NOTICE:
In view of the current situation regarding COVID-19, counsel and parties may wish (or need) to conduct business by telephone in the days and weeks ahead. The court urges each lawyer and litigant to consider whether a telephone appearance makes sense, and if it does, the court will be happy to accommodate. If you would like to appear by telephone for any hearing or status conference, please contact the courtroom deputy, Marlan Cowan, by email (marlan_cowan@ilnd.uscourts.gov), with copies to all parties, to advise her of the case number and the name of the persons who are expecting to participate. We will open the phone lines shortly before the start time every day that court is in session. Please use the court's toll-free call-in number (888-684-8852) conference access code (6692394). Please keep your phone on mute until your case is called. And please remember to state your name clearly before you speak so the court reporter can make an accurate record.
In addition, where the parties can agree on a written status report, the court will be happy to accept that in place of a court hearing. Additionally, if both sides wish to continue any matter, just advise the courtroom deputy by email. And if both sides agree on the proper resolution of a motion or a briefing schedule, please so indicate. PLEASE STAY SAFE.
Civil and criminal motions are heard on Wednesdays and Fridays at 9:30 AM. Judge Gottschall requires a three business day prior notice for all motions. Courtesy copies must be delivered within one business day after filing. If the document is electronically filed, the courtesy copy must include the printed CM/ECF header at the top of every page. Said copies are to be delivered to the Judge's Deputy Clerk, Room 2332-A. Courtesy copies over 50 pages must be properly bound (clips or clamps are not acceptable) and exhibits must be tabbed. Copies not in compliance will be returned.
The court rarely hears oral argument on civil motions. However, in order to provide opportunities for professional development, parties should be sure to point out, in any request for oral argument, that if argument is allowed, it will be presented by a recent law school graduate.
Judge Gottschall does not participate in the Mandatory Initial Discovery Pilot Project.
