On November 7, 2022, the court will resume in-court operations. The two general orders governing motion calls and trials during the Covid-19 pandemic (General Orders Nos. 20-03 and 20-05) will be vacated effective November 7.  Beginning November 7, 2022, motions will be heard in accordance with the court’s Local Rules as amended effective April 19, 2022.

Important reminders:

Hybrid Motion Practice.  The Local Rules have been amended to permit a hybrid in-person/video motion practice. Beginning November 7, 2022, attorneys and others can choose to appear on a motion either (a) personally in court or (b) by video using Zoom for Government.  The hybrid motion practice is implemented with two notice of motion forms, Forms G-3 and G-3.1, available on the court’s web site under “Forms” and then “General Forms.” See L.R. 9013-1(C)(1), 9013-2(E)(2)(a).  Motions to be presented on or after November 7, 2022, must use the appropriate notice of motion form.

Notice of Objection Procedure.  The Local Rules have been amended to continue the Notice of Objection procedure first adopted in General Order No. 20-03.  See L.R. 9013-1(F).  A party who objects to a motion and wants it called must file a notice of objection no later than two business days before the date of presentment. If no objection is timely filed, the court may grant the motion in advance.

Covid Protocols. The bankruptcy court is subject to the district court’s Covid-19 protocols.  The district court’s Fifth Amended Order dated August 21, 2022, encourages but does not require masks in the Dirksen and Roszkowski Courthouses. The district court still requires three-foot social distancing.  The bankruptcy court will enter a new General Order No. 22-03 giving the presiding bankruptcy judge the discretion to require attorneys and others appearing in person in the courtroom to wear masks.  The General Order will also authorize the presiding judge to impose other protocols necessary to ensure health and safety.

Outlying County Calls. The Joliet, Kane/DuPage County, and Lake County calls will continue to exist but will no longer be held physically in the outlying counties themselves.  The calls will instead be held as hybrid in-person/video calls.  Attorneys and others who have matters on an outlying county call can appear either in person in the applicable courtroom of the Dirksen Courthouse or by video using Zoom for Government.