New: a trial court in 1 of every 10 U.S. counties. Read the post
Court Rules
Judge

Judge Kevin P. Cunningham

Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies

Circuit Court of Cook County

Limits & Logistics

Document Limits

Document
15 pgs
Courtesy CopyCourt-wide
20 pgs

Courtesy Copies

Motion

  • Email

Adjournments

5Business Daysnotice
  • Trial continuance requests must be in writing, supported by a detailed affidavit, and heard as soon as possible or at least five business days before trial, absent exigent circumstances.

Communication

Other Contacts1 contacts

Filters:

Page & Word Limits1 rule

Page LimitsMandatory

Motions and response briefs are strictly limited to 15 pages. Reply briefs should be no longer than 8 pages.

Motion
Up to 15 pages
Reply brief
Up to 8 pages
Applies to
  • Opposition
Sixth Municipal District-Courtroom 208-Standing Order eff 06-05-2026 · p. 5|SectionII.C. Briefs & Artificial Intelligence

Document Format Requirements1 rule

FormattingNote

The preferred format for all briefs, excluding exhibits, is double spaced, 12-point font (Times New Roman or Century Schoolbook) with standard 1-inch margins.

Preferred font size
12 points
Preferred line spacing
Double
Preferred margins
1 inch
Applies to
  • Brief
Sixth Municipal District-Courtroom 208-Standing Order eff 06-05-2026 · p. 5|SectionII.C. Briefs & Artificial Intelligence

Document Filing Requirements7 rules

Filing RequirementsMandatory

All proposed orders are to be submitted 48-hours before the call via email to the Courtroom Clerk.

Sixth Municipal District-Courtroom 208-Standing Order eff 06-05-2026 · p. 2|SectionI. DAILY COURT CALL - C. Orders
Filing RequirementsMandatory

All litigants are required to file an appearance with the Clerk's Office in order to appear in court and be heard.

Sixth Municipal District-Courtroom 208-Standing Order eff 06-05-2026 · p. 2|SectionI. DAILY COURT CALL - D. Self-Represented Litigants
Filing RequirementsMandatory

For default judgment motions, attorney must represent that service, notice, and affidavits have been made/filed.

Court's wording

When presenting Motions for Default Judgements, 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.

Sixth Municipal District-Courtroom 208-Standing Order eff 06-05-2026 · p. 4|SectionG. Proof of Service of Pleadings & Motions
Filing RequirementsMandatory

Parties must submit and exchange pre-trial memos setting forth case nature, issues, and settlement status.

Court's wording

The parties must 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.

Sixth Municipal District-Courtroom 208-Standing Order eff 06-05-2026 · p. 7|SectionIV. PRE-TRIAL SETTLEMENT CONFERENCES
Filing RequirementsImportant

All parties must heave an appearance on file in order to participate in a trail.

Sixth Municipal District-Courtroom 208-Standing Order eff 06-05-2026 · p. 1|SectionI. DAILY COURT CALL - B. Daily Schedule
Filing RequirementsImportant

must indicate all parties and/or attorneys who were present on the matter

Sixth Municipal District-Courtroom 208-Standing Order eff 06-05-2026 · p. 2|SectionI. DAILY COURT CALL - C. Orders
Filing RequirementsImportant

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.

Sixth Municipal District-Courtroom 208-Standing Order eff 06-05-2026 · p. 5|SectionII.D. Emergency Motions

Filing & Service rules

Filing Timing and Cure Windows

The Court will not enter orders emailed after 3:00 p.m. on the date the case was heard.

The Court will not enter orders sent after 3:00 p.m. of the date on which the case was heard.

Page 2 | I. DAILY COURT CALL - C. Orders

Service and Proof of Service Rules

Emergency motions must be emailed to the Civil Court Coordinator immediately after filing, including the opposing party (and attorney if applicable), or the Court will not consider the motion.

IMMEDIATELY AFTER FILING, you must email the motion to the to the Civil Court Coordinator (NOT THE COURTROOM CLERK) and include the opposing party (and attorney, if applicable). The Court will NOT consider any motion unless the opposing party (and attorney, if applicable) is included on the email to the Civil Court Coordinator.

Page 6 | II.D. Emergency Motions

Motions to vacate an order of possession must be emailed immediately after filing to the Civil Court Coordinator at ccc.district6civil@cookcountyil.gov, including the opposing party, and the email must include the case name and number.

All motions to vacate an order of possession must be emailed IMMEDIATELY AFTER FILING to the Civil Court Coordinator at ccc.district6civil@cookcountyil.gov and include the opposing party (and attorney, if applicable). The email must include the case name and number.

Page 6 | II.E. Motions to Vacate Orders for Possession

A motion to advance a motion to vacate an order of possession must be emailed to the Courtroom Clerk, including the opposing party and the case name and number.

Parties are allowed to file a motion to advance a motion to vacate an order of possession and the Court may, on its own, advance a motion to vacate. Any such motion must be emailed to the Courtroom Clerk and include the opposing party (and attorney, if applicable). The email must include the case name and number.

Page 6 | II.E. Motions to Vacate Orders for Possession

Motions must be personally served, emailed, or faxed if appropriate, no later than 4:00 p.m. on the second proceeding court day, or mailed no later than the fifth proceeding court day. See Illinois Supreme Court Rule 11 (b) (4): Cook County Circuit Court Rule 2.1 (c) (i).

Motions must be personally served, emailed, or faxed if appropriate, no later than 4:00 p.m. on the second proceeding court day, or mailed no later than the fifth proceeding court day. See Illinois Supreme Court Rule 11 (b) (4): Cook County Circuit Court Rule 2.1 (c) (i).

Page 4 | G. Proof of Service of Pleadings & Motions

Moving party must present proof of service on all motions.

On all motions, the moving party must present proof that they have served the motion on the opposing party 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 | G. Proof of Service of Pleadings & Motions

Filing Fees and Waivers

Litigants who cannot afford the appearance fee may ask the Clerk for a Petition to Waive Court Fees.

If you cannot afford to pay the appearance fee, ask the Clerk for a Petition to Waive Court Fees.

Page 2 | I. DAILY COURT CALL - D. Self-Represented Litigants

Courtesy Copy Requirements

Copies of all non-routine motions must be provided to the Court via email 5 days before the presentment date.

Copies of all non-routine motions are to be provided to the Court via email 5 days prior to the date of presentment.

Page 5 | II.B. Non-Routine Motions

Paper courtesy copies are prohibited entirely; no paper courtesy copies should be submitted.

DO NOT SUBMIT PAPER COURTESY COPIES OF ANYTHING

Page 5 | II. MOTIONS AND STATUS CALLS

Courtesy copies are not to be submitted for routine motions.

Do not submit courtesy copies of routine motions.

Page 5 | II.A. Regular Motions

Pre-Motion Conference Requirements

Court generally allows 28 days to respond and 14 days to reply to motions.

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 | H. Agreed Orders

Adjournment & Extension Requirements

Trial continuance requests must be in writing, supported by a detailed affidavit, and heard as soon as possible or at least five business days before trial, absent exigent circumstances.

Any request for a continuance for trial must be in writing and supported by a detailed affidavit and heard as soon as possible or at least five (5) business days preceding trial, unless exigent circumstances arise.

Page 6 | III. TRIALS

Obtaining new counsel on the eve of trial is generally not a valid basis to continue the trial.

Obtaining new counsel on the eve of trial is generally viewed as a delay tactic and will not serve as a valid basis to continue the trial.

Page 7 | III. TRIALS

Chambers Communication Rules

Pre-trial memos should be emailed to the Court Coordinator at least three days before the settlement conference.

This memo should be delivered to the Court Coordinator via email at least three (3) days before the settlement conference.

Page 7 | IV. PRE-TRIAL SETTLEMENT CONFERENCES

Orders other than proposed orders must be emailed to the Courtroom Clerk immediately after the court appearance.

All other orders must be submitted via email to the Courtroom Clerk immediately after the court appearance

Page 2 | I. DAILY COURT CALL - C. Orders

All communications with the Court other than the submission of orders as set forth above, should be by filing of pleadings, motions, briefs, etc. The opposing party and/or attorney must be included on all communications with the Court.

All communications with the Court other than the submission of orders as set forth above, should be by filing of pleadings, motions, briefs, etc. The opposing party and/or attorney must be included on all communications with the Court.

Page 3 | E. Communications

Agreed orders must be emailed to the Courtroom Clerk with case title/number in subject and, if trial set, note resolution and strike future dates.

All agreed orders must be emailed to the Courtroom Clerk with the case title and number in the re: line. If the matter has been set for trial and has been resolved, please note that in the body of the email itself and strike all future dates in the order.

Page 4 | H. Agreed Orders

Settled cases do not require appearance; either party may email a signed agreed order for entry.

Any case that has been settled or otherwise resolved between the parties does not require a court appearance. Either party may submit via email an agreed order to be entered and filed provided that it is has been signed by the parties.

Page 4 | H. Agreed Orders

Parties must notify the Courtroom Clerk if they need an interpreter or special accommodations.

Parties shall notify the Courtroom Clerk if they need an interpreter or special accommodations.

Page 7 | III. TRIALS

Counsel may email the Courtroom Clerk directly for scheduling issues.

If, for some reason, you are having trouble scheduling a motion through the Clerk's Office, you may email the Courtroom Clerk directly to inquire about scheduling.

Page 3 | E. Communications

Agreed orders may be emailed to the Courtroom Clerk before the call.

Agreed Orders are strongly encouraged to resolve a case or set a briefing schedule. Agreed orders and stipulations may be emailed to the Courtroom Clerk prior to the call.

Page 4 | H. Agreed Orders

Parties who resolve a motion before the hearing date should immediately contact the Courtroom Clerk.

If the parties reach an agreement on any motion prior to the hearing date, please immediately contact the Courtroom Clerk to avoid the Court spending time preparing for the hearing.

Page 5 | II.A. Regular Motions

Court-wide rules

Applies court-wide

These 118 rules apply across Circuit Court of Cook County. Where this judge's own standing orders above address the same topic, the judge's requirement controls.

Communication

All 59
  • Contact
    Email

    Questions, comments, or concerns about the eFileIL e-filing system should be directed to Tyler Technologies at efiling.support@tylertech.com.

  • Contact
    Email to chambers

    Courtesy copies for Judge Daniel R. Degnan must be submitted via email to daniel.degnan@cookcountyil.gov.

  • Contact
    Email

    Stamped order inquiries for Judge Daniel R. Degnan must be submitted via email to tlhudson@cookcountycourt.com.

Filing Timing

All 12
  • Deadline
    60 calendar days

    Attorney fee petitions for court-appointed attorneys must be filed within 60 days after final order or 6 months after service/cost, whichever is earlier.

  • Deadline
    2 business days

    Decedent's estate agreed order requests must be filed and submitted 2-5 business days prior to the scheduled court date.

  • Deadline
    2 business days

    Pursuant to the Illinois Supreme Court Remote Access Policy, after the judge signs an order, the Clerk of the Circuit Court will upload it to the Odyssey system, where it should appear within two (2) business days.

Filing Requirements

All 11
  • Applies to
    Complaint
    Must include
    caption

    Chancery Division complaints must include specific caption designations based on the relief sought.

  • Applies to
    Motion
    Must include
    caption

    Motions to correct errors in criminal cases must be in writing, accompanied by affidavit, and notice must be served on the prosecution.

  • Applies to
    Complaint
    Must include
    caption

    All initiating papers must include the court name and department/division/district in the caption; small claims complaints must be endorsed 'Small Claims'.

E-Filing

All 9
  • Applies to
    Civil case filing

    E-filing is mandatory for all Cook County civil cases through the eFileIL system as of July 1, 2018, except Quasi-Criminal, Housing, and Wills cases.

  • Applies to
    Verified status report

    In order to ask the Court to consider entering such agreed orders via e-mail, regular mail or courier, attorneys must first e-file a brief “verified status report” that explains the status of the case and the basis for the request.

  • You will not receive orders if your e-mail address is not accurate in the e-filing system and/or you have not filed as the attorney of record.

More categories

View all Circuit Court of Cook County rules
About Judge Kevin P. Cunningham

Kevin P. Cunningham is a judge in the Sixth Municipal District of the Circuit Court of Cook County, the Illinois trial court serving Chicago and suburban Cook County. The Sixth Municipal District handles trial-level matters within its assigned geographic area.

Practitioners will find a standing order for Courtroom 208 in the Sixth Municipal District, effective June 5, 2026, detailing courtroom procedures.

Common questions about Judge Kevin P. Cunningham's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Kevin P. Cunningham?

Courtesy-copy rule applies for motions. Courtesy copies are not to be submitted for routine motions.

View ruleSource: page 5, section II.A. Regular Motions

Does Judge Kevin P. Cunningham require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

Court generally allows 28 days to respond and 14 days to reply to motions.

View ruleSource: page 4, section H. Agreed Orders

What page or word limits apply to motion before Judge Kevin P. Cunningham?

Judge Kevin P. Cunningham's rule states these limits: 15 pages; 15 pages; 8 pages. Motions and response briefs are strictly limited to 15 pages; reply briefs should be no longer than 8 pages.

View ruleSource: page 5, section II.C. Briefs & Artificial Intelligence

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Kevin P. Cunningham?

Judge Kevin P. Cunningham's formatting rule includes 12 point type, double spacing and margins top 1 inches, bottom 1 inches, left 1 inches, right 1 inches. The preferred brief format is double-spaced, 12-point font (Times New Roman or Century Schoolbook), with standard 1-inch margins, excluding exhibits.

View ruleSource: page 5, section II.C. Briefs & Artificial Intelligence

What must be included with proposed order filings before Judge Kevin P. Cunningham?

The rule requires proposed order. Proposed orders must be emailed to the Courtroom Clerk 48 hours before the court call.

View ruleSource: page 2, section I. DAILY COURT CALL - C. Orders

What must be included with appearance filings before Judge Kevin P. Cunningham?

All litigants must file an appearance with the Clerk's Office to appear in court and be heard.

View ruleSource: page 2, section I. DAILY COURT CALL - D. Self-Represented Litigants

How may parties contact Judge Kevin P. Cunningham's chambers?

Pre-trial memos should be emailed to the Court Coordinator at least three days before the settlement conference.

View ruleSource: page 7, section IV. PRE-TRIAL SETTLEMENT CONFERENCES

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Kevin P. Cunningham?

Requests should be made at least 5 business days in advance when this rule applies before Judge Kevin P. Cunningham. Trial continuance requests must be in writing, supported by a detailed affidavit, and heard as soon as possible or at least five business days before trial, absent exigent circumstances.

View ruleSource: page 6, section III. TRIALS

Are filing fees or waivers addressed before Judge Kevin P. Cunningham?

A fee is required for covered filings, and the rule identifies waiver availability. Litigants who cannot afford the appearance fee may ask the Clerk for a Petition to Waive Court Fees.

View ruleSource: page 2, section I. DAILY COURT CALL - D. Self-Represented Litigants

When is a filing treated as filed before Judge Kevin P. Cunningham?

The rule states a 3:00 PM filing cutoff. The Court will not enter orders emailed after 3:00 p.m. on the date the case was heard.

View ruleSource: page 2, section I. DAILY COURT CALL - C. Orders

What rule applies to service for motion before Judge Kevin P. Cunningham?

Proof of service is required for the covered service rule. Moving party must present proof of service on all motions.

View ruleSource: page 4, section G. Proof of Service of Pleadings & Motions
Complete rules summary for Judge Kevin P. Cunningham

Proposed orders must be emailed to the Courtroom Clerk 48 hours before the court call.

Orders submitted after a court appearance must indicate all parties and/or attorneys present on the matter.

Orders other than proposed orders must be emailed to the Courtroom Clerk immediately after the court appearance.

All litigants must file an appearance with the Clerk's Office to appear in court and be heard.

Litigants who cannot afford the appearance fee may ask the Clerk for a Petition to Waive Court Fees.

All communications with the Court other than the submission of orders as set forth above, should be by filing of pleadings, motions, briefs, etc. The opposing party and/or attorney must be included on all communications with the Court.

The Court will not enter orders emailed after 3:00 p.m. on the date the case was heard.

Moving party must present proof of service on all motions.

For default judgment motions, attorney must represent that service, notice, and affidavits have been made/filed.

Court generally allows 28 days to respond and 14 days to reply to motions.

Motions must be personally served, emailed, or faxed if appropriate, no later than 4:00 p.m. on the second proceeding court day, or mailed no later than the fifth proceeding court day. See Illinois Supreme Court Rule 11 (b) (4): Cook County Circuit Court Rule 2.1 (c) (i).

Agreed orders may be emailed to the Courtroom Clerk before the call.

Settled cases do not require appearance; either party may email a signed agreed order for entry.

Courtesy copies are not to be submitted for routine motions.

Parties who resolve a motion before the hearing date should immediately contact the Courtroom Clerk.

Copies of all non-routine motions must be provided to the Court via email 5 days before the presentment date.

The preferred brief format is double-spaced, 12-point font (Times New Roman or Century Schoolbook), with standard 1-inch margins, excluding exhibits.

Paper courtesy copies are prohibited entirely; no paper courtesy copies should be submitted.

Motions and response briefs are strictly limited to 15 pages; reply briefs should be no longer than 8 pages.

Emergency motions must state with particularity, in an affidavit or verification, the sudden or unforeseen circumstances giving rise to the emergency and why the matter should take precedence.

Motions to vacate an order of possession must be emailed immediately after filing to the Civil Court Coordinator at ccc.district6civil@cookcountyil.gov, including the opposing party, and the email must include the case name and number.

A motion to advance a motion to vacate an order of possession must be emailed to the Courtroom Clerk, including the opposing party and the case name and number.

Trial continuance requests must be in writing, supported by a detailed affidavit, and heard as soon as possible or at least five business days before trial, absent exigent circumstances.

Obtaining new counsel on the eve of trial is generally not a valid basis to continue the trial.

Parties must submit and exchange pre-trial memos setting forth case nature, issues, and settlement status.

Pre-trial memos should be emailed to the Court Coordinator at least three days before the settlement conference.

Parties must notify the Courtroom Clerk if they need an interpreter or special accommodations.

Agreed orders must be emailed to the Courtroom Clerk with case title/number in subject and, if trial set, note resolution and strike future dates.

Counsel may email the Courtroom Clerk directly for scheduling issues.

Parties must have an appearance on file to participate in an eviction trial.

More Judges in Circuit Court of Cook County

Abbey Fishman Romanek
Judge
Adrienne E. Davis
Judge
Aicha M. MacCarthy
Judge
Aileen Bhandari
Judge
Aleksandra Gillespie
Judge
Alexander D. Marks
Judge
Alfredo Maldonado
Judge
Alison C. Conlon
Judge