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

Hon. Sunil R. Harjani

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

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

Before You File
Contacting chambers
👤 Judge Harjani — standing order

Communications with Chambers for case related matters: The Court strongly prefers email communication with the courtroom deputy, with a copy to opposing counsel. Counsel may jointly contact the courtroom deputy at lynette_santiago@ilnd.uscourts.gov . Communications with Chambers for non-case related matters: Please send an email to Chambers_Harjani@ilnd.uscourts.gov .

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 Harjani — deviations that burn people
  • [Civil Motion Practice and Memoranda of Law]
  • Searchable Text All electronically filed documents shall be made word searchable before being filed on ECF.
  • [Civil Motion Practice and Memoranda of Law]
  • Before filing a motion, the movant's counsel must ask opposing counsel whether there is an objection to the motion.
content assembled from published local rules & standing orders · click any section in the rail for the full treatment
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