain@ilnd.uscourts.gov) as soon as possible.

Summary: Parties must email chambers to reschedule or cancel settlement conference.

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Letter ecf to chambers ?

On occasion, the exchange of settlement letters will lead directly to a settlement. If it does, the parties are to notify the Court as soon possible so we may attempt to schedule another case in your time slot. Similarly, if the parties must reschedule, or have concluded that a settlement conference is not necessary or helpful at this time, they should inform Chambers as soon as possible.

Summary: Parties must promptly notify Court if settlement reached, conference rescheduled, or deemed unnecessary.

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

Civil cases

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Email to chambers ?

All settlement statements should be sent to the Court via the following email address: Settlement_Correspondence_McNally@ilnd.uscourts.gov.

Summary: Settlement statements should be emailed to the Court at the specified address.

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Phone to chambers ?

Phone

(312) 435-6045

The Court has a limited number of evidence projection systems, which may or may not be available for use on particular dates. Parties desiring access to the Court’s evidence projection systems are advised to submit a request as far in advance as possible to Joe Novak, the Courtroom Technology Administrator. Mr. Novak may be reached at (312) 435-6045. Parties will be permitted to use their own evidence projection systems, upon reasonable terms, if a request is made in advance of trial.

Summary: Court has limited evidence projection systems; request in advance from Joe Novak at (312) 435-6045; parties may use own systems with advance request.

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Letter ecf to chambers ?

I will then respond as promptly as possible, either in writing or by having you return to the courtroom so that I can respond orally.

Summary: Judge will respond to juror requests in writing or by recalling them to court.

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Phone to clerk ?

Phone

312.435.6045

If you need instruction on the courtroom display technology equipment, please call the Systems Department (312.435.6045) within the Clerk's Office.

Summary: For courtroom display technology instruction, call the Systems Department at 312.435.6045.

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

Civil cases

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Email to chambers ?

Phone

(312) 435-6045

If the parties need instruction on the courtroom display technology equipment, please visit https://www.ilnd.uscourts.gov/Pages.aspx?page=CourtRoomTechnology and/or contact Alexander Zeier, the Courtroom Technology Administrator, to schedule a WebEx training session. Mr. Zeier can be reached at (312) 435-6045 or alexander_zeier@ilnd.uscourts.gov. When reaching out to Mr. Zeier, the parties should coordinate with each other to arrange for a time to come at the same time, and should also copy the Court’s Courtroom Deputy, Jonathan Martinez, so he can be present to assist.

Summary: Parties needing courtroom display technology instruction may contact the Courtroom Technology Administrator to schedule WebEx training, coordinating their attendance and copying the Courtroom Deputy.

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

Civil cases

Phone

(312) 435-6045

Mr. Zeier can be reached at (312) 435-6045 or alexander_zeier@ilnd.uscourts.gov.

Summary: The Courtroom Technology Administrator may be reached by phone or email at the listed contact details.

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Criminal cases

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Chambers to chambers ?

20. can always approach witness without permission

Summary: Counsel may approach witnesses without permission.

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Video conferencing to chambers ?

Unless otherwise ordered, all settlement conferences will be conducted remotely via video conferencing.

Summary: Settlement conferences conducted remotely via video conferencing unless otherwise ordered.

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Teleconference to chambers ?

The court sets preliminary injunction hearings on Wednesdays and Fridays at 10:30 a.m. All such hearings will be held by teleconference unless a litigant shows good cause for holding an in-person hearing.

Summary: Preliminary injunction hearings scheduled Wednesdays/Fridays at 10:30 AM via teleconference unless good cause shown.

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Email to chambers ?

A hearing may be requested by sending an email message copying all counsel of record to Chambers_Gottschall@ilnd.uscourts.gov.

Summary: Hearing requests via email to Chambers_Gottschall@ilnd.uscourts.gov with all counsel copied.

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

Civil cases

If the parties anticipate a voluminous number of final trial exhibits, they should contact my courtroom deputy before submitting them.

Summary: If the parties anticipate a voluminous number of final trial exhibits, they should contact the courtroom deputy before submission.

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

Civil cases

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Phone to clerk ?

Phone

312/435-5668

Parties who would like access to evidence projection systems are advised to make a request as early as possible to Judge Dow’s Courtroom Deputy, Terry Kinney (312/435-5668).

Summary: Parties seeking access to the Court’s evidence projection systems are advised to request access as early as possible from the Courtroom Deputy.

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Email to chambers ?

The initial status conference will be set by minute order and ordinarily will be held approximately 45 days after the filing of the complaint.

Summary: Initial status conference scheduled approximately 45 days after complaint filing.

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Phone to chambers ?

Phone

(312) 435-6045

The courtroom is equipped with a digital evidence projection system. The Court expects parties to be familiar with and use this system. As early as possible prior to trial (four weeks prior to trial is suggested), counsel should contact Alexander Zeier, the Courtroom Technology Administrator, to schedule a training session. He may be reached at (312) 435-6045.

Summary: Digital evidence projection system available; training recommended 4 weeks before trial.

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Phone to chambers ?

If the parties are required to reschedule or if they have concluded that a settlement conference is not necessary, they must inform Judge Ellis’ courtroom deputy as soon as possible.

Summary: Parties must promptly notify Judge Ellis' courtroom deputy about rescheduling or cancellation.

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Email to chambers ?

Any counsel may email the Courtroom Deputy for a test run several days before the conference if they are concerned about the technology.

Summary: Counsel may request technology test run with Courtroom Deputy days before conference.

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

Civil cases

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Phone to chambers ?

The Court will accommodate requests, made reasonably in advance of a scheduled hearing, for telephonic participation based on substantial expense, medical necessity, or other hardship.

Summary: The Court will accommodate reasonably advance requests for telephonic participation based on substantial expense, medical necessity, or other hardship.

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

Civil cases

If counsel communicates to the courtroom deputy a scheduling conflict with a date the Court selects for a hearing, the Court commonly will accommodate the parties by rescheduling the hearing.

Summary: When counsel informs the courtroom deputy of a conflict with a hearing date selected by the Court, the Court commonly accommodates the parties by rescheduling.

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

Civil cases

Upon a district court referral including settlement before the parties have requested a settlement conference, the parties will be advised that they may seek to schedule a settlement conference with the magistrate judge at any time by contacting the courtroom deputy, and the Court will do its best to accommodate the request as soon as scheduling allows.

Summary: After a settlement referral, parties may request a settlement conference at any time by contacting the courtroom deputy, and the Court will try to accommodate the request as scheduling allows.

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

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Phone to chambers ?

if the dispute reasonably can be presented briefly and orally, such party is welcome to telephone chambers to request a same-day hearing.

Summary: A party may telephone chambers to request a same-day hearing if the dispute can reasonably be presented briefly and orally.

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

Civil cases

Contact

Email to clerk ?

Any counsel may email the Courtroom Deputy for a test run several days before the conference if they are concerned about the technology.

Summary: Counsel concerned about the technology may email the Courtroom Deputy to arrange a test run several days before the conference.

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Civil cases

Contact

Email to chambers ?

The email address for the submission of settlement letters to the Court is Settlement_Correspondence_Appenteng@ilnd.uscourts.gov. These letters are not electronically filed on the court docket, will not be made part of the Court's record, and will not be admissible as evidence.

Summary: Settlement letters must be emailed to specific address and are not part of court record.

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Civil cases

Contact

Email to chambers ?

If the parties conclude that a settlement conference is no longer necessary, they should inform the Court via email to the Courtroom Deputy as soon as possible.

Summary: Parties must email Courtroom Deputy if settlement conference is no longer necessary.

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Civil cases

Contact

Email

Counsel are encouraged to meet in person or by telephone to discuss the joint status report. Trading dueling draft reports by email without any other communication is discouraged.

Summary: Counsel encouraged to meet in person or by phone to discuss joint status report; discouraged from trading dueling drafts by email.

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Civil cases

Contact

Phone to chambers ?

As part of the pre-settlement process, the Court frequently conducts ex parte conversations with any party about the issues raised in its letter or the productivity of any settlement conference. The Court typically notifies counsel before beginning ex parte communications, begins such communications with ex parte telephone calls with both sides, and makes a docket entry to reflect each telephonic communication. The Court will not necessarily make a docket entry for each follow-up ex parte email communication.

Summary: Court conducts ex parte communications about settlement letters; telephonic communications docketed, email follow-ups may not be.

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

Civil cases

Contact

Phone to chambers ?

If, in the judgment of at least one of the parties at the deposition, the Court’s same-day intervention would further the just, speedy, and inexpensive determination of the matter, and if the dispute reasonably can be presented briefly and orally, such party is welcome to telephone chambers to request a same-day hearing.

Summary: A party may telephone chambers to request a same-day hearing when the stated conditions are met.

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Civil cases

Contact

Email to chambers ?

The Court has a limited number of evidence projection systems which may or may not be available depending on how early a request is made. Any such request should be made to Judge Weisman's Courtroom Deputy.

Summary: Evidence projection systems are limited and requests should be made to Courtroom Deputy.

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Civil cases

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Email to chambers ?

Parties will be permitted to use their own projection systems (upon reasonable terms) if a request is made in advance of trial.

Summary: Parties may use own projection systems with advance request.