Motions should not be noticed for presentment in accordance with Local Rule 5.3(b). Instead, counsel must confer prior to the filing of all motions and include an agreed briefing schedule with the motion if at all possible. If agreement cannot be reached, the parties should indicate their positions on scheduling in a joint submission filed with the motion. The Court will then review the motion and any joint submissions to determine the appropriate briefing schedule and whether a hearing is necessary. A hearing is presumptively necessary in cases involving pro se parties. If Judge Finnegan determines a hearing is necessary, it will be scheduled by chambers to be conducted telephonically.
Courtesy copies are not required unless the electronic filing including exhibits exceeds 20 pages. Courtesy copies should include the printed CM/ECF header at the top of every page. Please drop courtesy copies through the slot located outside Room 2206.
All electronic filings (with the exception of exhibits) must be generated by printing to PDF from the original word processing file so that the text of the digital document is searchable. PDF images created by scanning paper documents are not searchable and may be used only for appendix or reference materials not available in PDF format.
Counsel should call Judge Finnegan'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 (312-435-5657).
These policies and rules have been designed to facilitate the prompt efficient and equitable disposition of civil cases. The success of Judge Finnegan’s case management procedures depends on your willingness to familiarize yourself with these materials and to act accordingly.
