United States District Court - Northern District of Illinois

General Rules

Rule 40

Rule 40 Release Of Information By Attorneys In Civil Cases

A lawyer or law firm associated with a civil action shall not during its investigation or litigation make or participate in making an extrajudicial statement, other than a quotation from or reference to public records, which a reasonable person would expect to be disseminated by means of public communication where such dissemination will pose a serious and imminent threat of interference with the fair administration of justice and the statement relates to the following:

(a) Evidence regarding the occurrence of transaction involved;

(b) The character, credibility, or criminal record of a party;

(c) The performance or results of any examinations or tests or the refusal or failure of a party to submit to such, and;

(d) His/Her opinion as to the merits of the claims or defenses of a party, except as required by law or administrative rule.