Judge Fredrick H. Bates
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
Limits & Logistics
Document Limits
Courtesy Copies
All Motions
- Email • Seven Days in Advance
Courtesy copies
- Email • At Least 24 Hours Before Hearing
- Five Days Prior to Presentment
Adjournments
- Any request for a continuance for trial must be in writing and supported by a detailed, compelling affidavit and heard as soon as possible or at least five (5) business days preceding trial, unless exigent circumstances arise.
Communication
Clerk, Chambers
Phone
Court-wideChambers
Phone
Court-wideChambers
Phone
Court-wideChambers
Phone
Court-wideClerk
Phone
Court-wideClerk
Page & Word Limits2 rules
Any combined motion and brief in excess of 15 pages without written leave of court may be stricken.
- Combined motion and brief
- Up to 15 pages in total
Exception
More pages with leave of court
Reply briefs should be no longer than 8 pages, unless leave of Court to exceed 8 pages is granted.
- Reply brief
- Up to 8 pages
Exception
More pages with leave of court
Document Format Requirements1 rule
Preferred format for all briefs, excluding exhibits, is double spaced, 12-point font (Times New Roman) with standard 1-inch margins.
- Preferred font
- Times New Roman
- Preferred font size
- 12 points
- Preferred line spacing
- Double
- Preferred margins
- 1 inch
- Brief
Document Filing Requirements30 rules
Proposed orders for consumer debt and post-judgment calls must be submitted to Room 209 48 hours before the calls via email, or the case may be dismissed or stricken.
Court's wording
For the attorneys, please note that all proposed Orders for the consumer debt and post-judgment calls are to be submitted to Room 209 48-hours before the calls via email to Courtroom Email: d6crt209orders@cookcountycourt.com. Failure to submit an order to the Court in advance may result in the case being involuntarily dismissed for want of prosecution, or stricken from the call.
Default judgment motions require the attorney to represent that service was made, notice was given, and the appropriate affidavits were filed.
Court's wording
When presenting Motions for Default Judgments the attorney is making a representation to the Court that service has been made upon the defendant, that the defendant was given notice of the Court proceeding that day (Proof of Notice - See Circuit Court Rule 2.1), and that the appropriate affidavit(s) have been filed.
Generally, facts identifying the nature of the sudden or unforeseen circumstances which give rise to the emergency and the reason why the matter should take precedence shall be stated with particularity in an affidavit or verification in support of the emergency motion.
Motions to transfer must include exhibits of service attempts, residency evidence, and a proposed order with signature blocks for both the trial judge and presiding judge.
- Document
- Motion to transfer
Should include
- •Proposed order
Court's wording
Motions to transfer venue to another District or County should include as exhibits all service attempts by the sheriff and/or private process server. The motion should also include as an exhibit all evidence that demonstrates the defendant currently resides in the District or County you are seeking to have the case transferred such as a TLO, USPS address report, vehicle registration or other investigative report. A proposed order should be provided on the proper form which has a signature block for both the trial judge and the presiding judge.
Plaintiffs shall use either the most current template form summons in Attachment 1, the summons available through the Clerk of the Circuit Court, or the Illinois Standardized Form Summons. Either summons shall include a copy of the notice of ERP pursuant to Section III(A)(1)(a).
In any case where an alias summons needs to be issued to effectuate service, including pending cases, plaintiff shall include the same notice of ERP with the Alias Summons. Plaintiff may also post notice of the ERP at the property address in addition to the Alias Summons notice.
The plaintiff shall file the "Notice of Early Resolution Program" with the Clerk of the Circuit Court, including a certificate of service pursuant to 735 ILCS 5/1-109.
- Document
- Notice of early resolution program
Must include
- •Certificate of service
Plaintiffs filing new eviction actions must include a notice of the ERP with the summons in English, Spanish, and Polish, attached to the copy of the summons filed with the Clerk.
Court's wording
When eviction cases are filed, any plaintiff initiating a new eviction action in any of the districts of the Municipal Department of the Circuit Court of Cook County shall include a notice of the ERP with the summons in English, Spanish, and Polish. The notice shall be attached to a copy of the summons filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court.
Complaints under § 9-102(a)(1)/(3) must attest that defendant never had a rental agreement or paid rent, and attach supporting affidavits/documents.
Court's wording
In a complaint filed under 735 ILCS 5/9-102(a)(1) or (3), Plaintiff shall: i) attest that Defendant has never had a written or unwritten rental agreement for the premises with Plaintiff, owner or owner's agent (past or present) and has never paid rent (or had rent paid on their behalf) for the premises to Plaintiff, owner or owner's agent (past or present). For purposes of this Paragraph, "rent" includes regularly recurring housing expenses (e.g. utility bills, mortgage payments); and ii) attach affidavit(s) supporting the factual allegations in the complaint made pursuant to Paragraph 4(b)(i), above, and any supporting documents.
Complaints under § 9-120 must identify the alleged conduct in sufficient detail and attach supporting affidavits or documents.
Court's wording
In a complaint filed under 735 ILCS 5/9-120, Plaintiff shall: i) identify the alleged conduct as provided in 735 ILCS 5/9-120 in sufficient detail to prepare a defense, including dates of the alleged conduct; and ii) attach affidavit(s) supporting the factual allegations in the complaint made pursuant to Paragraph 4(a)(i), above, and/or supporting document(s) (e.g., police report, private security incident report, photos, etc.).
The Summons shall include prominent and specific information that the eviction action is different than an ERP eviction. The summons shall also include specific information about the availability of the ERP program hotline and the ability to connect to free legal aid.
Complaints under § 9-102(a)(7) must identify the condominium owner and allege no known tenant or lease on file.
Court's wording
In a complaint filed under 735 ILCS 5/9-102(a)(7), Plaintiff shall: i) identify the owner of the condominium property; and ii) allege that Plaintiff is not aware that a known tenant resides, occupies, or has a current written lease with the unit owner and there is no lease on file as required under Section 18 (n) of the ILCPA.
A Plaintiff proceeding under this General Administrative Order shall designate that it is filing the eviction action under the relevant section of the Eviction Act listed in Paragraph 4(a), above, on the Complaint and Summons.
Agreed orders in eviction cases must use the standardized Illinois Supreme Court form and include specific language confirming the defendant's understanding of ERP attorney consultation.
Court's wording
The order must be the standardized Illinois Supreme Court Agreed Orders for eviction cases, modified to include the following language: "The parties acknowledge that the defendant has been served with the Notice of ERP and prior to entering into this settlement agreement, the defendant confirms that: 1) I understand that I can speak to a free attorney about this agreement before I sign it. 2) I called and talked with an attorney, and now I want to sign this agreement, or I decided not to talk to an attorney, and I want to sign the agreement anyway. 3) I understand that an attorney may not be able to help me after I have signed the agreement."
The plaintiff must file a motion on the regular motion call with notice to the unrepresented litigant; and
For any order that enters judgment against an unrepresented litigant, the judgment order shall not be entered by the Court unless the unrepresented litigant appears in court and confirms they have had an opportunity to meet with an ERP attorney to review the terms of the agreement.
Alias summons must include the same ERP notice and may issue without leave of court.
Court's wording
In any case where an alias summons needs to be issued to effectuate service, including pending cases, plaintiff shall include the same notice of ERP with the Alias Summons. Alias summons shall issue without leave of court.
Plaintiffs initiating consumer debt actions must include a notice of the ERP with the summons in English, Spanish, and Polish, attached to the summons filed with the Clerk.
Court's wording
Any plaintiff initiating a new consumer debt action in any of the districts of the Municipal Department of the Circuit Court of Cook County shall include a notice of the ERP with the summons in English, Spanish, & Polish. The notice shall be attached to a copy of the summons filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court.
The plaintiff shall file the "Notice of Early Resolution Program" with the Clerk of the Circuit Court, including a certificate of service pursuant to 735 ILCS 5/1-109, any case filed since March 27, 2020.
- Document
- Notice of ERP
Must include
- •Certificate of service
Plaintiffs shall use the appropriate summons for Consumer Debt Actions that complies with any and all regulations associated with debt collection and include a copy of the notice of ERP pursuant to Section III(B)(1(a). (See Attachment 2.)
Agreed orders involving unrepresented litigants must include specific language confirming the defendant's understanding of their right to consult a free attorney.
Court's wording
The order must include the following language: "The parties acknowledge that the defendant has been served with the Notice of ERP and prior to entering into this settlement agreement, the defendant confirms that: 1) I understand that I can speak to a free attorney about this agreement before I sign it. 2) I called and talked with an attorney, and now I want to sign this agreement, or I decided not to talk to an attorney, and I want to sign the agreement anyway. 3) I understand that an attorney may not be able to help me after I have signed the agreement."
The plaintiff must file a motion on the regular motion call with notice to the unrepresented litigant
Either party may submit an agreed order to be entered and filed provided that it has been signed by the parties.
If the case is going off call, please include language in the Order to strike any future date(s) previously set.
AI use is authorized if it complies with legal and ethical standards, AI disclosure is not required in pleadings, AI-generated content must be thoroughly reviewed before submission, hallucinated citations are prohibited, and violations are subject to Rule 137 sanctions.
Court's wording
There is an ethical obligation not to submit "hallucination" case citations to this Court. ... The use of Al by litigants, [and] attorneys ... should not be discouraged, and is authorized provided it complies with legal and ethical standards. Disclosure of Al use should not be required in a pleading. ... All users must thoroughly review Al-generated content before submitting it in any court proceeding to ensure accuracy and compliance with legal and ethical obligations. ... Violations of this policy will subject the violating attorney/self-represented litigant to Illinois Supreme Court Rule 137 sanctions
All motions attacking the complaint or other pleading should have a copy of said pleading attached to the courtesy copy of the motion.
The plaintiff's notice shall notify the defendant that a default judgment will enter if they fail to appear for the Prove-Up on the subsequent ERP Management Date.
The plaintiff's notice shall notify the litigant that a default judgment will enter if they fail to appear for the subsequent ERP Management Date.
Routine Orders such as Alias Summons to Issue ("ASTT") etc., may be submitted without scheduling a Court date for presentment.
The parties may submit and exchange pre-trial memos setting forth a brief nature of the case, the stipulated and contested issues, the status of settlement negotiations and any other information any party believes would educate the judge or facilitate a compromise.
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
All motions must be filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court.
All motions must be filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court.
Page 4 | I.E. Proof of Service of Pleadings & Motions
Stamped copies of orders will be available on Odyssey; the Clerk's office does not email individual orders to litigants.
Stamped copies of orders will be available on Odyssey. The Clerk's office does not email individual orders to each litigant.
Page 1 | I. GENERAL MATTERS
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
Proposed orders for consumer debt and post-judgment calls must be submitted to Room 209 48 hours before the calls via email.
For the attorneys, please note that all proposed Orders for the consumer debt and post-judgment calls are to be submitted to Room 209 48-hours before the calls via email to Courtroom Email: d6crt209orders@cookcountycourt.com.
Page 1 | I. GENERAL MATTERS
Motions to vacate a voluntary dismissal must be filed within 30 days of dismissal or a new action must be filed, unless an agreed order of dismissal provides otherwise.
Generally, motions to vacate a voluntary dismissal must be filed within 30 days of the date of dismissal or a new action must be filed by plaintiff, unless an agreed order of dismissal is signed by both plaintiff and defendant and the order specifically states that leave to reinstate is granted and the court retains jurisdiction. See 735 ILCS 5/2-1203(a) and Eighner v. Tiernan, 2021 L 126101, Supreme Court of Illinois.
Page 7 | Motions to Vacate Voluntary Dismissals
The Court generally allows 28 days to respond to a motion.
The Court will generally allow 28 days to respond to a motion and 14 days to reply, unless it is agreed that the Court should rule upon the motion upon presentment.
Page 4 | I.E. Proof of Service of Pleadings & Motions
Pre-trial memos must be delivered to the Court at least three days before the settlement conference.
This memo should be delivered to the Court at least three (3) days before the settlement conference.
Page 7 | Pre-Trial Settlement Conferences
For eviction cases filed after January 25, 2021, the Clerk assigns an automatic 30-day initial case management date at the time of filing the complaint.
For all eviction cases filed after January 25, 2021, the Clerk of the Circuit Court shall assign an automatic 30-day initial case management date at the time of filing of the complaint.
Page 12 | III(A)(2)(a)
The Clerk assigns an automatic 60-day initial case management date for Consumer Debt Actions filed on or after February 8, 2021.
For Consumer Debt Actions filed on or after February 8, 2021, the Clerk of the Circuit Court shall assign an automatic 60-day initial case management date at the time of filing of the complaint.
Page 17 | 2. Automatic Case Management Conference Date
Plaintiffs may file a motion to expedite the ERP Management Date within 45 days of service, scheduling it on an available ERP Court date.
plaintiff issues a 60-day Early Resolution Program Summons (Consumer Debt) or Alias Summons with ERP notices attached and service is obtained, the plaintiff may file a motion to ===== PAGE 18 ===== expedite ERP Management Date within 45 days of service, with ERP notices attached, and shall schedule that motion on an available ERP Court date in the respective district.
Page 17 | 5. Motion to Expedite ERP Management Date
Service and Proof of Service Rules
Motions served by mail must be served no later than the fifth preceding court day.
or mailed no later than the fifth preceding court day
Page 4 | I.E. Proof of Service of Pleadings & Motions
Motions served personally, by email, or fax must be served by 4:00 PM on the second preceding court day.
Motions must be personally served, emailed, or faxed if appropriate, no later than 4:00pm on the second preceding court day
Page 4 | I.E. Proof of Service of Pleadings & Motions
The moving party must present proof of service on the opposing party for all motions, with various acceptable forms of proof.
On all motions, the moving party must present proof that they have served the motion on the opposing party. Such proof may include proof of service by Regular Mail (USPS Certificate of Mailing), Certified Mail with a printout of the USPS Tracking Receipt showing proof of delivery, special process server receipt, affidavit of service, attorneys Certificate of Service, etc., or otherwise provide proof of notice as set forth in Circuit Court Rule 2.1, or in compliance with section 5/1-109 of the Illinois Rules of Civil Procedure or the Illinois Supreme Court Rules.
Page 4 | I.E. Proof of Service of Pleadings & Motions
In Consumer Debt Actions, the plaintiff must obtain service by the ERP Calendar Call Date (12 months from filing); if service is not obtained, the plaintiff must voluntarily dismiss the complaint without prejudice or it will be dismissed for want of prosecution.
"ERP Calendar Call Date" means the 12-month date automatically assigned by the Clerk of the Circuit Court at the time of filing of a Consumer Debt Action by which time the plaintiff must have obtained service of the Consumer Debt Action. If valid service has not been obtained by this date, the plaintiff must voluntarily dismiss the complaint without prejudice or the case will be dismissed for want of prosecution.
Page 11 | B. Definitions
If at all possible, the opposing party (and attorney if applicable) shall be provided notice, therefore the Court Coordinator should be provided the e-mail addresses of all parties and the attorneys when scheduling the emergency hearing.
If at all possible, the opposing party (and attorney if applicable) shall be provided notice, therefore the Court Coordinator should be provided the e-mail addresses of all parties and the attorneys when scheduling the emergency hearing.
Page 6 | D. Emergency Motions
The court may dismiss a Consumer Debt Action without prejudice if service is not effected within six months.
In cases where service has not been effected within six (6) months, the court retains the discretion to dismiss the matter without prejudice.
Page 17 | 2. Automatic Case Management Conference Date
The plaintiff must give notice of a Prove-Up on the subsequent ERP Management Date with ERP notices attached and file the notice with the Clerk of Court.
The plaintiff shall also give notice of a Prove-Up on the subsequent ERP Management Date with ERP notices attached and file that notice with Clerk of Court.
Page 18 | 5. Motion to Expedite ERP Management Date
The plaintiff must give notice of the Prove-Up on the subsequent ERP Management Date with ERP notices attached and file the notice with the Clerk of Court.
The plaintiff shall give notice of the Prove-Up on the subsequent ERP Management Date with ERP notices attached and file that notice with the Clerk of Court.
Page 18 | 5. Motion to Expedite ERP Management Date
The officer or other person serving the summons must return it with an endorsement of service and fees immediately after service; if service cannot be made, it must still be returned with endorsement.
TO THE OFFICER: This summons must be returned by the officer or other person to whom it was given for service, with endorsement thereon of service and fees, if any, immediately after service. If service cannot be made, this summons shall be returned so endorsed.
Page 26 | Summons – Early Resolution Program (Eviction)
The summons must be returned immediately after service endorsed with service and fees, and returned likewise if service cannot be made.
This summons must be returned by the officer or other person to whom it was given for service, with endorsement thereon of service and fees, if any, immediately after service. If service cannot be made, this summons shall be returned so endorsed.
Page 32 | TO THE OFFICER
Filing Fees and Waivers
If the Early Resolution Program does not resolve the case, the defendant must file an appearance, which requires a fee; a fee waiver is available for those unable to pay.
IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO REACH A RESOLUTION OF YOUR CASE IN THE EARLY RESOLUTION PROGRAM, THEN YOU WILL NEED TO DO THE FOLLOWING: - YOU MUST FILE AN APPEARANCE. A fee is required to file an appearance. If you are unable to pay the filing fee, you may apply for a FEE WAIVER.
Page 26 | Notice of the Early Resolution Program
If the Early Resolution Program does not resolve the case, the defendant must file an appearance, which requires a fee.
YOU MUST FILE AN APPEARANCE. A fee is required to file an appearance.
Page 32 | Early Resolution Program
Fee waivers should be submitted to the courtroom email address.
Fee waivers should be submitted to the courtroom at d6crt209orders@cookcountycourt.com.
Page 1 | I. GENERAL MATTERS
The Early Resolution Program is free to participate in; no appearance or fee is required to participate.
THIS PROGRAM IS FREE and you do not need to file an appearance or pay a fee to participate.
Page 26 | Notice of the Early Resolution Program
Defendants unable to pay the filing fee may apply for a fee waiver.
If you are unable to pay the filing fee, you may apply for a FEE WAIVER.
Page 32 | Early Resolution Program
Courtesy Copy Requirements
The movant must provide a courtesy copy of the motion with all exhibits at least 7 days in advance; exhibits must be attached and filed; copies may be emailed to chambers.
The movant must provide a courtesy copy of the motion, along with all exhibits at least seven (7) days in advance to the Court. (Exhibits MUST be attached AND filed). These courtesy copies may be emailed to CCC.MarkhamCR209@cookcountyil.gov.
Page 5 | A. Regular Motions
The movant must provide a courtesy copy of the motion, response, and reply with all exhibits at least 7 days in advance; all exhibits shall be attached and filed; copies may be emailed to chambers.
The movant must provide a courtesy copy of the motion, response, and reply, along with all exhibits at least seven (7) days in advance to the Court. (All exhibits shall be attached and filed). These courtesy copies may be emailed to CCC.MarkhamCR209@cookcountyil.gov.
Page 5 | A. Regular Motions
Copies of all motions and pleadings relevant to a matter at issue for presentment must be provided to the Court via the Office of the presiding Judge or via email to the courtroom 5 days prior to presentment, or the matter is unlikely to be heard.
Accordingly, in order that the Court can properly prepare to hear matters, copies of all motions and pleadings relevant to a matter at issue for presentment, are to be provided to the Court via the Office of the presiding Judge or via email to the courtroom 5-days prior to the date of presentment. If copies of the pleading(s) are not provided in advance, your matter is unlikely to be heard on the date scheduled.
Page 5 | B. Courtesy Copies of Non-Routine Motions
Courtesy copies must not be submitted for routine motions.
DO NOT SUBMIT COURTESY COPIES OF ROUTINE MOTIONS.
Page 5 | A. Regular Motions
A courtesy copy of the filed motion marked 'EMERGENCY MOTION' with all supporting documents or exhibits must be emailed to the Court Coordinator at least 24 hours before the party desires to be heard.
A courtesy copy of the filed motion marked, "EMERGENCY MOTION" and all supporting documents or exhibits must be delivered to the Court Coordinator via e-mail at least 24-hours before the party desires to be heard.
Page 6 | D. Emergency Motions
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
Any request for a continuance for trial must be in writing and supported by a detailed, compelling affidavit and heard as soon as possible or at least five (5) business days preceding trial, unless exigent circumstances arise.
Any request for a continuance for trial must be in writing and supported by a detailed, compelling affidavit and heard as soon as possible or at least five (5) business days preceding trial, unless exigent circumstances arise.
Page 7 | Trials
Plaintiffs may request an off-call continuance to obtain alias summons when service is not effectuated by the initial case management date, provided the continued date gives the defendant at least 14 days' notice.
In any Properly Filed Eviction Case where service has not effectuated by the initial case management date, plaintiff may seek a continuance from the court off-call for the purpose of issuing alias summons or other proper relief. The continued date should provide the defendant with no less than fourteen (14) days' notice.
Page 13 | b) Continuances to Effectuate Service
In Consumer Debt Actions where service has not been effectuated by the initial case management date, the plaintiff may seek a continuance from the court off-call.
In any Consumer Debt Action that has not effectuated service at the initial case management date, plaintiff may seek a continuance from the court off-call.
Page 17 | 2. Automatic Case Management Conference Date
Chambers Communication Rules
For a true emergency, contact Judge Bates' Court Coordinator by email; do not give yourself a court date.
Contact Judge Bates' Court Coordinator at CCC.MarkhamCR209@cookcountyil.gov if you have an emergency as defined below. DO NOT GIVE YOURSELF A COURT DATE!
Page 6 | D. Emergency Motions
Counsel submitting orders in advance with future dates must email the Court Coordinator to confirm the date is available.
If you are submitting Orders in advance that have future dates please email Meghan Ciesielski, the Court Coordinator, in advance of submission to confirm that said date is in fact available. Email her at CCC.MarkhamCR209@cookcountyil.gov and you will receive an auto-response listing future court dates being given at least four weeks out.
Page 1 | I. GENERAL MATTERS
Communications with the Court should be by filing of pleadings, motions, briefs, or suggested orders, except that Orders may be emailed to Room 209.
All communications with the Court other than the submission of Orders to Room 209 via email as set forth above, should be by filing of pleadings, motions, briefs, or suggested orders.
Page 3 | I.C. Communications
Contact with the Court Coordinator (or Presiding Judge's staff) is limited to administrative, procedural, or scheduling matters.
Communications with Court Coordinator Meghan Ciesielski, or if she is not available, with the Presiding Judge's staff, are allowed only on administrative, procedural, or scheduling matters.
Page 3 | I.C. Communications
The opposing party (or their attorney) should be copied on communications with the Court Coordinator, except for scheduling date confirmations.
The opposing party and/or their attorney as applicable, should be copied on communications with the Court Coordinator except scheduling date confirmation communications.
Page 3 | I.C. Communications
If the parties reach an agreement on any motion prior to the hearing date, please immediately contact the Court Coordinator Meghan Ciesielski to avoid the Court spending time preparing for the hearing.
If the parties reach an agreement on any motion prior to the hearing date, please immediately contact the Court Coordinator Meghan Ciesielski to avoid the Court spending time preparing for the hearing.
Page 5 | A. Regular Motions
Agreed orders and stipulations may be emailed to the Courtroom.
Agreed orders and stipulations may be emailed to the Courtroom.
Page 4 | I.F. Agreed Orders
Parties may submit settlement agreements by email to the ERP Court case manager at a designated email address, and agreements negotiated with program partners may bear electronic signatures.
they can submit the agreement via email to the ERP Court case manager at a designated email address. Agreements negotiated with the assistance of program partners may be submitted with electronic signatures.
Page 22 | III(E)(