Current through May 13, 2026

Judge-Specific Procedures

N.D. Ill. — ## §9.

§9. Judge-Specific Procedures

Where to Find Standing Orders

The court website provides each judge's individual procedures page. Per LR 5.3(a): "Parties should consult the assigned judge's web page on the Court's website regarding the judge's procedures on filing and presenting motions."

The Standing Order Establishing Pretrial Procedure (LR 16.1) explicitly notes: "Parties should also be aware that there may be variances in the forms and procedures used by each of the judges. Accordingly, parties should contact the minute clerk for the assigned judge for a copy of any standing order of that judge modifying these procedures."

Court Divisions

DivisionLocationCase Number Prefix
EasternChicago (Everett McKinley Dirksen Courthouse, 219 S. Dearborn)Case numbers start with 1
WesternRockfordCase numbers start with 50,001

Cases are assigned by lot (LR 40.1(a)). The random assignment system has been in place for more than 50 years. Violating the assignment procedures is punishable by contempt (LR 40.1(c)).