Procedures verified June 26, 2026
Judge Joan B. Gottschall -- United States District Court, Northern District of Illinois
2568
description
Motions decided on papers — no hearings held
warning
Key Traps — Where Counsel Gets Caught
- 1. Procedures updated July 15, 2025 -- verify against current page before relying on any pre-2025 sources.
- 2. Courtesy copies NO LONGER required. Do not send unless specifically requested.
- 3. EVERY motion must be accompanied by a proposed order -- filed as a CM/ECF attachment to the motion AND emailed in Word format to Proposed_Order_Gottschall@ilnd.uscourts.gov. Also provide Word versions of the motion and any supporting memo.
- 4. No presentment -- do not notice motions for hearing. If not addressed within 3 business days, email Chambers_Gottschall@ilnd.uscourts.gov.
- 5. Chambers email (Chambers_Gottschall@ilnd.uscourts.gov) is for scheduling and administrative matters ONLY -- not for filings, proposed orders, or substantive matters.
- 6. LR 3.2 affiliate disclosure: unlike FRCP 7.1(a)(1), ILND LR 3.2 does not distinguish between private and public ownership interests. All affiliates meeting LR 3.2(a) must be identified, including privately held interests. Court cannot adjudicate any motion until compliant.
- 7. SJ: memoranda must cite to specific LR 56.1 paragraphs -- direct citation to evidentiary materials in the memo itself is prohibited. No speaking objections in LR 56.1 responses.
Quick Reference
| Topic | Rule |
|---|---|
| Motion Days | No presentment. Motions should not be noticed for presentment. Court addresses motions on papers. If a motion has not been addressed within three business days, counsel may email Chambers_Gottschall@ilnd.uscourts.gov. [Judge Gottschall -- Motion Practice] |
| Motion Limit | 15 pages maximum per Local Rule 7.1. [Judge Gottschall -- Motion Practice] |
| Reply Limit | Not separately specified; follow LR 7.1 default. |
| Chambers Copies | ✗ Not required Courtesy copies are NO LONGER required. Do not send courtesy copies unless specifically requested in a particular case. When requested:... |
| Tentative Rulings | Not issued. Court rules on papers. |
| Remote Appearances | Hearings may be scheduled by teleconference on request. Any party may request a hearing (preferably by teleconference) by filing a separate motion to set a hearing explaining why a hearing is desired. |
| Discovery | Discovery motions require LR 37.2 compliance. Parties are strongly encouraged to work out discovery disputes without motion practice. Court will not hear any discovery motion unless LR 37.2 has been satisfied. |
Procedural Briefing by Motion Type
C.D. Cal. · Standing Orders
Procedural Requirements
Key Traps
Compare to Other C.D. Cal. Judges
Procedural facts only. Judges shown to illustrate variance in this district.
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Before You File
Motion Days & Times
No presentment. Motions should not be noticed for presentment. Court addresses motions on papers. If a motion has not been addressed within three business days, counsel may email Chambers_Gottschall@ilnd.uscourts.gov. [Judge Gottschall -- Motion Practice]
Notice Period
N/A. No presentment scheduling required.
Motion Page / Word Limit
15 pages maximum per Local Rule 7.1. [Judge Gottschall -- Motion Practice]
Opposition Limit
15 pages maximum per Local Rule 7.1.
Reply Limit
Not separately specified; follow LR 7.1 default.
Font & Formatting
Per LR 5.2(e).
Footnote Policy
Not specified.
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At Filing
Chambers Copies
✗ Not required
Courtesy copies are NO LONGER required. Do not send courtesy copies unless specifically requested in a particular case. When requested: attach a cover letter identifying case name, number, and docket number; print single-sided on white 8.5 x 11-inch paper; bind and tab (acceptable: staples, comb binding, three-ring binders; unacceptable: binder clips, paper clips, rubber bands). Deliver to courtroom deputy Room 2516A.
Proposed Orders
EVERY motion must be accompanied by a proposed order. The proposed order must: (1) be filed via CM/ECF as an attachment to the motion (NOT as a separate docket entry); AND (2) be emailed in Microsoft Word-compatible format to Proposed_Order_Gottschall@ilnd.uscourts.gov. Copy all parties and counsel. Subject line must include case number and name, CM/ECF docket number of the motion, and the motion's title. NOTE: Also provide Word-compatible versions of the motion itself and any supporting memorandum of law. [Judge Gottschall -- Proposed Orders]
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Before the Hearing
Tentative Rulings
Not issued. Court rules on papers.
Prohibition / Ex Parte Contact Re Tentatives
N/A.
Oral Argument
No default oral argument. Hearings may be requested by motion (preferably by teleconference). Court rules on papers.
Remote Appearances
Hearings may be scheduled by teleconference on request. Any party may request a hearing (preferably by teleconference) by filing a separate motion to set a hearing explaining why a hearing is desired.
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Background Rules
Chambers Contact
Court staff are prohibited from communicating about substantive matters by telephone or email. Substantive matters must be addressed in court filings or on-the-record hearings. Scheduling, administrative, or emergency matters: email Chambers_Gottschall@ilnd.uscourts.gov with copy to all parties. Do NOT use chambers email for filings, proposed orders, or substantive matters.
Discovery Referral
Discovery motions require LR 37.2 compliance. Parties are strongly encouraged to work out discovery disputes without motion practice. Court will not hear any discovery motion unless LR 37.2 has been satisfied.
Discovery Dispute Procedure No-presentment
LR 37.2 required before filing any discovery or document production motion. Parties are strongly encouraged to resolve disputes without resorting to motion practice.
Ex Parte Applications
Emergency motions: must be of such a nature that delay would cause serious and irreparable harm. Before filing, notify the courtroom deputy by phone. Include the word 'emergency' in the title.
Settlement Notification
No published settlement conference procedures beyond general LR 37.2 framework. Court may refer case to magistrate judge for settlement.
Lead Counsel
Lead attorney must be identified in the joint initial status report.
Under Seal Filings
Not separately specified; follow Local Rules.
Continuances & Calendar Conflicts
Not separately specified.
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AI & Style Preferences
AI Disclosure Requirement
Not specified.
Additional Notes
Senior judge. Procedures substantially updated July 15, 2025. No presentment. Courtesy copies eliminated (request-only). Every motion needs a proposed Word order both as CM/ECF attachment and by email. Strict LR 3.2 affiliate disclosure enforcement -- cases can be frozen until compliant. SJ memo practice has specific requirements beyond LR 56.1 defaults.
Sources & Currency
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Procedures verified June 26, 2026.
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