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Seventh Circuit

Northern District of Illinois Exhibit Requirements

The Northern District of Illinois (NDIL), headquartered in Chicago at the Dirksen Federal Building, is one of the busiest federal courts. Known for complex commercial litigation, patent cases, and large class actions, NDIL has specific local rules including the notable L.R. 5.2(f) that prohibits protruding tabs on paper exhibits. The district emphasizes electronic filing and has detailed exhibit organization requirements.

NDILCM/ECF (PACER)Per Final Pretrial Order
Prepare ExhibitsFederal Court Guide PDF

Quick Reference

E-Filing SystemCM/ECF (PACER)
File Size Limit50 MB per document
Plaintiff MarkingPX 1, PX 2, PX 3...
Defendant MarkingDX 1, DX 2, DX 3...
Exchange DeadlinePer Final Pretrial Order
Primary RuleLocal Rule 5.2(f), LR 26.2

What This Guide Covers

L.R. 5.2(f) - No protruding tabs on paper exhibits
LR 26.2 disclosure requirements
Final Pretrial Order exhibit lists
Patent local rules for IP cases
Class action management protocols
Eastern Division (Chicago) procedures
Western Division (Rockford) procedures
50 MB file size limit (generous)

Divisions & Courthouses

Eastern Division (Chicago)

  • •Dirksen Federal Building - main courthouse
  • •Highest case volume
  • •Complex commercial litigation
  • •Patent and class action hub

Western Division (Rockford)

  • •Handles northern Illinois counties
  • •Stanley J. Roszkowski Courthouse
  • •Same local rules as Eastern Division

Judge-Specific Practices

NDIL judges have individual Standing Orders that can modify or supplement the Local Rules. Many Chicago judges have developed specific exhibit handling preferences, particularly for complex cases. Before any filing, review the assigned judge's Standing Order on the court website. For patent cases, also review the assigned judge's Patent Standing Order.

Pro Tips for NDIL

  • 1NO protruding tabs on paper exhibits (L.R. 5.2(f)) - use flush tabs or labels
  • 2NDIL has a generous 50 MB file size limit for ECF
  • 3Follow the Final Pretrial Order format precisely for exhibit lists
  • 4Patent cases must follow NDIL Patent Local Rules (separate requirements)
  • 5Check assigned judge's standing order - many have specific preferences
  • 6Large exhibit sets may require separate exhibit binders for trial

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using protruding exhibit tabs (violates L.R. 5.2(f))
Not following Patent Local Rules for IP cases
Missing Final Pretrial Order exhibit exchange deadlines
Inconsistent exhibit numbering between parties
Not providing required courtesy copies for trial
Failing to review judge's standing order before filing

Related Court Guides

🆕 Trial Binder Mode

Alphabetic labels with per-exhibit numbering

Federal Overview

FRCP Rule 26 & CM/ECF

Federal PDF Guide

Comprehensive PDF download

State Courts

50 state guides

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