Ill. R. Cir. Ct. Lake Cnty. 7-3.03

As amended through September 23, 2024

Rule 7-3.03 - Scheduling of Mediation

A.Conference or Hearing Date. Unless otherwise ordered by the Court, the first mediation conference shall be held within seven weeks of the Order of Referral.

At least seven days before the conference, each side shall present to the mediator a brief, written summary of the case containing a list of issues as to each party. If the attorney filing the summary wishes its contents to remain confidential, she/he should advise the mediator in writing at the same time this summary is filed. The summary shall include the facts of the occurrence, opinions on liability, all damages and injury information, and any offers or demands regarding settlement. Names of all participants in the mediation shall be disclosed to the mediator in the summary prior to the session.

B.Notice of Date, Time and Place. Within twenty-eight days of being advised of the entry of an Order of Referral, the mediator shall notify the parties in writing of the date and time of the mediation conference.

Unless all parties and the mediator otherwise agree:

Mediations will be held at the Lake County Arbitration Center, 415 Washington Street, Suite 106, Waukegan, Illinois 60085.

C.Motion to Dispense with Mediation. A party may move, within fourteen days after the Order of Referral, to dispense with mediation if:

1. The issue to be considered has been previously mediated between the same parties pursuant to the Local Rules of the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit;

2. The issue presents a question of law only;

3. Other good cause is shown.

D.Motion to Defer Mediation. Within fourteen days of the Order of Referral, any party may file a Motion with the Court to defer the mediation. The movant shall set the Motion to defer the mediation proceeding prior to the scheduled date for mediation. Notice of the hearing shall be provided to all interested parties, including any mediator who has been appointed. The Motion shall set forth in detail, the facts and circumstances supporting the Motion. Mediation shall be tolled until disposition of the Motion.

Ill. R. Cir. Ct. Lake Cnty. 7-3.03

Amended effective 10/24/2016.