Ill. R. Cir. Ct. Lake Cnty. 5-1.06

As amended through September 23, 2024

Rule 5-1.06 - Remote Appearances

A. This Court hereby authorizes, as a means to increase efficiencies and reduce costs to participants and pursuant to the provisions of Supreme Court Rule 185, use of an independent conference servicing company, to be designated by the Chief Judge by Administrative Order (hereinafter "Vendor") for remote appearances for parties by counsel of record in civil cases except for juvenile and family case types.

B. Remote appearances shall not be permitted for argument on contested or briefed motions, for evidentiary hearings, or for more than three consecutive Case Management Conferences unless allowed by prior Court Order. In any matter, the Court may deny the use of remote appearances.

C. Parties and their counsel are responsible for the preparation and submission of all Orders to the Court following any remote court appearance. Counsel appearing in the courtroom is responsible for immediate presentation of an Order in compliance with the Court's pronouncements. If no counsel is present in the courtroom, unless otherwise directed by the Court, the counsel for the Plaintiff is responsible for submitting such Orders approved as to form by opposing counsel before 3:00 p.m. on the same day of the remote conference, either in person, by facsimile or electronic transmission, or as directed by the Court.

D. No remote appearance will be allowed as requested by a party or counsel unless it is made through the Vendor. The Court reserves the right to initiate a remote conference by conference call.

1. The Vendor facilitates the remote appearance of persons at hearings which have already been scheduled by regular means with the Clerk of the Circuit Court. The Vendor does not set or calendar hearings for the Court. If a court date is not already set, or a Motion is not scheduled and noticed via the Clerk's Office in the same manner as any other Motion, the case will not appear on the Judge's call and will not be heard.

2. Remote appearances must be arranged by contacting the Vendor by phone no later than 4:00 p.m. (CST) on the second court day preceding a hearing date.

3. Persons electing to make a remote appearance shall notify all parties of the same in writing no less than twenty-four hours prior to the scheduled court date. Nothing in this Rule shall be construed as modifying the Notice of Motion requirements set forth in Supreme Court Rule 12 and LCR 5-1.01.

E. It is the responsibility of the person making a remote appearance to dial into the call no later than five minutes prior to any scheduled hearing(s), and to check in with the Vendor's clerk.

1. Any person appearing remotely shall state his or her name for the record each time he or she speaks and shall participate in the appearance with the same degree of courtesy and courtroom etiquette as is required for a personal appearance.

2. Unless otherwise permitted by Order of Court, to ensure the quality of the record, the use of car phones, cellular phones, speakerphones, public telephone booths, or phones in other public places is prohibited.

3. If a person schedules a remote appearance and then fails to respond when the matter is called, the Court may pass the matter or may treat the failure to respond as a failure to appear. Scheduling simultaneous remote appearances in multiple courts does not excuse a failure to appear.

F. The Vendor is an independent service provider. By using the services of the Vendor, individuals are knowingly entering into a service agreement and are subject to follow any additional terms and conditions imposed by the Vendor and shall be solely responsible for any costs or other expenses incurred for those services provided. Under no circumstance shall the Court bear any costs for any remote appearance of any party or attorney.

G. Rejections and Suspension of Privileges.

1. The fact that a remote appearance is scheduled with the Vendor shall not be construed as a determination that the remote appearance is permitted by the Court. Parties and counsel are solely responsible for compliance with the Court's Rules and procedures for remote appearances. The Court reserves the right, at any time, to reject any remote appearance in violation with this Rule or as otherwise necessary for the administration of justice.

2. The Court reserves the right to halt any remote appearance in progress on any matter and order the attorneys to personally appear at a later date and time.

3. The Court reserves the right and sole discretion to suspend any person's ability to appear remotely using the Vendor's services, and to bar any remote appearance in any given case.

H. The Court may, in its discretion, pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 185, allow a party or counsel to participate by remote call.

Ill. R. Cir. Ct. Lake Cnty. 5-1.06