**Beginning January 1, 2023, all hearings will presumptively require the parties' in-person attendance. Please refer to the minute entry or order entered on the case docket if your hearing will proceed via telephone conference.**

Although disfavored, this Court will consider requests for leave to appear telephonically at routine hearings that will not require substantive argument when counsel is located or is otherwise unable to appear in Court. Slight geographic inconvenience (such as commuting from the Chicago suburbs) will not justify a telephonic hearing. Cases that have been pending longer than two years and cases set for initial status must appear in person. Under no circumstances will this Court proceed with a hearing when neither party is present in open court. 

Requests to appear telephonically must be e-mailed to the Courtroom Deputy no later than one full business day prior to the hearing.  The e-mail must include the case name and number, the date and time of the hearing, the name of the attorney seeking to appear by telephone, the name of the party he or she represents, and a direct telephone number where he or she can be reached when the case is called.  The e-mail shall also briefly explain why a telephonic appearance is necessary and shall indicate if local counsel will also be appearing.  Courtesy notice must be provided to all parties. 

If a telephonic hearing is permitted, you can access the hearing by dialing 1-877-336-1829 and entering access code 5205245 followed by the # sign. Be sure to keep your phone on mute to reduce unnecessary background noise.