See Motion/Adversary Schedule for Days and Times

In all cases, motions are heard on days selected by moving counsel, except that only Chapter 13 motions are heard on Wednesdays.  This allows movants to self-select an available date and time on the calendar and to serve notice of that date and time without first obtaining permission from the courtroom deputy.

To calendar an emergency matter to be heard on shortened notice, movant must first contact the chambers, at (312) 435-5654 and deliver copies of notice and proposed motion to staff. When filed, all emergency motions must be accompanied by Certification for Emergency Motion.  Emergency Motions - See Amended General Order 12-01 - Contact Chamber at 312 435 5654 for a Date and Time.

Any motion noticed for a day Judge is not sitting will be removed from the court’s calendar (Please review website for dates Judge Schmetterer will not be Sitting).  Party to file Amended Notice of Motion relating Notice to original date and noticed for a date Judge will be sitting in accordance with the motion schedule.  If motion is not renoticed within one (1) week of original date by filing an Amended Notice of Motion, the motion will be stricken.  If the motion is an emergency, it must be noticed before the Emergency Judge according to General Order 12-01.  Summons in an Adversary proceeding should be made returnable and set for date Judge is sitting according to calendar.

Any party wishing to withdraw a motion must present minute order prior to said matter being called to courtroom deputy and notify all parties that the matter is being withdrawn.  Movant may withdraw their motion by filing notice of withdrawal relating notice to original docket entry. If hearing date is scheduled within 24 hours of filing notice, movant is to contact chambers and inform chambers of filing notice of withdrawal.

Because many debtors come to court without counsel on motions and some have defenses, all motions are heard in open court. (All counsel are advised to read “The Trial” by Franz Kafka to understand how important the judge considers transparency in the Justice system.). All new and set motions will be called, even if “routine” under Local Rule. If counsel checks in with the clerk, motions will be held for recall, but may be allowed when called in absence of objection even if movant does not appear unless the clerk is informed that the motion is withdrawn.

Short new motions and notices, if filed two days in advance of presentation, will usually be printed in chambers in time for Judge to review the night before, but counsel are expected to bring their own copies to court to enable them to respond to any questions from the bench.

Copies of motions filed the day before presentment must be delivered to the clerk immediately upon filing so as to be available for review by the Judge that afternoon.

Courtesy copies of bulky motions and their exhibits tabbed for ready use should always be delivered in chambers together with copies of notices two days before presentment, to permit review by the Judge before presentation.