News and Announcements

Please note:
Due to system maintenance, CM/ECF will be unavailable Saturday, December 7, 2024, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
12/6/2024
The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals has adopted a new Appellate Criminal Justice Act Plan revising the procedures for appointment of counsel on appeal for persons who are financially eligible for representation at public expense in criminal or collateral-relief proceedings as provided in the Criminal Justice Act, 18 U.S.C. § 3006A. The Plan calls for the creation of a formal court-approved panel of private attorneys eligible for appointment under the CJA when the federal defenders cannot or do not provide appellate representation.

The court invites private attorneys to apply for admission to the new appellate CJA panel. Starting in 2025, the court will appoint counsel in CJA-qualifying appeals pursuant to the terms of the Plan. Associated revisions to circuit rules take effect on December 31, 2024.

Please see the court's CJA page for details and the application form for panel membership.


Special note to attorneys willing to accept appointment to represent civil litigants on a pro bono basis: The court invites you to use the application form on the court’s CJA page to indicate your interest in accepting appointment to represent eligible civil litigants on a pro bono basis under the in forma pauperis statute, 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(1), and Pruitt v. Mote, 503 F.3d 647 (7th Cir. 2007) (en banc). Please complete the appropriate sections of the application form.

12/1/2024
Notice of Rescission of Circuit Rule 35 and Modification of Circuit Rule 26.1


On October 15, 2024, this court issued notice that it proposed the rescission of Circuit Rule 35 and modification of Circuit Rule 26.1 in anticipation of the elimination of Federal Rule of Appellate Procedure 35.

The court hereby provides notice of adoption of the aforementioned changes, effective December 1, 2024.
Please see the notice for details.


11/25/2024
The Seventh Circuit Pattern Civil Jury Instruction Committee submits for public comment the proposed revised civil pattern jury instructions: 3. Employment Discrimination: Title VII, ADEA; 4. Employment Discrimination: Americans with Disabilities Act; 5. Equal Pay Act; and 10. Family and Medical Leave Act. The Committee will accept comments through January 31, 2025.

Please see the Pattern Jury Instructions page for details.

11/07/2024
Please be advised: There has been nationwide reporting of phishing emails that imitate CM/ECF Notices of Docket Activity (NDAs) being sent to attorneys and law firms. These fake NDAs are phishing attempts to trick recipients into replying back to the emails. Once a recipient replies to the email, they are quickly sent a corresponding email containing a link to access a document that leads the user to a malicious website.

Please remember that you should only validate cases and case documentation through CM/ECF, and avoid downloading attachments or clicking links from unofficial or questionable sources.

If you have any questions concerning the authenticity of any communications purporting to be from this court, please contact the Clerk’s Office at 312.435.5850.

10/29/2024
The United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit is seeking applicants for the position of Architect / Project Manager.
Please see the Vacancies page for details.

10/23/2024
Chief Judge Diane S. Sykes of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Brian Slade to a 14-year term as U.S. Bankruptcy Judge for the Northern District of Illinois.
Please see the Press Release for details.

10/17/2024
Chief Judge Diane S. Sykes of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit is pleased to announce the appointment of Mary E. Lopinot to a 14-year term as U.S. Bankruptcy Judge for the Southern District of Illinois.
Please see the Press Release for details.

10/15/2024
Notice of proposed rescission of Circuit Rule 35 in anticipation of the elimination of Federal Rule of Appellate Procedure 35. The Court of Appeals also proposes modifications to Circuit Rule 26.1(c).  Comments were to be sent by 10/29/2024.
Please see the notice for details.

7/16/2024
Notice of Adoption of Modifications to Circuit Rules 31, 34, 40, 47, and 60.
Please see the notice for details.

7/16/2024
General Order 24-002
This order rescinds General Order 22-005, effective immediately.
Please see the order for full details.

7/15/2024
General Order 24-001
Interim Procedures for the Filing, Service, and Management of Highly Sensitive Documents.
This order supersedes General Order 21-001, effective immediately.
Please see the order for full details.

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