Northern District of Illinois Document Format Requirements

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

Civil cases

Each party must supply exhibits digitally on a USB drive, DVD, or CD and provide one double-sided paper set in three-ring binders with exhibit-number tabs.

In sum, each party shall supply (a) the exhibits in digital format on a USB drive, DVD, or CD; and (b) the exhibits in paper copy (just 1 set), double-sided in three-ring binders. The exhibit binders should separate the exhibits with tabs that correspond to the exhibit number.

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

Civil cases

The parties must use the JERS exhibit-file format and exhibit-naming convention when creating and naming electronic exhibits.

With regard to creating and naming the electronic versions of the exhibits, the parties must use the exhibit-file format and exhibit-naming convention for the Jury Evidence Recording System (JERS).

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

Civil cases

The parties must work together to provide the jury with one binder of all admitted exhibits, separated by tabs, for deliberations.

In order to minimize the possibility of disruption due to technical issues, the parties shall work together to provide one binder containing all admitted exhibits, with tabs separating exhibits, to be sent back to the jury for deliberations.

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

Civil cases

Exhibits supplied to the Court must be in digital format and named using the specified convention.

With JERS, the jury can zoom-in on parts of an exhibit and search for text, and for audio and video, there’s no need for a party to supply the jury with a laptop for deliberations. Thanks in advance for your patience as we continue to adapt JERS. JERS is not directly used to present evidence in court during trial; right now, it’s just used to display exhibits during deliberations. But JERS does indirectly affect your trial preparation because you must supply your exhibits to the Court in digital format, and you must name your exhibits using a specific convention.

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

Civil cases

Each digital exhibit filename must use a three-digit exhibit number, an underscore, a neutral exhibit description, and the file extension.

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 (3 digits), followed by an underscore, followed by a neutral description of the exhibit. The convention is thus: <exhibit number>_<exhibit description>.<file extension> 5

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

Civil cases

Hard-copy exhibits and deposition transcripts must be double-sided, placed in a three-ring binder, and separated by tabs.

The exhibits and/or deposition transcripts must be printed double-sided and placed in a three-ring binder with tabs separating each exhibit and/or deposition transcript.

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

Civil cases

Provide one binder containing each final trial exhibit and qualifying deposition transcript, printed double-sided with tabs separating each item.

One binder containing a copy of each final trial exhibit and final deposition transcript that will be read in place of live testimony. The exhibits and/or final deposition transcripts must be printed double-sided and placed in a three-ring binder with tabs separating each exhibit and/or deposition transcript.

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

Civil cases

The Final Pretrial Order in Western Division civil cases must use the approved Western Division form.

The Final Pretrial Order to be used, pursuant to Local Rule 16.1, in civil cases pending in the Western Division shall be in the form approved for use in the Western Division, which is available in the District Court Clerk’s Office, Western Division and on this court’s webpage.

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

Civil cases

Sections (a)–(m) attached to the pretrial order must be tabbed and labeled by section.

The stipulations and statements attached as sections (a)-(m) of the pretrial order shall be tabbed and labeled by section.

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

Civil cases

The proposed final Pretrial Order and its courtesy copies must be tabbed and contain the required items listed by the Court.

The proposed final Pretrial Order (including the Court’s courtesy copies) must be appropriately tabbed, and must include the following items.

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

Civil cases

The Proposed Pretrial Order must be submitted in Word format.

The Proposed Pretrial Order must be e-mailed to “Proposed_Order_Blakey@ilnd.uscourts.gov” in Word format, with two courtesy copies delivered to chambers.

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

Civil cases

Format

DOCX

The Final Pretrial Order must be emailed to the specified address in a Microsoft Word-compatible format.

The Final Pretrial Order must be e-mailed to Proposed_Order_Hunt@ilnd.uscourts.gov in a format compatible with Microsoft Word

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

Civil cases

Format

DOCX

The Proposed Pretrial Order must be emailed to the specified address in Word format.

The Proposed Pretrial Order must be e-mailed in Word format to: Proposed_Order_Rowland@ilnd.uscourts.gov.

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

Civil cases

The Final Pretrial Order in Western Division civil cases must use the approved November 29, 2006 Western Division FPTO form.

The Final Pretrial Order to be used in civil cases pending in the Western Division shall, pursuant to Local Rule 16.1 of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, be in the form approved November 29, 2006, for use in the Western Division (“Western Division FPTO”), which is available in the District Court Clerk’s Office, Western Division.

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

Civil cases

Each party must prepare bound exhibit volumes with enough copies for each party, the witness stand, the court reporter, and Judge Dow.

Each party shall prepare sufficient bound volumes of exhibits to accommodate the following: one copy for each party, one copy to be kept on the witness stand, one copy for the court reporter, and one copy for Judge Dow.

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

Civil cases

Settlement conferences will be held in person at the Dirksen Courthouse unless the Court orders otherwise.

The format of settlement conferences will be in person at the Dirksen Courthouse unless otherwise ordered.

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

Civil cases

For videoconference settlement conferences, Court staff will hold a test run at least 30 minutes beforehand, and attorneys and party representatives must log on then.

If the settlement conference is by videoconferencing technology, the Court’s staff will hold a test run with the parties at least 30 minutes prior to the conference. All attorneys and party representatives must log on at that time.

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

Civil cases

Counsel and parties may not appear by cell phone.

The Court will not allow any counsel or party to appear using a cell phone.

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

Civil cases

Each participant must use a computer or tablet, or be in the same room as someone using one.

All participants must use a computer or tablet or be in the same room as someone with a computer or tablet.

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

Civil cases

Format

DOCX

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.

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

Civil cases

The exhibit chart must be substantially similar in format to the example; landscape orientation is encouraged but not required.

The chart’s format shall be substantially similar to the example below (landscape orientation is encouraged).

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

Civil cases

Trial exhibits must use the JERS exhibit format and naming convention.

Just as at the pre-trial stage, when preparing exhibits for the trial itself, once again use the JERS exhibit format and naming convention.

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

Civil cases

Exhibits must use consecutive numbers, not letters or exhibit parts, and their neutral descriptions may not exceed 200 characters.

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). The neutral description cannot be more than 200 characters (hopefully, you’ll never come close to that limit).

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

Civil cases

Do not renumber exhibits after the Pre-Trial Conference, even if the Court deemed some inadmissible.

After the Pre-Trial Conference, do not renumber the exhibits, even if during the Pre-Trial Conference the Court deemed some of them inadmissible.

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

Civil cases

The exhibit chart must substantially follow the provided example’s format; landscape orientation is encouraged but not required.

The chart’s format shall be substantially similar to the example below (landscape orientation is encouraged).

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

Civil cases

Exhibit files must use the specified P- or D-numbered naming format and have OCR-text recognition.

The file name of each exhibit shall be P-1 or D-1, P-2 or D-2, etc. All exhibits must have OCR-text recognition run on them.

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

Civil cases

Final exhibit files must use the specified P- or D-numbered naming format.

The file name of each exhibit shall be P-1 or D-1, P-2 or D-2, etc.

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

Civil cases

Exhibit charts must substantially follow the provided example; landscape orientation is encouraged but not required.

The chart’s format shall be substantially similar to the example below (landscape orientation is encouraged).

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

Civil cases

Paper exhibits should be double-sided and placed in three-ring binders with cover sheets, exhibit lists, and numbered tabs.

All paper exhibits should be printed double-sided and placed in three ring binders with appropriate cover sheets, exhibits lists, and number tabs.

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

Civil cases

Electronic exhibits should use standard formats, filenames matching the exhibit number and a brief description, and read-only or editing-locked settings.

All electronic exhibits should be saved in standard file formats, named consistent with the exhibit number and brief description (e.g., PX1 Contract.pdf) and be saved “read-only” and/or locked for editing.

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

Civil cases

Format

PDF

PDF exhibits should undergo OCR and be text-searchable.

Any exhibit in .pdf format should undergo Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and be text-searchable.

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

Civil cases

Place an index at the front of each binder and tab all subsections of the pretrial order.

4. Include an index to each binder at the front of the binder. All subsections of the pretrial order should be tabbed for easy access by the reader.

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

Civil cases

Mediation statements should use single spacing and 12-point type, and counsel should not manipulate formatting to evade the page limit.

Mediation statements should be limited to five pages before exhibits (single spacing and 12-point type; the Court frowns upon gaming the page limit issue by manipulating fonts, margins, and so on).

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

Civil cases

Attorneys must ensure that they and their clients have functioning cameras, speakers, and microphones without static or interference for the settlement conference.

All attorneys are responsible for themselves and their clients in ensuring an error-free settlement conference. This includes functioning cameras, speakers, and microphones without static or interference.

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

Civil cases

Digital exhibit stickers are permitted, but should show only the party designation and exhibit number.

If you’re using litigation-display software that imprints a “digital” exhibit sticker on documentary exhibits, that’s fine, though you should confine the exhibit sticker to the party designation (e.g., Pla or Gov, and Def) and the exhibit number.

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

Civil cases

The Court currently prefers in-person hearings.

The Court's current preference is for in-person hearings, which offer more opportunities for the Court and counsel to pick up on non-verbal cues and to know when a party or counsel wants to be heard further.

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

Civil cases

The Court uses Cisco Webex for videoconferences.

The Court uses the Cisco Webex platform for videoconferences.

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

Civil cases

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).

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

Required

Always ?

Format

PDF

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.CRITICAL?

Required

Always ?

Format

PDF

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.

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Specific Format: The exhibit name(s) for plaintiff(s) begin with numerical characters.

Summary: Plaintiff exhibit file names must begin with numerical characters.

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Specific Format: The exhibit name(s) for defendant(s) begin with alpha characters.

Summary: Defendant exhibit file names must begin with alpha characters.

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General Format: <exhibit number> - <exhibit part>_<exhibit description>.<file extension>

Summary: Exhibit file names must follow the format <exhibit number> - <exhibit part>_<exhibit description>.<file extension>.

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

The maximum number of characters that may be used in the <exhibit number> and the <exhibit part> field is 4 each. The maximum number of characters that may be used in the <exhibit description> field is 200.

Summary: Exhibit number and exhibit part fields are capped at 4 characters each, and the exhibit description field is capped at 200 characters.

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

For any exhibit that is marked for identification, do not include “(ID)” in the exhibit number or description of the electronic copy submitted for use in JERS.

Summary: Do not include '(ID)' in the exhibit number or description of an electronic copy submitted for use in JERS.

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

Counsel are responsible to ensure that the electronic version of each exhibit available for viewing by jurors during deliberations is an exact replica of what was admitted in evidence.

Summary: Counsel must ensure the electronic version of each exhibit shown to jurors is an exact replica of the admitted evidence.

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

Civil cases

Any changes to this model order must be shown by redlining showing both deletions and additions.

Summary: Any changes to the model confidentiality order must be shown by redline reflecting both deletions and additions.

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Required

Always ?

All electronic documents must be submitted in Compatible Format.

Summary: All electronically filed documents must be submitted in Compatible Format.

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Required

Always ?

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.WARNING?

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.

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The exhibit description field is limited to 200 characters.

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All exhibits shall be described using neutral and non-adversarial terms.

Summary: Exhibit descriptions must use neutral and non-adversarial language.

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For any unlisted exhibit introduced following direct examination of witnesses at trial, counsel should, whenever possible, have an electronic copy available for the courtroom deputy.

Summary: Counsel should have an electronic copy of newly introduced unlisted exhibits available for the courtroom deputy whenever possible.

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

The exhibits should be on a CD/DVD or USB drive and named using the proper naming convention referenced above.

Summary: Exhibits for manual upload should be provided on a CD/DVD or USB drive and named using the proper naming convention.

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Plaintiff(s)/Government: (Exhibit name(s) begin with numerical characters) General Format: <exhibit number> - <exhibit part>_<exhibit description>.<file extension>

Summary: Plaintiff/government electronic exhibits must be named beginning with numerical characters using the format <exhibit number> - <exhibit part>_<exhibit description>.<file extension>.

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

Defendant(s): (Exhibit name(s) begin with alpha characters) General Format: <exhibit number> - <exhibit part>_<exhibit description>.<file extension>

Summary: Defendant electronic exhibits must be named beginning with alpha characters using the format <exhibit number> - <exhibit part>_<exhibit description>.<file extension>.

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While exhibit stickers are used for paper/physical exhibits, the electronic exhibits provided for use in JERS should not display the exhibit numbering stickers. The exhibit description given to the electronic version replaces the use of exhibit stickers.

Summary: Electronic exhibits in JERS must not display exhibit numbering stickers; the exhibit description replaces the use of stickers.

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

Civil cases

Parties are to delete this footnote when submitting their proposed Order.

Summary: Parties must delete footnote 1 from the model order when submitting their proposed Order.

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

Civil cases

If protection is sought for additional or different categories of information, the parties are to include them in this paragraph. Parties are to delete this footnote once the Paragraph is finalized.

Summary: Parties seeking protection for additional or different categories of information must add them to Paragraph 2, and must delete footnote 2 once the paragraph is finalized.

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

Civil cases

Pages of transcribed deposition testimony or exhibits to depositions that are designated as Confidential Information pursuant to the process set out in this Order must be separately bound by the court reporter and may not be disclosed to anyone except as permitted under this Order

Summary: Deposition transcript pages and deposition exhibits designated as Confidential Information must be separately bound by the court reporter and may be disclosed only as permitted by the Order.

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

Civil cases

Required

Always ?

8. Originals: A legible photocopy of a document may be used as the "original" for all purposes in this action.

Summary: A legible photocopy of a document may be used as the original for all purposes in this action.

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

Civil cases

Parties should include or delete language in brackets as necessary to their specific case.

Summary: Parties should tailor the model order by including or deleting bracketed language as necessary for their specific case.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Criminal cases

the parties must submit to chambers a USB storage device, DVD, or CD with all of the proposed exhibits. In addition to the disc, the parties also must supply 2 sets of exhibit binders containing copies of objected-to exhibits only.

Summary: Parties must submit a USB/DVD/CD with all proposed exhibits and 2 sets of exhibit binders with objected-to exhibits only.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Criminal cases

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.

Summary: Objecting party must state grounds for objection and proposed modification on the page immediately following the disputed instruction.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Criminal cases

five business days before trial, each party shall supply (a) the exhibits in digital format on a USB drive, DVD, or CD; and (b) the exhibits in paper copy (just 1 set), double-sided in three-ring binders.

Summary: Five business days before trial, each party must supply exhibits on USB/DVD/CD and one paper set double-sided in three-ring binders.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Required

Always ?

Format

PDF

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.CRITICAL?

Required

Always ?

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: Examples: 1_Financial Statement 2009 Annual.pdf 2_Contract 2010 Renewal.pdf 3_Photo Front Door.jpg 4_Audio Dec 11 2013 Phone Call.mp3 5_Video Traffic Stop.wmv

Summary: Exhibits must be named with number_underscore_neutral description format.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Civil cases

Format

DOCX ?

Proposed pretrial orders must be filed electronically using CM/ECF (no need for courtesy copies). 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 Proposed_Order_Chang@ilnd.uscourts.gov in Microsoft Word format.

Summary: Proposed pretrial orders filed electronically via CM/ECF; email Word copy to judge.

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

Civil cases

Format

PDF

A USB Key/Thumb Drive with no password protection 3 containing a .pdf of each of each party’s own proposed exhibits and deposition transcripts to which the opposing party has raised an objection. The parties must use the exhibit-file format and exhibit-naming convention for JERS. See Exhibit 3. All exhibits must have OCR- text recognition run on them.

Summary: The pre-conference USB drive must contain PDFs of the specified objected-to materials, follow JERS file and naming conventions, and include exhibits with OCR text recognition.

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

Civil cases

One binder containing a copy of each party’s proposed exhibits and deposition transcripts to which the opposing party has raised an objection. The exhibits and/or deposition transcripts must be printed double-sided and placed in a three-ring binder with tabs separating each exhibit and/or deposition transcript. Unless the parties agree otherwise, the party that is offering the exhibit or deposition transcript is responsible for providing the copy of the objected-to exhibit or deposition transcript.

Summary: Each party must provide one tabbed three-ring binder of the specified objected-to materials, printed double-sided, unless the parties agree otherwise; the offering party provides the copy.

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

Civil cases

Format

PDF

A USB Key/Thumb Drive with no password protection 4 containing a .pdf of each final trial exhibit and final deposition transcript that will be read in place of live testimony. The parties must use the exhibit-file format and exhibit-naming convention for JERS. See Exhibit 3.

Summary: The post-conference USB drive must be unpassworded and contain PDFs of final trial exhibits and deposition transcripts to be read instead of live testimony, following JERS file and naming conventions.

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

Civil cases

One binder containing a copy of each final trial exhibit and final deposition transcript that will be read in place of live testimony. The exhibits and/or deposition transcripts must be printed double-sided and placed in a three-ring binder with tabs separating each exhibit and/or deposition transcript. For deposition transcripts, please see above, see supra Section VII.a.

Summary: Each party must provide one three-ring binder of final trial exhibits and specified deposition transcripts, printed double-sided and tabbed.

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

Civil cases

Format

PDF

JERS does not accept .xls files. All spreadsheets need to be submitted as a .pdf file.

Summary: Spreadsheets submitted for JERS must be PDFs because JERS does not accept XLS files.

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

Civil cases

One binder containing one copy of each admitted exhibit. The binder must include the filed exhibits list as the first page, and must include tabs separating exhibits.

Summary: Provide one binder containing one copy of each admitted exhibit, with the filed exhibit list first and tabs separating the exhibits.

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

Civil cases

If Plaintiff puts on a rebuttal case, if new exhibits are admitted, after Plaintiff rests and before closing arguments, after consulting with Defendant, Plaintiff must file an updated exhibit list, including the exhibits admitted during Plaintiff’s case-in- chief and the exhibits admitted during Plaintiff’s rebuttal case, and distinguish which exhibits were admitted during the rebuttal case. Plaintiff must also provide to the Courtroom Deputy a USB Key/Thumb Drive and a binder of hard copies including only the new exhibits admitted during Plaintiff’s rebuttal case.

Summary: If new exhibits are admitted during Plaintiff’s rebuttal case, Plaintiff must provide the Courtroom Deputy a USB drive and a binder containing only those new exhibits.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Criminal cases

With regard to creating and naming the electronic versions of the exhibits, the parties must use the exhibit-file format and exhibit-naming convention for the Jury Evidence Recording System (JERS).

Summary: Electronic exhibits must use JERS format and naming convention.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Criminal cases

Format

PDF

A USB Key/Thumb Drive with no password protection 2 containing a .pdf of each final trial exhibit. The parties must use the exhibit-file format and exhibit-naming convention for JERS. See Exhibit 3. All exhibits must have OCR-text recognition run on them.

Summary: Final trial exhibits must be on password-free USB drive with OCR.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Criminal cases

One binder containing a copy of each final trial exhibit. The exhibits must be printed double-sided and placed in a three-ring binder with tabs separating each exhibit.

Summary: Final trial exhibits must be double-sided in tabbed three-ring binder.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Criminal cases

Format

PDF

A USB Key/Thumb Drive with no password protection 1 containing a .pdf of

Summary: USB key/thumb drive must have no password protection.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Criminal cases

One binder containing a copy of any proposed exhibits to which a party has raised an objection. The exhibits must be printed double-sided and placed in a three-ring binder with tabs separating each exhibit. Unless the parties agree otherwise, the party that is offering an exhibit is responsible for providing the copy of the objected-to exhibit.

Summary: Objected exhibits must be double-sided in tabbed three-ring binder.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Criminal cases

Format

PDF

For any exhibits that a party plans to use at trial to impeach a witness or to refresh a witness’s recollection, the party must provide the exhibits on the USB Key/Thumb Drive in a separate folder titled “Impeachment and RR Exhibits.” The party must also include in this folder a separate .pdf exhibit chart of these exhibits in a format similar to the primary exhibit chart, with only columns for exhibit number, date, and description. The party should begin numbering these exhibits at least 50 numbers after its last exhibit on its primary exhibit chart. The party need not provide hard copies of these exhibits in advance of trial.

Summary: Impeachment/RR exhibits require separate USB folder with chart, no hard copies.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Criminal cases

Required

Always ?

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.CRITICAL?

Criminal cases

Required

Always ?

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 USB Key/Thumb Drive.

Summary: Physical objects need numbered exhibit designation and one-page PDF stand-in for JERS.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Criminal cases

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 (3 digits), followed by an underscore, followed by a neutral description of the exhibit. The convention is thus: <exhibit number> <exhibit description>.<file extension>

Summary: Exhibits must follow specific naming convention: 3-digit number, underscore, neutral description.

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

Civil cases

Format

PDF

A USB Key/Thumb Drive with no password protection 4 containing a .pdf of each final trial exhibit and final deposition transcript that will be read in place of live testimony.

Summary: The post-conference USB drive must be unpassword-protected and contain PDFs of all final trial exhibits and deposition transcripts to be read instead of live testimony.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Civil casesProposed or draft document; may not be in force

At least five business days before the pretrial conference, the parties must submit to chambers two USB storage devices with all of the disputed deposition designations. Plaintiff’s designations must be color-coded in blue, and Defendant’s designations must be color-coded in red.

Summary: Deposition designations must be submitted on USB drives with color-coding.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Criminal cases

All paper exhibits should be printed double-sided and placed in three ring binders with appropriate cover sheets, exhibits lists, and number tabs. All exhibits should be numbered (e.g., PX1, DX1, etc.) All electronic exhibits should be saved in standard file formats, named consistent with the exhibit number and brief description (e.g., PX1 Contract.pdf) and be saved "read-only" and/or locked for editing. Any exhibit in .pdf format should undergo Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and be text-searchable.

Summary: Paper exhibits double-sided in three-ring binders; electronic exhibits named, read-only, OCR'd and text-searchable.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Civil cases

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.

Summary: Exhibits must follow JERS naming convention.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Civil cases

Any exhibit in .pdf format should undergo Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and be text-searchable.

Summary: PDF exhibits must be OCR'd and text-searchable.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Required

Always ?

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.CRITICAL?

Required

Always ?

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: Exhibits must use consecutive numbers only, no letters or parts.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

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>

Summary: Exhibits must be named with number_underscore_neutral_description.file_extension format.

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

Civil cases

3. Bind the original copy at the top, pursuant to Local Rule 5.2(d), but submit one extra copy to chambers bound on the side in a three-ring binder.

Summary: Top-bind the original final pretrial order and submit one extra side-bound copy in a three-ring binder to chambers.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Civil cases

Significant and supporting exhibits may be attached and are often quite helpful both to the court and to opposing counsel. If exhibits are included, they must be tabbed with protruding tabs in accordance with Local Rule 5.2.

Summary: Exhibits must be tabbed with protruding tabs per Local Rule 5.2.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Criminal cases

The Pretrial Order either should be placed in a three-hole binder or spiral-bound on the left side of the document, with tabs on the right side.

Summary: Pretrial Order must be three-hole bound or spiral-bound with tabs.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Civil cases

The Pretrial Order either should be placed in a three-hole binder or spiral bound on the left side of the document, with tabs on the right side.

Summary: Pretrial Order must be three-hole bound or spiral bound with tabs.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Civil cases

The subjects discussed below should be addressed in separate, tabbed and numbered sections of the Pretrial Order.

Summary: Pretrial Order must have separate, tabbed, numbered sections.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

JERS accepts these common file types: Documents and Photographs: .pdf, .jpg. Video and Audio Recordings: .avi, .wmv, .mpg, .mp3, .wma, .wav JERS does NOT except .xls (excel) file types. Spreadsheets will need to be saved as a PDF or provided as a paper document.

Summary: JERS accepts .pdf, .jpg, .avi, .wmv, .mpg, .mp3, .wma, .wav files; .xls files not accepted.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

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, if you wish, by a neutral description of the exhibit (the description is not required; it is optional). The convention is thus: <exhibit number>__<exhibit description>.<file extension>

Summary: Exhibits must be named: exhibit number_underscore_description.file extension.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

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. For example, Defendant 1 would be A001, A002, A003, etc.; Defendant 2 would use B001, B002, B003, etc.

Summary: Multiple parties: coordinate exhibit numbering (A001, B001, etc.).

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

Civil cases

All statements of undisputed material facts offered by the moving party under Local Rule 56.1(a)(3) or statements of additional facts offered by the opposing party under Local Rule 56.1(b)(3)(C), must list the facts in short, numbered paragraphs that refrain from argument.

Summary: Moving-party undisputed facts and opposing-party additional facts must be stated in short, numbered paragraphs without argument.

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

Civil cases

All responses to statements of undisputed material facts offered by the opposing party under Local Rule 56.1(b)(3)(B), or responses to statements of additional facts offered by the moving party under Local Rule 56.1(a), shall be in a format similar to that used in answering a complaint: that is, the response must repeat each numbered paragraph of the fact statement, and then immediately following each numbered statement must state whether the alleged fact is "undisputed" or "disputed."

Summary: Responses to summary-judgment fact statements must repeat each numbered paragraph and immediately label the alleged fact disputed or undisputed.

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

Civil cases

As with the fact statements submitted under Local Rules 56.1(a)(3) and 56.1(b)(3)(C), the responses to those fact statements must refrain from argument.

Summary: Responses to summary-judgment fact statements must refrain from argument.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Criminal cases

Required

Always ?

With regard to creating and naming the electronic versions of the exhibits, the parties must use the exhibit-file format and exhibit-naming convention for the Jury Evidence Recording System (JERS).

Summary: Electronic exhibits must use JERS format and naming convention.

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

Any variations or additions that the parties wish to make must be submitted in writing, in the format and under the schedule set forth in the Court's Standing Order on Preparation of Final Pretrial Order and Other Trial Preparation Materials.

Summary: Variations or additions to the standard voir dire questions must be submitted in writing and follow the format and schedule in the referenced Standing Order.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Pages of transcribed deposition testimony or exhibits to depositions that are designated as Confidential Information pursuant to the process set out in this Order must be separately bound by the court reporter and may not be disclosed to anyone except as permitted under this Order;

Summary: Court reporters must separately bind pages of confidential transcribed deposition testimony and deposition exhibits.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Civil cases

Required

Always ?

Format

COMPUTER_OR_TABLET

The Court will not allow any counsel or party to appear using a cell phone. All participants must use a computer or tablet or be in the same room as someone with a computer or tablet.

Summary: Cell phones prohibited for videoconference participation.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Civil cases

The Pretrial Order either should be placed in a three-hole binder or clipped at the top left corner of the document, with tabs on the right side.

Summary: Pretrial Order must be in three-hole binder or clipped with tabs.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Civil cases

Format

DOCX ?

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 in Word format.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Required

Always ?

Format

PDF

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.CRITICAL?

Required

Always ?

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.CRITICAL?

Required

Always ?

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.CRITICAL?

Required

Always ?

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.CRITICAL?

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.WARNING?

Criminal cases

The exhibit binders should separate the exhibits with tabs that correspond to the exhibit number.

Summary: Exhibit binders must have tabs corresponding to exhibit numbers.

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

Civil cases

JERS accepts these common file types: Documents and Photographs: .pdf, .jpg. Video and Audio Recordings: .avi, .wmv, .mpg, .mp3, .wma, .wav

Summary: JERS accepts PDF and JPG documents or photographs, and AVI, WMV, MPG, MP3, WMA, and WAV audio or video files.

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

Civil cases

These designations should be in a chart format substantially similar to the example below (landscape orientation is encouraged).

Summary: Deposition designations should use a chart substantially similar to the example; landscape orientation is encouraged.

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

Civil cases

The prosecution history must be paginated and the parties should include the appropriate page number when citing it.

Summary: The prosecution history in the joint appendix must be paginated, and the parties should cite its appropriate page numbers.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.WARNING?

Try to avoid "group exhibits." A document with multiple pages cannot be separated into subparts once it is entered into the JERS system. If there is a reasonable chance that you will be offering only part of a multiple-page exhibit, use

Summary: Avoid group exhibits; multi-page documents cannot be separated in JERS.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.WARNING?

The neutral description cannot be more than 200 characters (hopefully, you'll never come close to that limit).

Summary: Exhibit description limited to 200 characters.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.WARNING?

Civil cases

Required

Always ?

The Court does not want the parties to prepare formal presentations about their case. Rather, the parties or their representatives should come to the settlement conference prepared to participate in interactive discussions.

Summary: No formal presentations allowed; interactive discussions required.

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

Civil cases

The Court reminds parties that the fact statements under Local Rule 56.1(a)(3) and Local Rule 56.1(b)(3)(C) "shall consist of short numbered paragraphs."

Summary: Local Rule 56.1 fact statements must consist of short numbered paragraphs.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.WARNING?

Civil cases

The chart’s format shall be substantially similar to the example below (landscape orientation is encouraged).

Summary: The exhibit chart's format must be substantially similar to the provided example, and landscape orientation is encouraged.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.INFO?

Required

Always ?

Format

PDF ?

JERS is a computer system that the jury will use to review exhibits on a wide-screen video monitor, rather than reviewing paper copies. The jury room has the JERS computer, a touch-screen monitor for the jury to pick an exhibit to display, and the wide-screen monitor. JERS can display what otherwise would have been on paper (including photos), and JERS also can play audio and video files.

Summary: JERS allows jury to review digital exhibits on monitors instead of paper copies.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.INFO?

Criminal cases

The chart’s format shall be substantially similar to the example below (landscape orientation is encouraged).

Summary: Exhibit charts should follow example format with landscape orientation encouraged.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.INFO?

Criminal cases

Required

Always ?

If you’re using litigation-display software that imprints a “digital” exhibit sticker on documentary exhibits, that’s 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 allowed but limited to party designation and exhibit number.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.INFO?

It is recommended that plaintiffs use consecutive numbers to designate exhibits and defendants use letters to distinguish exhibits. (However, using consecutive numbers for both parties is acceptable.) In a case in which you will have more than ten exhibits, use leading zeroes when numbering your exhibits (001, 002, etc.). And “exhibit part may be used, such as 001-A.

Summary: Plaintiffs: numbers; defendants: letters. Use leading zeros for >10 exhibits.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.INFO?

Civil cases

The chart’s format shall be substantially similar to the example below (landscape orientation is encouraged).

Summary: Exhibit charts should use landscape orientation.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.INFO?

Civil cases

No. Date Description Relevance Objection 1 02/15/06 2005 Proves record of R. 402 relevant; R. Performance satisfactory job 403 confusion. Review performance Plaintiff fired in 2011.

Summary: Exhibit chart format example showing required columns.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.INFO?

Civil cases

The Court generally will follow a traditional mediation format, in which the Court initially meets with the participants together and then has private meetings with each side.

Summary: Settlement conference follows traditional mediation format with joint and private sessions.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.INFO?

Criminal cases

Required

Always ?

Ideally, any exhibit in /pdf format will have undergone Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and be text-searchable.

Summary: PDF exhibits should be OCR-processed and text-searchable.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.INFO?

Civil cases

Judge Bass Ehler refers to the Seventh Circuit Pattern Jury Instructions, and where applicable those instructions should be used absent a good reason for not doing so.

Summary: Parties should use Seventh Circuit Pattern Jury Instructions for jury trials where applicable, unless there is a good reason to not use them.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.INFO?

Required

Always ?

Format

DOCX ?

The Court prefers the items be separate Word documents that are editable.

Summary: Court prefers separate editable Word documents for pretrial items.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.INFO?

Civil cases

Required

Always ?

The Court typically conducts settlement conferences remotely via video conferencing; however, the Court will hold a conference in-person if the parties’ request. The Court generally holds a joint session with short opening remarks and questions by the Court, generally with no opening presentations by the parties. This short, joint session will be followed by each party having private caucuses with the Court. The Court expects both the lawyers and the party representatives to be fully prepared to participate openly during these discussions. Statements made by any party during the settlement conference are not to be used in discovery and will not be admissible at trial.

Summary: Settlement conferences are typically remote via video but can be in-person if requested; format includes joint session followed by private caucuses.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.INFO?

Required

Always ?

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.