judge console · N.D. Ill.
N.D. Ill. · Judge Bucklo · Practice Guide

Hon. Elaine E. Bucklo

Verified 2026-06-26verify at the court's site ↗

All local rules for N.D. Ill., integrated with this judge's published requirements.

Drafting the Motion
Length limits — motion, opposition, reply
🏛 N.D. Ill. local rule
Motion

15 pages maximum Local Rule 7.1 ↗

Opposition

15 pages maximum Local Rule 7.1 ↗

Reply

15 pages maximum Local Rule 7.1 ↗

Filing & Scheduling
Briefing schedule & hearing date
🏛 N.D. Ill. local rule
Notice period

Presentment model; notice date not more than 14 days after filing Local Rule 5.3 ↗

Hearing days

File by 4:30 PM two business days before presentment; hearing days set per judge Local Rule 78.1 ↗

Proposed orders
🏛 N.D. Ill. local rule

Silent on proposed orders. The local rules do not require a proposed order with motions. Consult the assigned judge's individual practices page on the court website. Local Rule 5.3(a) ↗

The Hearing
Oral argument
🏛 N.D. Ill. local rule

Oral argument at court's discretion; court may rule on papers without hearing Local Rule 78.3 ↗

Discovery
Discovery referral procedure
🏛 N.D. Ill. local rule

Magistrate assigned to each case; LR 37.2 in-person or phone conferral required before filing Local Rule 72.1 ↗

Know Before You Go
👤 Judge Bucklo — deviations that burn people
  • [Memoranda of Law (Briefs)]
  • A. Memoranda of Law must be filed electronically in text-searchable PDF format (i.e., documents that have been electronically converted, not scanned) whenever reasonably possible. B. The Court strongly encourages all filings to include hyperlinks to any cases or docket entries referred to in the pleadings. If possible, the Court prefers hyperlinks to exhibits as well but recognizes that this may entail more time and expense. To the extent possible, the Court prefers any citation to exhibits, cases, and docket entries to be hyperlinked. Please see http://www.ned.uscourts.gov/internetDocs/cmecf/hyperlinking_attorneys_word.pdf for directions on how to include hyperlinks in filings. C. All exhibits or other material left with Chambers no longer than thirty (30) days after a ruling has been issued will be discarded without further notice. (This does not include original documents or exhibits filed with the Clerk of the Court.) D. Except in exceptional cases, no pleadings are to be filed under seal. Accordingly, unless absolutely necessary, no attorney shall quote from or otherwise disclose material designated as confidential pursuant to a previously entered protective order in any document to be filed in court. If an attorney believes it is absolutely necessary to disclose such material in a brief or memorandum, before doing so the attorney shall file a motion with this court asking for permission to file such material under seal.
content assembled from published local rules & standing orders · click any section in the rail for the full treatment
Get updates on Judge Bucklo's procedures
Standing order changes, new key traps, and C.D. Cal. practice intelligence.