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

Hon. Jeffrey I. Cummings

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 Cummings — deviations that burn people
  • [Summary Judgment Practice] This conference should be scheduled with the Courtroom Deputy before any substantive work is done preparing the motion.
  • [Civil Motion Practice] Before filing a motion, the movant's counsel must ask opposing counsel whether there is an objection to the motion and the motion should clearly indicate in the TITLE whether it is opposed or unopposed.
content assembled from published local rules & standing orders · click any section in the rail for the full treatment
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