All local rules for N.D. Ill., integrated with this judge's published requirements.
Communications with Chambers If the parties need to communicate with chambers on any non-urgent matter, counsel should email Judge McNally's chambers (at Chambers_McNally@ilnd.uscourts.gov ). In particular, the parties should inform the court as soon as possible if they resolve an issue that is scheduled for argument or under consideration by the judge. Counsel should copy all counsel of record on any such emails. WebEx Link for Video Status Hearings For video hearings, parties are to appear by accessing the following link: https://us-courts.webex.com/meet/scott_white Members of the public may listen via teleconference: 1-650-479-3207; Access code: 23166424339. Those not speaking during the hearing must mute themselves. Audio recording of the hearing is not permitted; violations of this prohibition may result in sanctions. Calendar Schedule Judge Laura K. McNally --> Procedures to be followed in cases assigned to Judge Laura K. McNally CONSENT TO PROCEED BEFORE A MAGISTRATE JUDGE Judge McNally encourages parties to consent to her jurisdiction so that she may preside over the entirety of the case, including ruling on dispositive motions and presiding over any trial. Because Judge McNally does not handle felony criminal cases, she generally is able to accommodate the requests of counsel for particular (and firm) trial dates. Parties are encouraged to read 28 U.S.C. § 636 and Fed. R. Civ. P. 73 regarding trial by consent and discuss this option with their clients and opposing counsel. Magistrate Judge Consent Form INITIAL STATUS CONFERENCES AND REPORTS In all non-Social Security cases assigned by consent or referral to Judge McNally, the court will issue a minute order instructing the parties on next steps, which may include submitting a joint initial status report and/or appearing for an initial status conference.
15 pages maximum Local Rule 7.1 ↗
15 pages maximum Local Rule 7.1 ↗
15 pages maximum Local Rule 7.1 ↗
Presentment model; notice date not more than 14 days after filing Local Rule 5.3 ↗
File by 4:30 PM two business days before presentment; hearing days set per judge Local Rule 78.1 ↗
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) ↗
Oral argument at court's discretion; court may rule on papers without hearing Local Rule 78.3 ↗
Magistrate assigned to each case; LR 37.2 in-person or phone conferral required before filing Local Rule 72.1 ↗
MOTION PRACTICE Meet and Confer Obligations for All Motions The meet and confer requirement can have the same effect on other disputes that it has in connection with discovery disputes. A candid discussion between the parties prior to filing motions to dismiss, motions for summary judgment, and motions in limine , among others, can limit the scope of such motions or eliminate the need for them to be filed at all. (Summary judgment motions are separately addressed on the Court’s webpage.) Accordingly, the Court therefore incorporates the requirements of Local Rule 37.2 to all motions that are not joint motions, agreed motions, or unopposed motions. Each motion must state with specificity when and how the movant complied with Local Rule 37.2 by separate certificate filed with the motion and attested to by the attorney. Parties are reminded that compliance with Local Rule 37.2 requires a good faith effort to resolve disputes through communications and negotiations that take place in person or over the telephone. The Court believes face to face communications are the most effective way to resolve disputes and requires counsel for parties to meet in person or video conference unless it is impracticable to do so. The Rule 37.2 Certificate must state with particularity that this requirement has been met or why it cannot be met. The mere exchange of correspondence will not be sufficient to comply with Local Rule 37.2. Parties who fail to indicate that they have met in person to attempt to resolve their dispute risk having their motion stricken. Parties are forewarned that if the parties’ inability to be reasonable and compromise results in the filing of excessive motions, the Court may impose additional meet-and-confer requirements on the parties, such as the presence of a court reporter at all meet-and-confer sessions, with the parties to equally share the cost of the court reporter. Joint/Agreed/Unopposed Motions Joint, unopposed, and agreed motions should be so identified in both the title and the body of the motion. If there is an objection, the movant must note that fact in the body of the motion. Motions for Extension of Time A motion for extension of time shall prominently identify the current deadline. In addition, the motion must indicate (i) the reason for the extension request, and (ii) the number of previous extensions. Exhibits For any motion with three or more exhibits, the first attachment exhibit before the substantive exhibits should be a table of contents of all exhibits. Courtesy Copies Courtesy copies are required if the electronic filing (including exhibits) exceeds 40 pages. The courtesy copy should always be printed from ECF after electronic filing so that the copies include the ECF header. Parties citing a deposition transcript in a brief should submit only the cited excerpts in hard copy in the condensed format; the Court does not want hard copies of entire deposition transcripts. The Court prefers all documents to be printed on 3-hole punched paper and binder-clipped if more than 5 pages. If Motions Become Moot Counsel should call Judge McNally’s chambers as soon as possible if the parties resolve an issue that is scheduled for argument or is under consideration by the judge. After normal business hours counsel may leave a message on the chambers' voicemail system (312-435-5858). Format for Motions and Briefing Discovery-related Motions Disputes Arising During Depositions