Illinois Pretrial Practice
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ABBREVIATED TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter 1
Taking the Case
Chapter 2
Pre-Suit Activities
Chapter 3
Statutes of Limitations
Chapter 4
Immunities
Chapter 5
Reserved
Chapter 6
Subject Matter Jurisdiction
Chapter 7
Personal Jurisdiction
Chapter 8
Forum Selection: Venue, Forum Non Conveniens, & Removal
Chapter 9
Summons and Service of Process
Chapters 10-11
Reserved
Chapter 12
Parties
Chapter 13
Pleadings
Chapter 14
Motion Practice
Chapter 15
Attacking the Pleadings
Chapter 16
Temporary Restraining Orders and Preliminary Injunctions
Chapters 17-19
Reserved
Chapter 20
All Discovery
Chapter 21
Privileges
Chapter 22
Production of Documents and Other Things
Chapter 23
Depositions
Chapter 24
Physical and Mental Examinations
Chapter 25
Interrogatories
Chapter 26
Requests for Admissions
Chapter 27
Discovery Disputes
Chapters 28-29
Reserved
Chapter 30
Summary Judgment
Chapter 31
Default Judgment and Dismissal for Want of Prosecution
Chapter 32
Settlement and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
EXPANDED TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter 1 Taking the Case
I. Initial Client Contact
II. Case Assessment and Valuation
A. Weigh Costs and Benefits
B. Evaluate Client
C. Consider Ethical (RPC) Factors
D. Evaluate Fee Sources
III. After Assessment and Valuation
A. Initial Steps
B. Prepare for Case Conference
C. Consider Fee and Cost Arrangements
1. Preliminary Considerations
2. Factors in Selecting Fee Arrangement
3. Time-Based (Hourly-Rate) Billing
4. Contingency Fees
5. Retainers
6. Other Fee Arrangements
7. Costs and Expenses
D. Prepare to Formalize Attorney-Client Relationship
1. Preliminary Considerations
2. Ethical (RPC) Guidelines and Requirements
3. Draft Proposed Contract
a. In All Cases
b. In Hourly-Rate Billing Arrangements
c. In Contingency-Fee Arrangements
d. In Other Arrangements
IV. Case Conference
A. Overview
B. Information to Obtain
C. Information to Convey
V. Taking Over From Prior Counsel
Chapter 2 Pre-Suit Activities
I. Investigation
A. Preliminary Considerations
B. Methods and Sources for Investigation
1. Preliminary Considerations
2. Witnesses
3. Documents
a. Preliminary Considerations
b. Types of Documents
i. Police Reports
ii. Tax Returns
iii. Wage Information
iv. Medical Records
v. Medical Bills
vi. Other Documents
4. Photographs and Videotapes
5. Prior Litigation Information
a. Preliminary Considerations
b. Previous Testimony
6. Identifying legal entities
C. Experts
D. Protecting the Results of Your Investigation
II. Pre-Suit Communications and Notices
A. Statutory Notice Requirements
1. Government Entities
2. Court of Claims
B. Communicating With Opposing Party
C. Protecting Your Fees
1. Lien on Claim
2. Retaining Lien
D. Communicating With Insurers
III. Litigation Planning
A. Pre-Filing Resolution
1. Negotiation
2. Alternative Dispute Resolution
B. Plaintiff’s Considerations
1. Legal Research
2. Parties
3. Causes of Action
4. When to File
5. Where to File
a. Personal Jurisdiction
b. State or Federal Court?
c. Other Considerations
C. Defendant’s Considerations
IV. Pre-Suit Discovery
A. Identifying Potential Defendants
B. Preserving Testimony
Chapter 3 Statutes of Limitations
I. Overview
A. General Points
B. Sources of Law
C. Conditions Precedent Distinguished
D. Laches Distinguished
II. Calculating Limitations Period
A. General Points
B. When Limitation Period Begins: Accrual
1. General Points
2. Continuing Torts
3. Acknowledgment or Promise to Pay
C. When Period Expires: Filing Suit
1. General Points
2. Counterclaims, Amended Pleadings, New Defendants
D. Discovery Rule: Delays Accrual
III. Determining Applicable Limitations Period
A. Real Actions
1. Overview
2. Adverse Possession
3. Breach of Condition Subsequent
4. Termination of Estate Upon Limitation
5. Tax Matters or Enforcement of Judgments
6. Mortgages
7. 40-Year Statute
B. Personal Actions
1. Overview
2. Defamation
3. Personal Injury
4. Childhood Sexual Abuse
5. Loss of Consortium
6. Loss of Means of Support
7. Contribution and Indemnification
8. Unwritten Contracts and Other Indebtedness
9. Written Agreements
10. Medical Malpractice
11. Products Liability
a. Personal Injury
b. Property Damage
c. Derivative Actions
12. Construction Cases
13. Mechanics’ Liens
14. Accounting Malpractice
15. Legal Malpractice
16. Fraudulent Concealment
17. Railroads and Carriers
18. Contract to Make Will
19. Registered Land Surveyor
20. Trusts
21. Taxes
22. Dissolved Corporations
23. Survival Actions
24. Actions Against Insurance Companies
25. Workers’ Compensation Act
26. Federal Actions Without Limitations
27. Malicious Prosecution
28. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress
29. Federal Employers’ Liability (FELA)
30. Administrative Review
31. Claim for Attorney Fees under the Illinois Marriage and
Dissolution of Marriage Act
32. Claims Under the Uniform Commercial Code
33. Consumer Fraud Act
C. Governmental Agencies and Employees
D. Legislative Amendments
IV. Defenses to Failure to Comply With Statute
A. Waiver
B. Agreements Altering Limitations Period
C. Equitable Estoppel
V. Tolling Statutes
A. Party’s Capacity or Circumstances
B. Other Court Action
VI. Sanctions Under Supreme Court Rule 137 and 219
Chapter 4 Immunities
I. General Concepts
A. Overview
B. Effect
II. ‑State Lawsuit Immunity Act
A. General Points
B. Waiver
C. Actions Against State Agents or Employees
D. Injunctive and Declaratory Relief
III. Local Governmental and Governmental Employees Tort
Immunity Act
A. In General
B. General Immunities Directed to Local Public Entities
and Employees
C. Immunities Regarding Public Property
D. Immunities Regarding Police and Correctional Facilities
E. Fire Protection and Rescue Services
F. Medical, Hospital, and Public Health Activities
G. Public and Community Service Programs
H. Tort Liability Under Agreements Between Public Entities
I. Payment of Claims and Judgments
IV. Other Statutory Immunities
A. Abandoned Newborn Infant Protection Act
B. Abortion Performance Refusal Act
C. Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act
D. Alcoholism and Drug Addiction Intervenor and Reporter
Immunity
E. Baseball Facility Liability Act
F. Blood and Organ Transaction Liability Act
G. Commonsense Consumption Act
H. Communicable Disease Report Act
I. County Engineer and Highway Superintendent
Liability Act
J. Domestic Violence Act
K. Emergency Medical Service Immunity
L. Employment Record Disclosure Act
M. Equine Activity Liability
N. Federal Law Enforcement Officer Immunity Act
O. Food Donors
P. Good Samaritans
Q. Health Care Right or Conscience
R. Hockey Facilities
S. Hospital Licensing Act and Hospital Practice Act
T. Long Term Care Facility Residents
U. Long-Term Care Peer Review and Quality Assessment and
Assurance Protection
V. Persons Testing Suspected Drivers Under the Influence
W. Public and Appellate Defender Act
X. Railroad Warning Devices
Y. Real Estate Investment Trusts
Z. Recreational Use of Land and Water Areas
A.A. Roller Skating Rink Safety
B.B. Snow and Ice Removal
C.C. Sports Volunteer
V. Common Law Immunities
A. Judicial / Prosecutorial Immunity
B. Qualified Immunity of Public Officials
C. Parental Immunity
Chapter 6 Subject Matter Jurisdiction
I. Overview
A. General Points
B. Related Concepts
II. The Illinois Supreme Court
A. Organization
B. Jurisdiction
1. Original Jurisdiction
2. Appeals from Appellate Court
3. Direct Appeals from Circuit Courts
III. The Illinois Appellate Courts
A. Organization
B. Location
C. Jurisdiction
1. Appeal as of Right From Final Judgments of Circuit Courts
2. Final Judgments That Do not Dispose of Entire Proceeding
3. Interlocutory Appeals as of Right
4. Discretionary Review
IV. The Circuit Courts
V. The Court of Claims
VI. Administrative Tribunals
A. In General
B. Industrial Commission
C. Illinois Commerce Commission
D. Human Rights Commission
VII. Federal Court Jurisdiction
A. General Points
B. Federal Question Jurisdiction
C. Diversity Jurisdiction
D. Supplemental Jurisdiction
Chapter 7 Personal Jurisdiction
I. General Points
A. Basic Concepts
B. Related Concepts
II. Federal and State Due Process Requirements
A. General Points
B. Minimum Contacts
1. General Points
2. Purposeful Availment
3. Specific and General Jurisdiction
a. General Jurisdiction
b. Specific Jurisdiction
C. Fair Play and Substantial Justice
III. General (Unlimited) Jurisdiction [735 ILCS 5/2-209(b)]
A. General Points
B. Individuals
1. Domicile or Residence
2. Nonresident Served in Illinois
a. General Points
b. Exceptions
3. Nonresident Doing Business in Illinois
C. Corporations
1. Organization Under Illinois Law
2. Doing Business in Illinois
3. Third-Party Doing Illinois Business for Defendant
D. Partnerships and Partners
IV. Specific (Limited) Jurisdiction [735 ILCS 5/2-209(a),
(c)]
A. General Points
B. Issues Regarding Specific Types of Defendants
C. Transacting Business or Contracting in Illinois
1. Transacting Business [735 ILCS 5/2-209(a)(1)]
2. Soliciting and Purchasing as Transacting Business
3. Contracts [735 ILCS 5/2-209(a)(7)]
D. Torts [735 ILCS 5/2-209(a)(2)]
1. General Points
2. Stream of Commerce Doctrine
E. Property Ownership, Use, or Possession
F. Marriage and Domestic Relation Cases
G. Foreign Judgments
V. Jurisdiction Based on Consent
A. Forum Selection Clauses
B. Appearance
VI. In Rem and Quasi in Rem Jurisdiction
A. General Points
B. Federal Due-Process Limits
VII. Challenging Jurisdiction
A. Bringing Motion
B. Opposing Motion
C. Disposition
D. Appeal
Chapter 8 Forum Selection: Venue, Forum Non
Conveniens, & Removal
I. Overview
A. Nature of Venue
B. Significance of Venue
II. Determining Venue
A. General Venue Statute
1. Basic Rules
2. Defendant’s Residence
a. Individuals
b. Entities
3. Where Claim Accrued
B. Special Venue Statutes
1. General Points
2. Actions Involving Real Property
3. Statutes in Code of Civil Procedure
4. Other Special Venue Statutes
C. Venue Agreements (Forum Selection Clauses)
D. Government Entites
1. Special Statutes
2. Home County Privilege
III. Selecting and Designating Venue
A. Selecting
B. Designating
IV. Transfer From Improper to Proper Venue
A. General Points
B. Filing Deadlines and Waiver
C. Procedure
D. Appellate Review
E. Transfer Procedure
V. Change of Venue to Obtain Fair Trial
A. General Points
B. Procedure
VI. Forum Non Conveniens (FNC)
A. Nature of FNC
B. Factors
1. Balancing of Private and Public Interests
2. Plaintiff’s Right to Choose Forum
3. Application of Factors
C. Procedure
D. Appellate Review
E. Transfer or Dismissal
1. Transfer (Intrastate FNC)
2. Dismissal (Interstate FNC)
VII. Removal to Federal Court
A. Strategic Considerations
B. Grounds for Removal
C. Procedures for Removal
1. Notice of Removal
2. Who May Remove
3. Consent of Other Defendants
D. Time for Removal
1. Removal Based on Initial Pleading
2. Removal Based on Subsequent Developments
E. Remand to State Court
1. Motion to Remand
2. Hearing and Disposition
3. Sua Sponte Remand
4. Review
5. Costs and Attorney Fees
Chapter 9 Summons and Service of Process
I. Overview
II. Summons
A. Content
B. Time Limits for Issuance and Service
1. Issuance
2. Service
a. Diligence in Effecting Service Required
b. Defendant: Raising the Objection
c. Plaintiff: Responding to Objection
III. Service of Summons Within Illinois
A. Who May Serve Process
B. Service on Individuals
1. General Points
2. Personal Delivery
3. Abode Service
4. Service on Agents
5. Service Pursuant to Special Order
C. Private Corporations
D. Partners, Partnerships, and Unincorporated Associations
E. Public, Municipal, Governmental and Quasi-Municipal
Corporations
IV. Service Outside Illinois
V. Substituted Service on Secretary of State
A. Corporations
B. Non-U.S. Defendants: Products Liability
C. Operators of Aircraft and Watercraft
D. Nonresident Motorists
VI. Service by Publication
VII. Waiver Of Service
VIII. Return and Proof of Service
A. Form and Content
B. Filing
C. Effect of Return
D. Failure to Make Return or Defective Return
IX. Challenging Service of Process
A. Procedure
B. Disposition
[Chapters 10-11 Reserved]
Chapter 12 Parties
I. General Points
II. Capacity to Sue, Be Sued, or Defend and Standing
A. Preliminary Considerations
B. Natural Persons: Death, Minority, Incompetency
1. Death
2. Minors
3. Mentally Incompetent Parties
4. Legal capacity
C. Estates and Trusts
1. Estates
2. Trusts
D. Business Entities
1. Corporations
2. Partnerships
3. joint ventures
4. Other Business Entities
E. Governmental Entities
F. Challenging Capacity
III. Joinder of Parties
A. Advantages and Disadvantages of Joining Parties
1. Advantages
2. Disadvantages
B. Parties Who May Be Joined
1. Plaintiffs
2. Defendants
C. Necessary Parties
D. Nonjoinder and Misjoinder
E. Addition of New Parties by Amendment
F. Misnomer
IV. Substitution
A. Change of Interest or Liability
B. Death of Party
C. Legal Disability
D. Trustees; Public Officers
E. Service on Substituted Parties
V. Interpleader
A. State Procedure
B. Personal Jurisdiction Over Adverse Claimants
C. Federal Interpleader
1. In General
2. Federal Rule Interpleader
3. Statutory Interpleader
VI. Intervention
A. General Points
B. Intervention as of Right
C. Permissive Intervention
D. Procedure for Intervention
VII. Third-Party Proceedings
A. Bringing In Third Party
B. Strategy
VIII. Unknown Parties
IX. Fictitious Names
X. Assignment and Subrogation
XI. Respondents in Discovery
XII. Class Actions
A. Nature and Purpose
B. Advantages and Disadvantages of Class Actions
C. Requirements for Class Actions
1. In General
2. Numerosity
3. Commonality
4. Fair and Adequate Representation
5. Fair and Efficient Method
D. Procedure for Class Actions
E. Class Certification
1. In General
2. Certification Motion
3. The Certification Hearing
4. The Certification Order
5. Notice to Class
6. Interlocutory Appeal
7. Post-Certification Developments
F. Trial
G. Final Disposition
1. Settlement
2. Final Judgment
Chapter 13 Pleadings
I. Requirements for All Pleadings
A. Purpose and Function
B. Format
C. Drafting Rules and Techniques
D. Alternative Pleadings
E. Information and Belief Allegations
F. Verification
1. General Points
2. Verified Complaints
3. Verified Answers
II. Preparing and Filing the Complaint
A. In General
B. Purposes
C. Pitfalls
D. Contents
E. Exhibits
F. Conditions Precedent
G. Statute of Limitations
H. Jurisdiction
I. Before Drafting
J. Drafting the Complaint
K. Caption and Introductory Matters
L. Basic Facts of Complaint
M. Separation of Causes of Action
N. Prayer for Relief
1. Legal Requirements
2. Types of Relief
a. Damages
b. Declaratory Relief
c. Injunctive Relief
d. Class Actions
O. Certification by Party and Attorney
P. Attaching Documents
Q. Certificate of Merit Requirement in Medical Malpractice
Complaints
R. Legal Malpractice—Liability Shifting
S. Elements of Specific Actions
III. Amending the Complaint
A. Legal Requirements
B. Adding Claims
C. Opposing Request
D. Response to Amended or New Complaint
IV. Preparing and Filing the Answer
A. Legal Requirements
B. Format
C. Organization
D. Responses to Specific Allegations
1. Admissions
2. Denials
a. Legal Requirements
b. Types of Denials
3. Denying Specific Types of Allegations
E. Affirmative Defenses
F. Common Defenses
1. To All Types of Claims
2. Contract Actions
3. Tort Actions
4. Pleading Requirements
5. Failure to Plead
a. Preliminary Considerations
b. Raising Defense in Amended Answer
6. Affirmative Defense Raised by Motion
G. Extension of Time to File Answer
V. Plaintiff’s Reply
VI. Counterclaims
A. Legal and Procedural Requirements
B. Related and Unrelated Counterclaims
C. Who May Counterclaim?
D. Statute of Limitations Issues
E. Procedure
1. Pleading
2. Service and Filing
F. Answer to a Counterclaim
Chapter 14 Motion Practice
I. Overview
II. Preparing, Serving, and Filing the Motion
A. Formal Requirements
B. Essential Elements of Motion: Factual Basis, Law, Notice
1. Facts: Affidavits and Exhibits
2. Law: Drafting the Brief
a. Practice and Procedures
b. Summary of Argument
c. Factual Orientation
d. Citing Authority
e. Styles to Avoid
3. Notice: Serving the Motion
a. Notice Requirements
b. Procedural Requirements
4. Methods of Service
C. Filing the Motion Papers
III. Opposing the Motion
A. Preliminary Considerations
B. Cross-Motions
IV. Reply Brief
V. Hearing
A. Procedural Considerations
B. Challenging the Judge
1. Overview
2. Disqualifying Judge for Bias or Appearance of Impropriety
a. Preliminary Considerations
b. Personal Bias or Prejudice
c. Involvement in Case
d. Prior Representation
e. Interest of Judge or Family Member
f. Person Within Third Degree of Relationship
g. Alternative to Disqualification
h. Remedies for Judge’s Refusal to Disqualify Self
3. Substitution of Judge For Cause
4. Substitution of Judge as of Right
a. Preliminary Considerations
b. Substitution as of Right
C. Hearing Procedure
D. Motions That May Require an Evidentiary Hearing
E. Effective Oral Advocacy
VI. Emergency Motions
A. Preliminary Considerations
B. Grounds
C. Procedure
VII. Ex Parte Motions
VIII. Motions to Reconsider
A. Procedure
B. Grounds
C. Unfounded Motions
IX. Miscellaneous Types of Motions
A. Small Claims
B. Application to Sue or Defend as a Poor Person
X. Sanctions
XI. Voluntary Non-Suit
XII. Relief from Final Orders: 2-1401 Petitions
XIII. Post Judgment Motions
Chapter 15 Attacking the Pleadings
I. Challenging Defective Pleadings (735 ILCS 5/2-615)
A. Nature and Purpose
B. Legal Requirements
C. Procedure
D. Motions to Dismiss and to Strike
1. Failure to State a Cause of Action
2. Failure to Plead an Essential Element
3. Nonjoinder of a Necessary Party
4. Improper Relief
E. Other Pleading Defects
F. Judgment on the Pleadings
II. Demanding a Bill of Particulars
III. Moving to Dismiss for Specified Defects and Defenses
(735 ILCS 5/2-619)
A. Legal Requirements
B. Specific Grounds for 2-619 Motion
1. Lack of Subject Matter Jurisdiction
2. Lack of Legal Capacity
3. Another Action Pending
4. Barred By Prior Judgment
a. Res Judicata (Claim Preclusion)
b. Collateral Estoppel (Issue Preclusion)
5. Statute of Limitations
6. Release, Satisfaction, or Discharge in Bankruptcy
7. Statute of Frauds
8. Minority or Disability of Defendant
9. Other Affirmative Matter
C. Procedure
1. Preliminary Considerations
2. Waiver
3. Hearing
D. Governmental Immunities
E. Contribution Claim Among Joint Tortfeasors
IV. Combining Motions (735 ILCS 5/2-619.1)
V. Specific Claims and Their Requirements
A. Distributor’s Statute (Product Liability)
B. Medical Malpractice
C. Dismissal for Noninvolvement in Medical Malpractice
VI. Sanctions Under Supreme Court Rule 137 and 219
VII. Interlocutory Appeals by Permission
Chapter 16 Temporary Restraining Orders and
Preliminary Injunctions
I. Overview
II. Grounds for Temporary Injunctive Relief
III. Defenses to Temporary Injunctive Relief
IV. Actions for Temporary Injunctive Relief
A. Jurisdiction and Venue
B. Parties
C. TRO Procedure
1. Obtaining a TRO
2. Notice
3. Opposition to TRO
4. Hearing
5. Order
D. PI Procedure
1. Obtaining a PI
2. Notice
3. Opposition to PI
4. Hearing
5. Order
E. Bonds
V. Dissolution of TROs and PIs
VI. Appeal
A. TRO
B. PI
C. Standard of Review
VII. Damages for Wrongful Entry
VIII. Eenforcement of TROs and PIs
IX. Specific Subjects of Injunctive Actions
A. Restraint of Litigation
B. Property Rights
C. Restraint of Injury to Trade or Business
D. Corporations
E. Public Officers and Entities
F. Personal Rights
[Chapters 17-19 Reserved]
Chapter 20 All Discovery
I. Nature and Purpose of Discovery
II. Scope of Discovery
A. Basic Points
B. Discoverable Matters
C. Matters Outside Scope
1. Privileged Matter
2. Attorney Work Product
3. Other Matters
D. Special Scope Rules
1. Trial Preparation
a. Expert Witnesses
b. Materials
2. Type of Proceeding
3. Non-Party Witnesses
III. Planning
A. Planning Strategies
1. Basic Points
2. Establish Goals
3. Choosing Appropriate Discovery Devices
B. Sequence of Discovery
IV. Commencement and Timing
A. Commencing Discovery
B. Timing Factors
1. For Discovering Party
2. For Responding Party
V. Supervising and Compelling Discovery
A. Supervising Discovery
B. Compelling Discovery
VI. Stipulations
VII. Amending or Supplementing Responses
A. Legal Requirements
B. Procedure
VIII. Freedom of Information Requests
A. General Points
B. Procedure for Making Request
C. Appeal of Denial of Request
D. Judicial Recourse
Chapter 21 Privileges
I. General Concepts
A. Overview
1. Definitions, Purposes
2. Creation, Duration, Remedies for Wrongful Disclosure
3. Impact on Discovery
4. Governing Law & Construction
B. Asserting a Privilege
C. Waiving a Privilege
1. Basic Points
2. By Whom
3. How
a. Intentional Disclosure
b. Implied Intent
c. Placing Privileged Matter at Issue
D. Compelling Disclosure
II. Attorney-Client Communications
A. General Points
B. Elements of a Privileged Communication
1. Must be a “Communication”
2. Must Be in the Course of Professional Employment
3. Must Be a Confidential Communication
a. Client; Attorney; Their Agents
b. Experts
c. Multiple Clients or Multiple Attorneys
C. Exceptions
III. Work Product
A. General Points
B. Elements of Work Product
1. Rule Requirements
2. Examples of Rule
IV. Self-Incrimination
A. General Points
B. Procedures
V. Trade Secrets
A. General Points
B. Relief
VI. Physician-Patient Communications
A. General Points
B. Elements
C. Procedures
VII. Therapist-Patient Communications
A. General Points
B. Communication Protected
C. Exceptions to Privilege
VIII. Medical Studies Privilege
IX. Husband and Wife
X. Rape Crisis Counselors-Victims
XI. Counselors of Violent Crime Victims
XII. Clergy-Practitioner Privilege
XIII. Reporter’s Privilege
XIV. Public Accountant’s Privilege
XV. Mental Records
XVI. Miscellaneous Privileges
Chapter 22 Production of Documents and Other Things
I. Party Document Requests
A. General Points
B. Using Requests With Other Discovery Tools
C. Steps to Obtain Documents
1. Prepare Requests
a. Form
b. Format
c. Substance
i. General Points
ii. By-Category Requests
2. Serve and File
3. Track Response
D. Responding to Request
1. Initial Steps
2. Time to Respond
3. Duty To Produce
4. Locate, Collect, and Examine Items
a. General Points
b. Locate Items
c. Collect Items
d. Examine Items
5. The Response
a. General Points
b. Format
c. Objections
i. General Points
ii. Specific Objections
d. Overbroad, Vague, or Ambiguous Requests
e. Protecting Confidential Information
f. Service and Filing
6. Prepare for Production
7. Supplementation of Responses
E. Inspection and Copying
F. Discovery Disputes
1. General Points
2. Motions
II. Nonparty Production
A. Overview
B. Deposition Subpoenas
1. General Points
2. How to Subpoena
3. Responding to Subpoena
III. Public Records
A. Overview and Strategies
B. Illinois Public Records
1. Authority & Exceptions
2. Procedure
C. Federal Public Records
1. Authority & Exceptions
2. Procedure
IV. Land and Other Things
Chapter 23 Depositions
I. Overview
A. General Principles
B. Types of Depositions
II. Functions
A. General Points
B. Using Deposition at Trial
C. On Appeal or After Substitution, Dismissal, or Remand
D. Use in Conjunction With Other Discovery Devices
III. Taking a Deposition
A. Preparation
1. Procedure
a. Select Deponents
b. Choose Location
c. Schedule Deposition
d. Give Notice
i. General Points
ii. Notice to Party Deponents
iii. Subpoena Nonparty Deponents
e. Compelling Deponent to Attend and Answer Questions
f. Select Recording Method
g. Deposition Officer
h. Interpreters
2. Substantive Preparation
a. General Considerations
b. Prepare Outline
c. Organize Exhibits in Advance
d. Expert Witnesses
B. Conducting the Deposition
1. Getting Started
2. Review Document Requests
3. Examination and Cross-Examination
4. Suspending or Adjourning a Deposition
a. Suspending
b. Adjourning
5. Court’s Involvement
IV. Defending a Deposition
A. Respond to Notice (or Subpoena)
1. Objections to Notice
2. Document Production
3. Witness Designation
B. Preparation
1. Introduction
2. Guidelines for Witness
3. Guidelines for Experts
C. Conduct During Deposition
1. General Points
2. Objections
V. Preparing Transcript for Use at Trial
Chapter 24 Physical and Mental Examinations
I. General Points
A. Overview
B. Who Is Subject to Exam
1. Parties
2. Non-Parties
C. Preliminary Considerations
II. Logistics of Exams
A. Overview
B. Examiner
1. General Points
2. Challenging Discoverer’s Designee
C. Location
D. Time
E. Scope & Manner
F. Conditions
G. Costs
III. Requesting Exam
A. By Stipulation
B. By Motion
1. Threshold Requirements
a. Condition “in Controversy”
b. “Good Cause” for Ordering Exam
2. Court’s Discretion (If Threshold Requirements Met)
3. Initiating Motion
a. Preliminary Issues
b. Motion Package
c. Service
IV. Preparing for and Conducting Exam
V. Subsequent Motions
VI. Report of Examining Physician
A. State Rule
B. Federal Rule
1. Examinee’s Option to Get Report
2. Effect of Exercising Option
Chapter 25 Interrogatories
I. General Points
II. How to Use Interrogatories
A. General Points
B. Using Interrogatories With Other Discovery
C. Types of Interrogatories
III. Propounding Interrogatories
A. Format
B. Preliminary Parts
C. Drafting Techniques
D. Areas of Inquiry
1. General Points
2. Facts
3. Identity and Testimony of Witnesses
a. General Points
b. Lay Witnesses
c. Independent Experts
d. Controlled Experts
e. Reports of Controlled Experts
4. Documents
E. Service
IV. Responding to Interrogatories
A. General Points
B. Deadline for Answers
C. Service and Filing
D. Drafting Answers
1. General Points
2. Format
3. Certification of Responses
4. Dealing With Documents
5. Witness Interrogatories
6. Objections
a. General Points
b. Specific Objections
c. Dealing With Problem Requests
d. Protect Confidential Information
i. What Can Be Protected
ii. Protection Strategies
V. Supplemental Answers
A. General Points
B. Conditions and Procedures
VI. Motions
A. General Requirements and Procedures
B. Extend Time to Answer
C. Protective Order
D. Missing, Evasive, or Incomplete Answers
1. General Points
2. Motion to Compel
3. Motion for Sanctions
VII. Evidence Issues
A. Answers as Evidence
B. Excluding Evidence at Trial
Chapter 26 Requests for Admissions
I. General Points
A. Overview
B. Scope of RFAs
II. How to Use RFAs
A. Use to Establish Claims and Defenses
B. Documents
C. Public Records
D. Use With Other Discovery Tools
III. Propounding RFAs
A. Drafting RFAs
1. Format
2. Techniques
B. Service and Filing
IV. Responding to RFAs
A. General Points
B. Response Deadline
C. Drafting Principles
1. Format
2. Responses
a. Substantive Answers
b. Objections
i. Basic Principles
ii. Specific Objections
V. Motions
A. General Points
B. Motions by RFA Propounder
1. Challenging Answer or Objection
2. Sanctions for Failure to Admit (Post-Trial)
C. Motions by RFA Respondent
1. Extend Time to Respond
2. Protective Order
3. Relief From Responses
VI. Use of Responses at Trial
A. Admission Into Evidence
B. Effect of Admissions
Chapter 27 Discovery Disputes
I. Preliminary Considerations
A. Legal Authority
B. Continuing Problems
II. Preliminary Steps
III. Available Relief
IV. Discovery Motions
A. Preliminary Considerations
B. Compelling Discovery
1. Depositions
2. Other Discovery Methods
V. Obtaining Protection From Discovery
A. General Points
B. Protective Orders
1. Purposes
2. Procedure
[Chapters 28-29 Reserved]
Chapter 30 Summary Judgment
I. Overview
A. Basic Points
B. Motions for Summary Judgment Distinguished From Other Motions
C. Advantages
D. Disadvantages
E. Evidence Overview
F. Strategies
II. Partial Summary Judgment
A. When Appropriate
B. Procedure
C. Effect of Partial Summary Judgment
III. Requirements for Summary Judgment
A. No Genuine Issue of Fact
1. Material Fact
2. “No Genuine Issue”
a. General Points
b. Inferences: Drawn to Create Dispute
c. Weighing Evidence: Not Allowed to Resolve Disputes
d. State of Mind
3. Issue of Law
B. Movant or Opponent Entitled to Judgment “as a Matter Of Law”
IV. Burdens on Summary Judgment—How to Meet Them
A. Movant’s Burden
B. Respondent’s Burden on Motion for Summary Judgment
V. Evidence
A. General Points
1. Evidence Considered in Motion for Summary Judgment
2. Examples of Improper Evidence
B. Affidavits
1. General Points
2. Expert Witnesses Affidavits
3. Preparing the Affidavit
a. Form and Content Requirements
b. Working With Affiants
c. Effective Drafting
C. Depositions
D. Interrogatory Answers
E. Request for Admission Responses
F. Pleadings and Judgments
G. Miscellaneous Methods of Establishing Facts
VI. Whether to Move for Summary Judgment
A. General Points
B. How to Decide
VII. Inititating a Motion for Summary Judgment
A. When to Move
B. Preparing the Motion for Summary Judgment
1. Motion
2. Brief In Support Of Motion
3. Affidavits
4. Additional Papers
C. Filing and Setting Hearing
D. Service
VIII. Response to Motion for Summary Judgment
A. General Points and Initial Steps
B. Prepare Papers And Evidence
C. If Material Facts are Unavailable
D. Cross-Motions
1. To Strike Evidence Proffered on a Summary Judgment Motion
a. General Points
b. What to Strike
c. Supporting Papers and Evidence
2. To Strike Summary Judgment As Untimely
3. To Amend Pleadings
4. Cross-Motions for Summary Judgment
E. Requesting Sanctions
F. Filing and Service of Response or Cross-Motion
IX. Reply to Response
A. Withdraw Motion
B. Contents of Reply Brief
C. Motion to Strike Material in Response
X. Response to Cross-Motion
XI. Oral Argument
A. In General
B. Effective Argument
XII. Decision and Disposition
A. Court’s Options
B. Procedure
XIII. Post-Decision Motions
A. Reconsideration
B. Successive Motions
XIV. Appeal
A. From Motion Granted
B. Summary Judgment on Some Claims
C. From Motion Denied
D. Standard of Review
Chapter 31 Default Judgment and Dismissal for Want of
Prosecution
I. Default Judgment
A. In General
B. Default Judgment for Failure to Appear
1. In General
2. Amended Pleadings
3. Codefendants
4. Withdrawal of Appearance
5. Denial of Motion to Dismiss
C. Default Judgment as Discovery Sanction
D. Obtaining Default Judgment
1. Relief Available
a. Amount Sought in Complaint
b. Further Relief Available With Notice
2. Order of Default
3. Notice of Entry of Order of Default
4. Proof of Damages
E. Operation and Effect of Default Judgment
II. Vacating a Default Judgment
A. In General
B. § 1301 Relief
1. Bases for Relief
2. Time to Move
3. Motion to Vacate
4. Terms and Conditions
C. § 1401 Relief
1. Bases for Relief
a. In General
b. Meritorious Defense
c. Due Diligence in Trial Court
i. Party’s Lack of Diligence
ii. Mistake, Surprise, or Excusable Neglect of Counsel
iii. When Due Diligence Not Required
d. Due Diligence in Pursuing Petition
2. Procedure
a. Time to Move
b. Petition to Vacate
c. Service
d. Pre-Hearing Procedures
e. Hearing on Motion to Vacate
f. Order Granting Relief
D. Void Default Judgment
III. Attorney’s Responsibility in Default Situations
A. Preliminary Considerations
B. Notice to Professional Liability Carrier
IV. Dismissal for Want of Prosecution
A. Overview
B. When Entered
C. Vacation of DWP
D. Effect of DWP
Chapter 32 Settlement and Alternative Dispute
Resolution (ADR)
I. Settlement
A. Case Evaluation
1. Why Try To Settle?
2. When Should You Settle?
3. Tax Consequences
4. Impact on Government Benefits
5. Liens
a. General Points
b. Attorney’s Liens
c. Health Care Provider Liens
d. Medicare and Public Aid Liens
e. Workers Compensation Liens
f. The Common Fund Doctrine (Subrogation Liens)
6. Ethical Considerations
B. Negotiation
1. General Points
2. Plaintiff’s Perspective
a. Settlement Letters
b. Negotiating With Insurance Adjusters
3. Insurer’s Perspective
C. Court’s Role in Settlements
1. General Points
2. Settlements Requiring Court Approval
D. Mechanics of Settlements
1. Types of Settlements
a. General Types
b. Structured Settlements
2. Settlement Documents
3. Multiparty Settlements
a. Joint Tortfeasors
i. General Points
ii. Court Approval
b. Successive Tortfeasors
c. Principle and Agent
d. Subsequent Trial
E. Enforcement of Settlements
1. Settlements as Contracts
2. Settlements as Judgments
II. Alternate Dispute Resolution
A. Mediation
1. General Points
2. Court-annexed mediation
B. Arbitration
1. General Points
2. Mandatory Arbitration
a. Procedure
b. Award
3. Contractual Arbitration
a. Overview
b. Drafting Arbitration Agreements
c. Initiating Arbitration
d. Arbitration Procedures
Tables
Index
Updated 04/06/12
