Name: Willis v. Northern Illinois Gas Company et al :: Illinois Northern District Court :: Federal Civil Lawsuit No. 1:17-cv-08657, Judge John F. Kness presiding
Creator: Illinois Northern District Court
Published: 2017-11-30
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/
Keywords: court documents, legal case, docket, PACER, Illinois Northern District Court

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134	Filed: 12/22/2020, Entered: None	Memorandum Opinion



130	Filed: 8/6/2020, Entered: 8/6/2020
	MINUTE entry before the Honorable John F. Kness: Before the Court is Defendants' Motion to Dismiss for Failure to Comply With Discovery and Want of Prosecution 124 . On July 13, 2020, the Court set a briefing schedule instructing Plaintiff to respond no later than July 31, 2020 and Defendants to reply no later than August 7, 2020 126 . On July 31, 2020, Plaintiff sent an email to the Court's proposed order email inbox attaching a document titled "Plaintiff FINAL Answer to Defendant Motion to Dismiss" [sic] along with ten exhibits. These documents appear to be a response to Defendants' motion, but Plaintiff did not file them on the docket, as required. Given that Plaintiff submitted these documents before the deadline to respond expired and in light of the fact that Plaintiff is proceeding pro se, the Court will enter the documents it received as Plaintiff's response to Defendants' Motion to Dismiss and construe them as timely-filed. Plaintiff is cautioned that further pleadings must be properly filed on the docket rather than sent to the Court's proposed order email inbox. Plaintiff should refer to the Court's website for instructions regarding how to file documents properly. Defendant's deadline to reply is extended to August 21, 2020. Mailed notice (ags)
	Request

129	Filed: 7/20/2020, Entered: 7/20/2020
	MINUTE entry before the Honorable John F. Kness: On July 17, 2020, the Court received an email from Plaintiff containing what appears to be a proposed final judgment order for the Court's consideration. Plaintiff does not, however, have any motions pending on the docket. On July 13, 2020, the Court mistakenly entered a minute order 127 , intended for an unrelated case, in which the Court directed the submission of a proposed order in the unrelated case. That minute order was soon stricken from the docket of this case through a separate minute order 128 . Plaintiff may have, however, construed the misdirected docket entry 127 as relating to this case. In any event, the Court reiterates its order dated July 13 and entered at docket number 126: Plaintiff must file a written response to Defendants' motion to dismiss on or before July 31, 2020. Plaintiff is again explicitly warned that failure to comply with this order may be construed as independent evidence of his failure to prosecute this action and may, along with other evidence, lead to the Court involuntary dismissing Plaintiff's case with prejudice. See Ball v. City of Chicago, 2 F.3d 752, 760 (7th Cir. 1993) ("There is no 'grace period' before dismissal for failure to prosecute is permissible and no requirement of graduated sanctions, but there must be an explicit warning before the case is dismissed"); Bolt v. Loy, 227 F.3d 854, 856 (7th Cir. 2000). Mailed notice (ef, )
	Request

128	Filed: 7/13/2020, Entered: 7/13/2020
	MINUTE entry before the Honorable John F. Kness: The Court's minute entry at docket number 127 was entered in error and is hereby vacated. Mailed notice (ef, )
	Request

127	Filed: 7/13/2020, Entered: 7/13/2020
	MINUTE entry before the Honorable John F. Kness: Before the Court is Plaintiff's motion for default judgment 40 . On or before July 17, 2020, Plaintiff must submit a proposed Final Judgment Order (in MS Word format) to proposed_order_kness@ilnd.uscourts.gov. Mailed notice (ef, )
	Request

126	Filed: 7/13/2020, Entered: 7/13/2020
	MINUTE entry before the Honorable John F. Kness: Before the Court is Defendants' Motion to Dismiss for Failure to Comply With Discovery and Want of Prosecution 124 . Plaintiff must file a written response to this motion on or before July 31, 2020. Defendant's reply, if any, must be filed on or before August 7, 2020. Plaintiff is explicitly warned that failure to comply with this order may be construed as independent evidence of his failure to prosecute this action and may, along with other evidence, lead to the Court involuntary dismissing Plaintiff's case with prejudice. See Ball v. City of Chicago, 2 F.3d 752, 760 (7th Cir. 1993) ("There is no 'grace period' before dismissal for failure to prosecute is permissible and no requirement of graduated sanctions, but there must be an explicit warning before the case is dismissed"); Bolt v. Loy, 227 F.3d 854, 856 (7th Cir. 2000). Mailed notice (ef, )
	Request

125	Filed: 7/10/2020, Entered: 7/10/2020
	ORDER Fifth Amended General Order 20-0012 IN RE: CORONAVIRUS COVID-19 PUBLIC EMERGENCY Signed by the Chief Judge Rebecca R. Pallmeyer on July 10, 2020. This Order does not extend or modify any deadlines set in civil cases. No motions may be noticed for in-person presentment; the presiding judge will notify parties of the need, if any, for a hearing by electronic means or in-court proceeding. See attached Order. Signed by the Honorable Rebecca R. Pallmeyer on 7/10/2020: Mailed notice. (Clerk3, Docket)
	Request

124	Filed: 7/1/2020, Entered: 7/1/2020
	MOTION by Defendants FED4304, 7D2794E, Northern Illinois Gas Company to dismiss for lack of prosecution AND FOR FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH DISCOVERY (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Attachment A - Defendants' First Set of Interrogatories to Plaintiff)(Bienias, Bryan)
	Request

123	Filed: 6/12/2020, Entered: 6/12/2020
	MINUTE entry before the Honorable Jeffrey T. Gilbert: The Court has reviewed the parties' Joint Status Report 122 . Plaintiff's request for an additional 30 to 60 day extension of time to serve his own written discovery requests, Rule 26(a)(1) initial disclosures, and responses to Defendants' discovery requests is denied for all of the reasons stated in Defendants' position statement contained in the Joint Status Report 122 and in this order. That Plaintiff has not yet retained a lawyer to represent him in this case is no excuse for his complete failure to comply with court orders concerning initial disclosures and discovery. Mr. 1992C8C has known since the District Judge granted his prior lawyer's motion to withdraw on 12/4/19 103 that he either needs to prosecute this case on his own or retain counsel. The Court's own notes and orders entered on the docket reflect that Mr. 1992C8C has been saying he is in the process of retaining a lawyer since at least January 2020 [107, 111]. The Court already has extended initial disclosure and discovery dates in this case based on those representations and over Defendants' objection 111 . Mr. 1992C8C has failed to show good cause why those dates should be extended yet again. Plaintiff also has forfeited the right to serve written discovery in this case because of this failure to do so in compliance with the deadlines previously set by the Court. Further, and per Defendants' suggestion, Plaintiff shall serve his Rule 26(a)(1) disclosures and his responses to Defendants' written discovery requests by 6/22/20. Any objection to Defendants' interrogatories is waived as untimely pursuant to Rule 33(b)(4). THIS IS THE FINAL EXTENSION OF TIME PLAINTIFF MR. 1992C8C WILL RECEIVE FOR SERVING HIS RULE 26 DISCLOSURES AND HIS RESPONSES TO DEFENDANTS' DISCOVERY REQUESTS. If Mr. 1992C8C does not comply with this order, then Defendants should file a motion before the District Judge requesting the relief outlined in paragraph 16 of the Joint Status Report 122 as that relief is beyond the scope of the referral to this Magistrate Judge. Mailed notice (ber, )
	Request

122	Filed: 6/10/2020, Entered: 6/10/2020
	STATUS Report Joint Status Report by FED4304, 7D2794E, Northern Illinois Gas Company (Bienias, Bryan)
	Request

121	Filed: 5/26/2020, Entered: 5/26/2020
	MINUTE entry before the Honorable Jeffrey T. Gilbert: The Court's order of 5/20/20 119 is modified as follows: Plaintiff shall serve any discovery requests by 6/1/20 and serve his Rule 26(a)(1) Initial Disclosures and responses to Defendants' discovery by 6/3/20. The rest of the order stands as entered. Mailed notice (ber, )
	Request

120	Filed: 5/26/2020, Entered: 5/26/2020
	ORDER ORDER Fourth Amended General Order 20-0012 IN RE: CORONAVIRUS COVID-19 PUBLIC EMERGENCY Signed by the Chief Judge Rebecca R. Pallmeyer on May 26, 2020. This Order does not extend or modify any deadlines set in civil cases. For non-emergency motions, no motion may be noticed for presentment on a date earlier than July 15, 2020. See attached Order. Signed by the Honorable Rebecca R. Pallmeyer on 5/26/2020: Mailed notice. (docket3, )
	Request

119	Filed: 5/20/2020, Entered: 5/20/2020
	MINUTE entry before the Honorable Jeffrey T. Gilbert: The Court has reviewed Defendants' Status Report 118 which states that Plaintiff did not respond to Defense counsel's attempt to meet and confer about that Status Report. By operation of General Order 20-0012 as amended, the Court sets the following revised dates: Plaintiff shall respond to Defendants' discovery requests by 6/1/20. Plaintiff shall serve his Rule 26(a)(1) initial disclosures and responses to Defendants' discovery by 6/3/20. All other fact discovery shall be commenced in time to be completed by 8/6/20. All potentially dispositive motions should be filed by 9/21/20. The parties shall file an updated status report by 6/10/20 that states, among other things, whether Plaintiff timely served his Rule 26(a)(1) initial disclosures and written discovery requests. Mr. 1992C8C, who is proceeding pro se, is advised that the website for the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois (found at http://www.ilnd.uscourts.gov/) has a section entitled "Representing Yourself" with various resources. In addition, a Pro Se Handbook (2020 edition) issued by another U.S. court contains extensive discussion of Rule 26(a)(1) disclosures, the various forms of written discovery, and the discovery process. That resource is found at https://cand.uscourts.gov/wp- content/uploads/2020/02/Pro_Se_Handbook_2020_links.pdf. Mailed notice (ber, )
	Request

118	Filed: 5/18/2020, Entered: 5/18/2020
	STATUS Report by FED4304, 7D2794E, Northern Illinois Gas Company (Bienias, Bryan)
	Request

117	Filed: 4/30/2020, Entered: 4/30/2020
	ORDER : STANDING ORDER REGARDING CIVIL CASES. Signed by the Honorable John F. Kness on 4/30/2020: Mailed notice. (docket4, )
	Request

116	Filed: 4/24/2020, Entered: 4/27/2020
	ORDER Third Amended General Order 20-0012 IN RE: CORONAVIRUS COVID-19 PUBLIC EMERGENCY Signed by the Chief Judge Rebecca R. Pallmeyer on April 24, 2020. All open cases are impacted by this Third Amended General Order. Parties are must carefully review all obligations under this Order, including the requirement listed in paragraph number 5 to file a joint written status report in most civil cases. See attached Order. Signed by the Honorable Rebecca R. Pallmeyer on 4/24/2020: Mailed notice. (docket3, )
	Request

115	Filed: 3/30/2020, Entered: 3/31/2020
	ORDER Seconded Amended General Order 20-0012 IN RE: CORONAVIRUS COVID-19 PUBLIC EMERGENCY Signed by the Chief Judge Rebecca R. Pallmeyer on March 30, 2020. All open cases are impacted by this Second Amended General Order. Amended General Order 20-0012, entered on March 17, 2020, and General Order 20-0014, entered on March 20, 2020, are vacated and superseded by this Second Amended General. See attached Order for guidance.Signed by the Honorable Rebecca R. Pallmeyer on 3/30/2020: Mailed notice. (docket1, )
	Request

114	Filed: 3/16/2020, Entered: 3/17/2020
	ORDER Amended General Order 20-0012 IN RE: CORONAVIRUS COVID-19 PUBLIC EMERGENCY Signed by the Chief Judge Rebecca R. Pallmeyer on March 16, 2020. All open cases are impacted by this Amended General Order. See attached Order for guidance.Signed by the Honorable Rebecca R. Pallmeyer on 3/16/2020: Mailed notice. (pj, )
	Request

113	Filed: 3/16/2020, Entered: 3/16/2020
	MINUTE entry before the Honorable Jeffrey T. Gilbert: Pursuant to Amended General Order 20-0012, the status hearing set for 3/26/20 is stricken and will be reset in a future order. Mailed notice (ber, )
	Request

112	Filed: 3/9/2020, Entered: 3/9/2020
	ORDER : STANDING ORDER REGARDING REASSIGNED CIVIL CASES: This Standing Order applies to all civil cases reassigned as of February 28, 2020 to the calendar of District Judge John F. Kness. Unless otherwise ordered: (1) all previously-set status or motion hearing dates are vacated; (2) any trials or evidentiary hearings scheduled between March 9, 2020 and May 1, 2020 are continued and will be re-set by the Court at a future hearing; and (3) all other previously-set deadlines and schedules (other than hearing dates) shall remain in effect. See Order for details. Signed by the Honorable John F. Kness on 3/9/2020: Mailed notice. (tg, )
	Request

111	Filed: 3/4/2020, Entered: 3/5/2020
	MINUTE entry before the Honorable Jeffrey T. Gilbert: Status hearing held on 3/4/20 and continued to 3/26/20 at 11:00 a.m. Plaintiff Mr. 1992C8C reports he is in the process of trying to hire a lawyer. But he has said that before. Over Defendants' objection, Plaintiff's oral request to extend the time to respond to Defendants' outstanding discovery requests to and including 3/18/20 is granted for the reasons stated on the record. Plaintiff also shall serve his Rule 26(a)(1) disclosures by 3/18/20. If Plaintiff wants to serve any written discovery of his own, it must be served by 3/15/20 in accordance with the Court's prior order entered on 1/16/20 107 . As discussed on the record, the Court is serious about these deadlines in this 2017 case and is not inclined to change them even if Mr. 1992C8C retains counsel. Mailed notice (ber, )
	Request

110	Filed: 3/2/2020, Entered: 3/2/2020
	MINUTE entry before the Honorable Jeffrey T. Gilbert: At the Court's instance, a rescheduled status hearing is set for 3/4/20 at 10:15 a.m. Mailed notice (ber, )
	Request

109	Filed: 2/28/2020, Entered: 2/28/2020
	EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ORDER: GENERAL ORDER 20-0008 - Pursuant that to the Executive Committee Order entered on February 24, 2020 the civil cases on the attached list have been selected for reassignment to form the initial calendar of the Honorable John F. Kness; therefore IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the attached list of 313 cases be reassigned to the Honorable John F. Kness; and IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that all parties affected by this Order must review the Honorable John F. Kness' webpage on the Court's website for the purpose of reviewing instructions regarding scheduling and case management procedures; and IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that any civil case that has been reassigned pursuant to this Order will not be randomly reassigned to create the initial calendar of a new district judge for twelve months from the date of this Order; and IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the Clerk of Court is directed to add the Honorable John F. Kness to the Court's civil case assignment system during the next business day, so that he shall receive a full share of such cases. Case reassigned to the Honorable John F. Kness for all further proceedings. Honorable Joan B. Gottschall no longer assigned to the case. Signed by Honorable Rebecca R. Pallmeyer on 2/28/2020.(tg, )
	Request

108	Filed: 2/27/2020, Entered: 2/27/2020
	MINUTE entry before the Honorable Jeffrey T. Gilbert: At the Court's instance, the status hearing set for 2/27/20 is stricken because the Court has the flu and a fever. The status hearing will be reset in a future order. Mailed notice (ber, )
	Request

107	Filed: 1/16/2020, Entered: 1/17/2020
	MINUTE entry before the Honorable Jeffrey T. Gilbert: Status hearing held on 1/16/20 and continued to 2/27/20 at 10:30 a.m. Mr. 1992C8C appeared by telephone. The Court reviewed the Amended Report of Parties' Planning Meeting 106 . The Court sets the following discovery dates which are different than those suggested by Defendants, for the reasons stated on the record: Plaintiff shall serve his Rule 26(a)(1) disclosures by 2/21/20. Plaintiff shall respond to Defendants' outstanding discovery requests by 2/21/20. To the extent that Plaintiff wants to serve any discovery, it must be served by 3/15/20. Discovery closes on 5/21/20. Summary judgment motions shall be filed by 6/15/20. Mr. 1992C8C reports he is in the process of hiring a lawyer. If he does not have a lawyer by the next status hearing, Mr. 1992C8C must either appear in person at the status hearing or, like today, provide the Court's courtroom deputy with a telephone number at which he can be reached from the courtroom. Mailed notice (ber, )
	Request

106	Filed: 1/14/2020, Entered: 1/14/2020
	REPORT of Rule 26(f) Planning Meeting by FED4304, 7D2794E, Northern Illinois Gas Company (Bienias, Bryan)
	Request

105	Filed: 12/17/2019, Entered: 12/17/2019
	MINUTE entry before the Honorable Joan B. Gottschall: The status hearing set before Judge Gottschall on 1/10/2020 is stricken; no appearance required. Mailed notice (mjc, )
	Request

104	Filed: 12/12/2019, Entered: 12/13/2019
	MINUTE entry before the Honorable Jeffrey T. Gilbert: Status hearing held on 12/12/19 and continued to 1/16/20 at 10:15 a.m. Plaintiff Mr. 1992C8C did not appear. By 1/14/20, Defense counsel shall initiate communication with Mr. 1992C8C about a meet and confer process designed to produce a discovery plan that encompasses whatever discovery the parties still may want to take. Defense counsel will prepare a first draft of that plan, solicit Mr. 1992C8C input, and then file an agreed discovery plan with the Court. The Court notes that Mr. 1992C8C did not appear for the last status before the District Judge 103 or for this status hearing. If Mr. 1992C8C does not cooperate with the framing of a discovery plan, and continues not to appear in Court, the Court will return the case to the District Judge with a recommendation that this case be dismissed for want of prosecution. Mailed notice (ber, )
	Request

103	Filed: 12/4/2019, Entered: 12/4/2019
	MINUTE entry before the Honorable Joan B. Gottschall: Motion hearing held. Mr. 1992C8C informed the court that he was delayed in traffic. The case was called, and Mr. 1992C8C was not present. For the reasons stated in open court, the motion to withdraw counsel Joel F. Handler on behalf of the plaintiff 100 is granted. A status hearing is set for 1/10/2020 at 9:30 a.m. Mailed notice (mjc, )
	Request

102	Filed: 12/2/2019, Entered: 12/2/2019
	MINUTE entry before the Honorable Jeffrey T. Gilbert: In light of the pending Motion to Withdraw 100 noticed for hearing before the District Judge on 12/4/19, the status hearing set for 12/3/19 is reset to 12/12/19 at 11:15 a.m. If the Motion to Withdraw is granted, Plaintiff's counsel must inform Plaintiff 1992C8C that he must appear for the status hearing rescheduled for 12/12/19 before Judge Gilbert. Mailed notice (ber, )
	Request

101	Filed: 11/27/2019, Entered: 11/27/2019
	NOTICE of Motion by Joel F. Handler for presentment of motion to withdraw as attorney 100 before Honorable Joan B. Gottschall on 12/4/2019 at 09:30 AM. (Handler, Joel)
	Request

100	Filed: 11/27/2019, Entered: 11/27/2019
	MOTION by Attorney Joel F. Handler to withdraw as attorney for 1992C8C. New address information: 495 Gregory Avenue, Apt. 3A, Glendale Heights, IL 60139 (Attachments: # 1 Notification of Party Contact Information Form)(Handler, Joel)
	Request

99	Filed: 11/14/2019, Entered: 11/14/2019
	MINUTE entry before the Honorable Jeffrey T. Gilbert: At the parties' request, the status hearing set for 11/15/19 is stricken and reset to 12/3/19 at 10:30 a.m. Mailed notice (ber, )
	Request

98	Filed: 11/5/2019, Entered: 11/5/2019
	MINUTE entry before the Honorable Jeffrey T. Gilbert: Settlement conference held on 11/5/19. The parties were unable to resolve the case at this conference. The parties will continue to discuss a potential resolution. Status hearing set for 11/15/19 at 12:15 p.m. Mailed notice (ber, )
	Request

97	Filed: 10/9/2019, Entered: 10/9/2019
	MINUTE entry before the Honorable Jeffrey T. Gilbert: At the parties' request, the settlement conference set for 10/31/19 is stricken and reset to 11/5/19 at 1:00 p.m. Mailed notice (ber, )
	Request

96	Filed: 10/4/2019, Entered: 10/4/2019
	MINUTE entry before the Honorable Jeffrey T. Gilbert: Status hearing held on 10/4/19. Settlement conference set for 10/31/19 at 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Counsel shall confirm with the Court's courtroom deputy by the close of business on 10/7/19 that all necessary participants are available for that date. Mailed notice (ber, )
	Request

95	Filed: 8/30/2019, Entered: 8/30/2019
	MINUTE entry before the Honorable Jeffrey T. Gilbert: Motion for an Extension of Time 93 is granted. Plaintiff's settlement letter shall be delivered to Defendants, with a copy delivered to the Court, in chambers, on or before 9/4/19. Defendants' settlement letter shall be delivered to Plaintiff, with a copy delivered to the Court, in chambers, on or before 9/26/19. Settlement letters are not to be filed on the CM-ECF system. The status hearing set for 9/17/19 at 10:00 a.m. is stricken. The settlement conference set for 10/4/19 at 9:30 a.m. is stricken and, instead, converted into a status hearing to discuss whether settlement is a realistic possibility in this case. If it is, then the Court will reset the settlement conference to a date that works for the Court and the parties. The motion hearing noticed for 9/3/19 is stricken with no appearance required. Mailed notice (ber, )
	Request

94	Filed: 8/29/2019, Entered: 8/29/2019
	NOTICE of Motion by Joel F. Handler for presentment of motion for extension of time to file 93 before Honorable Jeffrey T. Gilbert on 9/3/2019 at 09:15 AM. (Handler, Joel)
	Request

93	Filed: 8/29/2019, Entered: 8/29/2019
	MOTION by Plaintiff 1992C8C for extension of time to file a Settlement Letter (Handler, Joel)
	Request

92	Filed: 8/9/2019, Entered: 8/9/2019
	MINUTE entry before the Honorable Jeffrey T. Gilbert: The parties have confirmed that all necessary participants are available for the settlement conference set for 10/4/19 at 9:30 a.m. Accordingly, the settlement conference will proceed on that date in accordance with Magistrate Judge Gilbert's Standing Order for Settlement Conference. The dates for the exchange of settlement letters were set in a previous order 90 . The status hearing set for 9/17/19 at 10:00 a.m. will proceed as scheduled. Mailed notice (ber, )
	Request

91	Filed: 8/7/2019, Entered: 8/7/2019
	MINUTE entry before the Honorable Joan B. Gottschall: On the court's own motion, the status hearing of 9/11/19 set before Judge Gottschall is stricken. A status hearing will be set upon termination of the referral.Mailed notice (mjc, )
	Request

90	Filed: 8/6/2019, Entered: 8/7/2019
	MINUTE entry before the Honorable Jeffrey T. Gilbert: Status hearing held on 8/6/19 and continued to 9/17/19 at 10:00 a.m. The Court offered two dates it is available for a settlement conference: 10/3/19 at 1:30 p.m. or 10/4/19 at 9:30 a.m. Due to a scheduling conflict, 10/3/19 is no longer available. The Court has reserved 10/4/19 at 9:30 a.m. pending counsels' confirmation with the Court's courtroom that all necessary participants are available on that date. Plaintiff's settlement letter shall be delivered to Defendants, with a copy delivered to the Court, in chambers, on or before 8/27/19. Defendants' settlement letter shall be delivered to Plaintiff, with a copy delivered to the Court, in chambers, on or before 9/12/19. Settlement letters are not to be filed on the CM-ECF system. Mailed notice (ber, )
	Request

89	Filed: 7/9/2019, Entered: 7/9/2019
	MINUTE entry before the Honorable Jeffrey T. Gilbert: Initial status hearing held on 7/9/19 and continued to 8/6/19 at 10:15 a.m. If prior to the next hearing both parties believe a settlement conference would be productive, counsel may contact the Court's courtroom deputy to obtain dates the Court has available to conduct a settlement conference. The status hearing will proceed regardless of whether a date has been reserved for a settlement conference. Mailed notice (ber, )
	Request

88	Filed: 7/2/2019, Entered: 7/2/2019
	NOTICE by 1992C8C re attorney appearance 87 of Joel F. Handler (Handler, Joel)
	Request

87	Filed: 7/2/2019, Entered: 7/2/2019
	ATTORNEY Appearance for Plaintiff 1992C8C by Joel F. Handler (Handler, Joel)
	Request

86	Filed: 7/1/2019, Entered: 7/1/2019
	MINUTE entry before the Honorable Joan B. Gottschall: Status hearing held on 6/28/19. Recruited counsel appeared on behalf of Mr. 1992C8C. Counsel informed the court that he has no conflict in representing the plaintiff. Plaintiff's counsel indicated that he needs more time to get familiar with the case. A status hearing is set for 9/11/19 at 9:30 a.m. Attorney Joel Handler may file his appearance on behalf of the plaintiff. Mr. 1992C8C appeared after the call. Mailed notice (mjc, )
	Request

85	Filed: 7/1/2019, Entered: 7/1/2019
	MINUTE entry before the Honorable Joan B. Gottschall: On the court's own motion, the status hearing set for 9/4/19 is stricken; no appearance required.Mailed notice (mjc, )
	Request

84	Filed: 6/12/2019, Entered: 6/12/2019
	MINUTE entry before the Honorable Jeffrey T. Gilbert: The initial status hearing set for 6/13/9 at 10:30 a.m. is stricken and reset to 7/9/19 at 10:30 a.m. Mailed notice (ber, )
	Request

83	Filed: 6/7/2019, Entered: 6/7/2019
	MINUTE entry before the Honorable Joan B. Gottschall: The court recruits Joel F. Handler, Attorney at Law, One East Wacker Drive, Suite 510, Chicago, IL 60601, jhandler@handlerlawgroup.com, (312) 832-0008, to represent plaintiff 1992C8C in accordance with counsel's trial bar obligation under N.D. Ill. Local Rule 83.11(g). A status hearing is set for 6/28/19 at 9:30 a.m. Mailed notice (mjc, )
	Request

82	Filed: 6/7/2019, Entered: 6/7/2019
	MINUTE entry before the Honorable Joan B. Gottschall: Status hearing held. Recruited counsel appeared on behalf of Mr. 1992C8C. Counsel informed the court that she has a conflict in representing the plaintiff. Attorney Carol A. Poplawski's appearance on behalf of the plaintiff is withdrawn. For the reasons stated in open court, the court will recruit a new counsel to represent the plaintiff 1992C8C. A separate order will issue recruiting counsel. Mailed notice (mjc, )
	Request

81	Filed: 6/5/2019, Entered: 6/5/2019
	MINUTE entry before the Honorable Joan B. Gottschall: Status hearing held. Recruited counsel appeared on behalf of Mr. 1992C8C. Counsel informed the court that she needs to verify whether her law firm has previously represented Nicor or an affiliated company. Status hearing set for 6/7/19 at 9:30 a.m. Mailed notice (mjc, )
	Request

80	Filed: 5/31/2019, Entered: 5/31/2019
	MINUTE entry before the Honorable Joan B. Gottschall: The court recruits Carol A. Poplawski, Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C., 155 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 4300, Chicago, IL 60606, carol.poplawski@odnss.com, (312) 558-1244, to represent plaintiff 1992C8C in accordance with counsel's trial bar obligation under N.D. Ill. Local Rule 83.11(g). A status hearing is set for 6/5/19 at 9:30 a.m. Mailed notice (mjc, )
	Request

79	Filed: 5/31/2019, Entered: 5/31/2019
	MINUTE entry before the Honorable Joan B. Gottschall: Status hearing held. The court informed the plaintiff that he had filed the incorrect documents for recruitment of counsel. Mr. 1992C8C was given the correct form in open court for recruitment of counsel. The court will review the plaintiff's motion for recruitment of counsel. The motion for recruitment of counsel 78 is granted. A separate order will issue recruiting counsel. A status hearing is set for 6/5/19 at 9:30 a.m. Plaintiff's applications to proceed without prepaying the filing fee dated 5/24/19 and 5/28/19 Docket Nos. 75 and 76 are treated as exhibits to plaintiff's motion for recruitment of counsel. The applications establish that plaintiff is presently eligible for a recruited attorney. Mailed notice (mjc, )
	Request

78	Filed: 5/31/2019, Entered: 5/31/2019
	MOTION by Plaintiff 1992C8C for attorney representation. (mma, )
	Request

77	Filed: 5/29/2019, Entered: 5/29/2019
	MINUTE entry before the Honorable Joan B. Gottschall: The status hearing set for 5/29/19 is stricken and reset to 5/31/19 at 9:30 a.m. Mailed notice (mjc, )
	Request

76	Filed: 5/28/2019, Entered: 5/28/2019
	AMENDED APPLICATION by Plaintiff 1992C8C for leave to proceed in forma pauperis. (mma, )
	Request

75	Filed: 5/24/2019, Entered: 5/28/2019
	AMENDED APPLICATION by Plaintiff 1992C8C for leave to proceed in forma pauperis. (mma, )
	Request

74	Filed: 5/24/2019, Entered: 5/24/2019
	MINUTE entry before the Honorable Jeffrey T. Gilbert: This case has been referred to Magistrate Judge Gilbert for the purposes of discovery supervision and to conduct a settlement conference. Initial status hearing scheduled for 6/13/19 at 10:30 a.m. An initial status report is not required. Prior to the status hearing, however, the parties shall familiarize themselves with the subjects referenced in Magistrate Judge Gilbert's Standing Order for Initial Status Report and his Standing Order for Settlement Conference posted on the Court's website at www.ilnd.uscourts.gov/Judges as applicable to referral cases. Mailed notice (ber, )
	Request

73	Filed: 5/24/2019, Entered: 5/24/2019
	MINUTE entry before the Honorable Joan B. Gottschall: Plaintiff has submitted an application to proceed without prepaying the filing fee. The court cannot determine plaintiff's reasons for filing the application. The court has already granted plaintiff permission to proceed without prepaying the $500 filing fee that is ordinarily required in most civil suits. Plaintiff's second application 72 is therefore denied as moot. A status hearing is set for 5/29/19 at 9:30 a.m. to determine plaintiff's intentions. If 5/29/19 is inconvenient for plaintiff, please advise the courtroom deputy at (312) 435-5641. Mailed notice (mjc, )
	Request

72	Filed: 5/23/2019, Entered: 5/23/2019
	APPLICATION by Plaintiff 1992C8C for leave to proceed in forma pauperis (las, )
	Request

71	Filed: 5/22/2019, Entered: 5/22/2019
	Pursuant to Local Rule 72.1, this case is hereby referred to the calendar of Honorable Jeffrey T. Gilbert for the purpose of holding proceedings related to: discovery supervision and settlement conference.(mjc, )Mailed notice.
	Request

70	Filed: 5/22/2019, Entered: 5/22/2019
	MINUTE entry before the Honorable Joan B. Gottschall: Status hearing held. Plaintiff was asked whether he wished recruited counsel, and he said he did not. Plaintiff was warned of the importance of conducting thorough discovery to make a complete record before the filing of any motions for summary judgment. Plaintiff stated that he wishes to take depositions, but he is unable to pay the associated costs. If Plaintiff had recruited counsel, the court would have authority to assist with deposition costs. But the court knows of no authority that allows it to provide financial support for this purpose for an unrepresented party. Plaintiff will discuss accomplishing his objectives at a 2:30 p.m. appointment with the pro se help desk. Discovery to be completed by 9/4/19. A status hearing before Judge Gottschall is set for 9/4/19 at 9:30 a.m. This case is referred to Judge Gilbert for discovery supervision and settlement conferences, if the parties wish. Any discovery-related motions should be presented to Judge Gilbert. Judge Gilbert has full authority to adjust all discovery deadlines. Mailed notice (mjc, )
	Request

69	Filed: 5/20/2019, Entered: 5/20/2019
	REPORT of Rule 26(f) Planning Meeting by FED4304, 7D2794E, Northern Illinois Gas Company (Bienias, Bryan)
	Request

68	Filed: 4/12/2019, Entered: 4/12/2019
	MINUTE entry before the Honorable Joan B. Gottschall: Status hearing held. Mr. 1992C8C and counsel for defendant appeared. The parties will meet and confer on a discovery schedule. At the next status hearing, the parties are requested to produce a discovery plan. Status hearing set for 5/22/19 at 9:30 a.m. As discussed in open court, Mr. 1992C8C is encouraged to seek assistance from the Pro Se Help desk located in the clerk's office on the 20th floor. If the parties believe that a referral to the magistrate judge for a settlement conference or a conference with the presiding district judge would be helpful, they should contact the courtroom deputy at (312) 435-5641. Mailed notice (mjc, )
	Request

67	Filed: 3/25/2019, Entered: 3/25/2019
	ANSWER to amended complaint by FED4304, 7D2794E, Northern Illinois Gas Company(Bienias, Bryan)
	Request

66	Filed: 3/5/2019, Entered: 3/5/2019
	MINUTE entry before the Honorable Joan B. Gottschall: On the court's own motion, the status hearing set for 4/5/19 is stricken and reset to 4/12/19 at 9:30 a.m. Mailed notice (mjc, )
	Request

65	Filed: 2/22/2019, Entered: 2/22/2019
	MINUTE entry before the Honorable Joan B. Gottschall: Status hearing held. Mr. 1992C8C and counsel for defendants appeared. Defendants shall answer or otherwise plead by 3/25/19. A status hearing is set for 4/5/19 at 9:30 a.m. As discussed in open court, Mr. 1992C8C is encouraged to seek assistance from the Pro Se Help desk located in the clerk's office on the 20th floor. Mailed notice (mjc, )
	Request

64	Filed: 2/21/2019, Entered: 2/21/2019
	AMENDED complaint by 1992C8C against FED4304, 7D2794E, Northern Illinois Gas Company (Nicor gas) (Attachment). (yap, )
	Request

63	Filed: 2/21/2019, Entered: 2/21/2019
	MINUTE entry before the Honorable Joan B. Gottschall: Plaintiff's unopposed motion for leave to file amended complaint 61 is granted. The clerk is directed to file the amended complaint on the docket as a separate entry. The status hearing set for 2/22/19 shall stand.Mailed notice (mjc, )
	Request

62	Filed: 2/20/2019, Entered: 2/20/2019
	NOTICE of Motion by 1992C8C for presentment of motion for leave to file amended complaint 61 in courtroom 2325 before Honorable Joan B. Gottschall on 2/22/2019 at 09:30 AM. (yap, )
	Request

61	Filed: 2/20/2019, Entered: 2/20/2019
	MOTION by Plaintiff 1992C8C for leave to file amended complaint (# 1 Attachment; Amended complaint). (yap, )
	Request

60	Filed: 2/6/2019, Entered: 2/6/2019
	MINUTE entry before the Honorable Joan B. Gottschall: By request and agreement of the parties, the status hearing set for 2/8/19 is stricken and reset to 2/22/19 at 9:30 a.m. Mailed notice (mjc, )
	Request

59	Filed: 1/29/2019, Entered: 1/29/2019
	MINUTE entry before the Honorable Joan B. Gottschall: In light of the weather forecasted for 1/30/19, the status hearing set for 1/30/19 is stricken and reset to 2/8/19 at 9:30 a.m. Mailed notice (mjc, )
	Request

58	Filed: 1/16/2019, Entered: 1/16/2019
	MINUTE entry before the Honorable Joan B. Gottschall: Status hearing held. Mr. 1992C8C and counsel for defendants appeared. Mr. 1992C8C informed the court that he has retained counsel and requested for a 2 weeks continuance to confer with his counsel. By agreement of the parties, a status hearing is set for 1/30/19 at 9:30 a.m. If that date is not convenient for counsel, Mr. 1992C8C may contact the courtroom deputy at (312) 435-5641 to set a new status date. Mailed notice (mjc, )
	Request

57	Filed: 11/14/2018, Entered: 11/15/2018
	MINUTE entry before the Honorable Joan B. Gottschall: Status hearing held on 11/14/18. Mr. 1992C8C and counsel for defendants appeared. The parties advised that they have not mediated this case or Mr. 1992C8C defamation action pending in state court. Plaintiff and defendants stated that they would prefer to resolve the claims alleged in this court and Mr. 1992C8C defamation claims in a single proceeding before this court. The plaintiff anticipates filing a motion for leave to amend his complaint to allege all of the claims he wishes to pursue, both state and federal. See Fed. R. Civ. P. 15(a)(2). Plaintiff should file a copy of the proposed amended complaint with any motion for leave. For the reasons discussed in open court, discovery in this case is stayed until the court rules on the anticipated motion for leave to file an amended complaint. As discussed in open court, Mr. 1992C8C is encouraged to seek assistance from the Pro Se Help desk located in the clerk's office on the 20th floor. Status hearing set for 1/16/19 at 9:30 a.m. Mailed notice (mjc, )
	Request

56	Filed: 10/12/2018, Entered: 10/15/2018
	MINUTE entry before the Honorable Joan B. Gottschall: Status hearing held on 10/12/2018. Mr. 1992C8C and counsel for defendants appeared. For the reasons discussed in open court, discovery in this case is stayed until 11/13/18. Plaintiff has agreed to mediate a related defamation action in state court. Plaintiff will confer with his attorney in that case about the possibility of discussing a global settlement of both cases. Status hearing is set for 11/14/18 at 9:30 a.m. If a settlement agreement is reached, the parties should advise the court in writing, and no appearance will be necessary on 11/14/18. Mailed notice (mjc, )
	Request

55	Filed: 7/25/2018, Entered: 7/25/2018
	MINUTE entry before the Honorable Joan B. Gottschall: Status hearing held. Mr. 1992C8C and counsel for defendants appeared. Counsel for defendants informed the court that Mr. 1992C8C has filed a defamation suit in state court that is ongoing. A ruling that may affect defendants' position in this case is anticipated in September 2018. As discussed in open court, Mr. 1992C8C is encouraged to seek assistance from the Pro Se Help desk located in the clerk's office on the 20th floor. Status hearing set for 10/12/18 at 9:30 a.m. Mailed notice (mjc, )
	Request

54	Filed: 7/18/2018, Entered: 7/18/2018
	MINUTE entry before the Honorable Joan B. Gottschall: By agreement of the parties, the status hearing set for 7/20/18 is stricken and reset to 7/25/18 at 9:30 a.m. Mailed notice (mjc, )
	Request

53	Filed: 6/19/2018, Entered: 6/20/2018
	ORDER: For the reasons stated, the union's motion to dismiss, ECF No. 39 , is granted. Defendant IBEW Local No. 19 is dismissed. A status conference is set for July 20, 2018, at 9:30 a.m. Signed by the Honorable Joan B. Gottschall on 6/19/2018. Mailed notice(mjc, )
	Request

52	Filed: 4/24/2018, Entered: 4/24/2018
	MINUTE entry before the Honorable Joan B. Gottschall: Plaintiff 1992C8C represents himself. On 4/10/18, he filed an unsigned response 49 to defendant IBEW Local 19's ("IBEW") motion to dismiss 39 . The court entered an order on 4/13/18 51 calling the fact that his response was not signed to Mr. 1992C8C attention and giving him until 4/19/18 to file a signed version. As the court explained, the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure state that "[e]very pleading, written motion, and other paper must be signed by at least one attorney of record in the attorney's name-or by a party personally if the party is unrepresented." Fed. R. Civ. P. 11(a). "The court must strike an unsigned paper unless the omission is promptly corrected after being called to the attorney's or party's attention." Fed. R. Civ. P. 11(a). Striking a paper means that it will be treated as though it was never filed. The docket sheet shows that Mr. 1992C8C did not file a signed response by 4/19/18. His response filed 4/10/18 49 is therefore stricken from the record. Mailed notice (mjc, )
	Request

51	Filed: 4/13/2018, Entered: 4/13/2018
	MINUTE entry before the Honorable Joan B. Gottschall: Plaintiff Lauren 1992C8C represents himself. On 4/10/18, he filed an unsigned response 49 to defendant IBEW Local 19's ("IBEW") motion to dismiss 39 . The court must call to 1992C8C attention the fact that the document 1992C8C filed on 4/10/18 is unsigned. "Every pleading, written motion, and other paper must be signed by at least one attorney of record in the attorney's nameor by a party personally if the party is unrepresented." Fed. R. Civ. P. 11(a). "The court must strike an unsigned paper unless the omission is promptly corrected after being called to the attorney's or party's attention." Fed. R. Civ. P. 11(a). Striking a paper means that it will be treated as though it was never filed. Mr. 1992C8C must therefore file a signed version of the document filed 4/10/18 49 . The refiled paper, and all future papers filed by Mr. 1992C8C, also "must state the signer's address, e-mail address, and telephone number." Fed. R. Civ. P. 11(a). The court also notes that the document filed 4/10/18 does not have a certificate of service as Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 5(d)(1) requires, showing that the document was served on the attorneys for the defendants. Plaintiff must file a signed copy of his response filed 4/10/18 in proper form on or before 4/19/18. Mailed notice (mjc, )
	Request

50	Filed: 4/10/2018, Entered: 4/10/2018
	MINUTE entry before the Honorable Joan B. Gottschall: As plaintiff 1992C8C requests in his signed statement filed 4/6/18 47 , his response 46 to the pending motion to dismiss 39 is withdrawn. The court calls one issue with the documents he has recently filed to Mr. 1992C8C attention: they do not have a certificate of service as Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 5(d)(1) requires. Plaintiff's response remains due on or before 4/11/18, and the reply remains due on or before 4/25/18. Mailed notice (mjc, )
	Request

49	Filed: 4/10/2018, Entered: 4/10/2018
	RESPONSE by Plaintiff 1992C8C to motion of dismiss from Local 19 IBEW (union). (tt, )
	Request

48	Filed: 4/9/2018, Entered: 4/9/2018
	REPLY by IBEW Local 19 to MOTION TO DISMISS FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM by Defendant IBEW Local 19 39 (Teitelbaum, Marilyn)
	Request

47	Filed: 4/6/2018, Entered: 4/9/2018
	STATEMENT by 1992C8C. (tt, )
	Request

46	Filed: 4/3/2018, Entered: 4/3/2018
	UNAWARE Local 19, IBEW was a separate entity by 1992C8C (Exhibits). (kp, )
	Request

45	Filed: 3/20/2018, Entered: 3/20/2018
	MINUTE entry before the Honorable Joan B. Gottschall: Defendant Local 19, International Brotherhood of Electrical Worker's motion to dismiss 39 is briefed as follows: response due 4/11/18; reply due 4/25/18. The status and motion hearings set for 3/21/18 are stricken; no appearance required. The court will set further dates as necessary when it rules on the motion to dismiss. Mailed notice (mjc, )
	Request

44	Filed: 3/13/2018, Entered: 3/13/2018
	NOTIFICATION of Affiliates pursuant to Local Rule 3.2 by Northern Illinois Gas Company (Bienias, Bryan)
	Request

43	Filed: 3/13/2018, Entered: 3/13/2018
	Defendants' Affirmative Defenses and ANSWER to Complaint with Jury Demand by FED4304, 7D2794E, Northern Illinois Gas Company(Bienias, Bryan)
	Request

42	Filed: 2/27/2018, Entered: 2/27/2018
	MINUTE entry before the Honorable Joan B. Gottschall: Defendant IBEW Local 19 has noticed a motion to dismiss 39 for presentment on 3/2/18. The other defendants waived service of the complaint and summons, making their answers due 3/13/18. See Waivers, ECF Nos. 22 , 24 , 25 , 26 . The court is mindful of the fact that the plaintiff represents himself. In an effort to streamline matters should another motion to dismiss be filed, the motion hearing noticed for 3/2/18 and the status conference set for 3/9/18 are stricken and continued to 3/21/18 at 9:30 a.m. The court implies no view on the desirability of filing motions to dismiss, but any such motions should be noticed for presentment on 3/21/18. Mailed notice (mjc, )
	Request

41	Filed: 2/26/2018, Entered: 2/26/2018
	NOTICE of Motion by Marilyn S. Teitelbaum for presentment of Motion to Dismiss for Failure to State a Claim 39 before Honorable Joan B. Gottschall on 3/2/2018 at 09:30 AM. (Teitelbaum, Marilyn)
	Request

40	Filed: 2/26/2018, Entered: 2/26/2018
	MEMORANDUM by IBEW Local 19 in support of Motion to Dismiss for Failure to State a Claim 39 (Teitelbaum, Marilyn)
	Request

39	Filed: 2/26/2018, Entered: 2/26/2018
	MOTION TO DISMISS FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM by Defendant IBEW Local 19 (Teitelbaum, Marilyn)
	Request

38	Filed: 1/29/2018, Entered: 1/30/2018
	RECEIVED AMENDED Complaint and by 1992C8C (Exhibits) (bg, )
	Request

37	Filed: 1/29/2018, Entered: 1/29/2018
	MINUTE entry before the Honorable Joan B. Gottschall: On the court's own motion, the status hearing set for 2/28/18 is stricken and reset to 3/9/18 at 9:30 a.m. Mailed notice (mjc, )
	Request

36	Filed: 1/25/2018, Entered: 1/25/2018
	MINUTE entry before the Honorable Joan B. Gottschall: Defendant Local 19, IBEW's motion for additional time to answer or otherwise respond to plaintiff's complaint 29 is granted. Defendant Local 19, IBEW's shall answer or otherwise plead by 3/5/18. Motion hearing set for 1/26/18 is stricken; no appearance required. Mailed notice (mjc, )
	Request

34	Filed: 1/24/2018, Entered: 1/24/2018
	MINUTE entry before the Honorable Joan B. Gottschall: The court's order, ECF No, 33 , is corrected as follows. Attorney Amanda K. Hansen's application to appear pro hac vice 31 on behalf of the defendant Local 19, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers is granted. Mailed notice (mjc, )
	Request

33	Filed: 1/24/2018, Entered: 1/24/2018
	MINUTE entry before the Honorable Joan B. Gottschall: Attorney Amanda K. Hansen's application to appear pro hac vice 31 on behalf of the plaintiff Local 19, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers is granted. Mailed notice (mjc, )
	Request

32	Filed: 1/23/2018, Entered: 1/23/2018
	NOTICE of Motion by Amanda Kristine Hansen for presentment of motion to appear pro hac vice 31 before Honorable Joan B. Gottschall on 1/26/2018 at 09:30 AM. (Hansen, Amanda)
	Request

31	Filed: 1/23/2018, Entered: 1/23/2018
	MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Filing fee $ 150, receipt number 0752-14033943. (Hansen, Amanda)
	Request

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30	Filed: 1/23/2018, Entered: 1/23/2018
	NOTICE of Motion by Marilyn S. Teitelbaum for presentment of motion for extension of time to file answer 29 before Honorable Joan B. Gottschall on 1/26/2018 at 09:30 AM. (Teitelbaum, Marilyn)
	Request

29	Filed: 1/23/2018, Entered: 1/23/2018
	MOTION by Defendant IBEW Local 19 for extension of time to file answer regarding complaint 18 (Teitelbaum, Marilyn)
	Request

28	Filed: 1/23/2018, Entered: 1/23/2018
	ATTORNEY Appearance for Defendant IBEW Local 19 by Marilyn S. Teitelbaum (Teitelbaum, Marilyn)
	Request

35	Filed: 1/22/2018, Entered: 1/24/2018
	SUMMONS Returned Executed by U.S. Marshals Service as to FED4304 on 1/12/2018, answer due 2/2/2018; IBEW Local 19 on 1/12/2018, answer due 2/2/2018; 7D2794E on 1/12/2018, answer due 2/2/2018; Northern Illinois Gas Company on 1/12/2018, answer due 2/2/2018. (Attachments: # 1 USM 285-Northern Illinois Gas Company (Nicor Gas), # 2 USM 285-IBEW Local 19 (Chris Harris), # 3 USM 285- 7D2794E) (tt, ) Modified on 1/25/2018 (tt, ).
	Request

27	Filed: 1/22/2018, Entered: 1/22/2018
	ATTORNEY Appearance for Defendant IBEW Local 19 by Karen I. Engelhardt (Engelhardt, Karen)
	Request

26	Filed: 1/19/2018, Entered: 1/19/2018
	WAIVER OF SERVICE returned executed by 1992C8C. Nicor Gas Company waiver sent on 1/12/2018, answer due 3/13/2018. (Bienias, Bryan) "Duplicate filing of entry no. 22" Modified on 1/22/2018 (tt, ).
	Request

25	Filed: 1/19/2018, Entered: 1/19/2018
	WAIVER OF SERVICE returned executed by 1992C8C. FED4304 waiver sent on 1/12/2018, answer due 3/13/2018. (Bienias, Bryan) Modified on 1/22/2018 (tt, ).
	Request

24	Filed: 1/19/2018, Entered: 1/19/2018
	WAIVER OF SERVICE returned executed by 1992C8C. 7D2794E waiver sent on 1/12/2018, answer due 3/13/2018 (Bienias, Bryan) Modified on 1/22/2018 (tt, ).
	Request

23	Filed: 1/19/2018, Entered: 1/19/2018
	ATTORNEY Appearance for Defendants FED4304, 7D2794E, Northern Illinois Gas Company by Uma Chandrasekaran (Chandrasekaran, Uma)
	Request

22	Filed: 1/19/2018, Entered: 1/19/2018
	WAIVER OF SERVICE returned executed by 1992C8C. Nicor Gas waiver sent on 1/12/2018, answer due 3/13/2018. (Bienias, Bryan) Modified on 1/22/2018 (tt, ).
	Request

21	Filed: 1/19/2018, Entered: 1/19/2018
	ATTORNEY Appearance for Defendants FED4304, 7D2794E, Northern Illinois Gas Company by Bryan Raymond Bienias (Bienias, Bryan)
	Request

	Filed: 12/22/2017, Entered: 12/22/2017
	MAILED plaintiff copy of order dated 12/21/17 16 and a blank form USM-285. (tt, )


	Filed: 12/22/2017, Entered: 12/22/2017
	SUMMONS Issued, copy of the complaint and certified copy of order dated 12/21/17 16 to the U.S. Marshal's Office for service as to defendant FED4304, IBEW Local 19, 7D2794E, Northern Illinois Gas Company via email. (tt, )


18	Filed: 12/21/2017, Entered: 12/22/2017
	AMENDED COMPLAINT filed by 1992C8C (Exhibits). (tt, )
	Request

17	Filed: 12/21/2017, Entered: 12/22/2017
	AMENDED COMPLAINT filed by 1992C8C (Exhibits). (tt, )
	Request

16	Filed: 12/21/2017, Entered: 12/21/2017
	MINUTE entry before the Honorable Joan B. Gottschall: On 12/19/17, pro se plaintiff 1992C8C ("Willis") filed an amended motion to proceed without prepaying the filing fee, motion for recruitment of counsel, and four separate form amended complaints for employment discrimination (ECF Nos. 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 .) Each complaint names a different defendant, and all apparently grow out of the same facts. The court therefore liberally construes them as a single amended complaint and, in the absence of any prejudice, retroactively grants 1992C8C a one-day extension of his deadline to amend his complaint. Nevertheless, 1992C8C should not presume that deadlines will be automatically extended without a motion in the future. See Fed. R. Civ. P. 6(b)(1). In its minute order entered 12/4/17, the court identified several defects in 1992C8C original complaint, motion to proceed without prepayment of fees ("IFP motion"), and motion for recruitment of counsel. He has not corrected one important problem with his motion for recruitment of counsel. 1992C8C still has not checked the box next to question eight. Checking that box indicates that the statements in the motion are made under penalty of perjury. Because the court specifically advised 1992C8C of the need to complete this item in its 12/4/17 order, his second motion for recruitment of counsel 15 is again denied without prejudice. Consistent with its general practice, the court is also not inclined to consider recruiting counsel until defendants have appeared and answered or otherwise responded to the complaint. 1992C8C IFP motion 14 is granted. 1992C8C has fixed all but one of the problems with his first IFP application. He still left question 2(B) blank, but other information in the record shows that he was last employed in December 2016 as a meter reader. He received about $1,000 biweekly in unemployment for six months after he lost his job. Based on this evidence and the statements in 1992C8C second IFP application, 1992C8C has shown that the requirements of 28 U.S.C. § 1915(a) are met. 1992C8C therefore does not need to pay the filing fee. The clerk shall issue a summons. The amended complaint to be served consists of the papers docketed as entry numbers 10 - 13 . Pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 4(c)(3), the marshal is directed to serve the amended complaint and summons. The court advises 1992C8C, however, that he must provide the marshal with the information needed to serve the complaint and summons. To that end, the clerk is directed to send 1992C8C a blank form USM-285 with this order. To reiterate, Mr. 1992C8C may find the assistance of the court's pro se assistance program helpful in effectuating service. Status hearing set for 2/28/2018 at 9:30 AM in Courtroom 2325. If, by the date of the scheduled status hearing, the defendants have not been served, plaintiff should call the courtroom deputy (312-435-5641) to request a new status date. No status hearing should be held until all defendants have been served. Plaintiff is directed to advise the defendants of the status hearing forthwith. Pursuant to LR 5.2(f), a stapled and/or bound paper copy of all electronically filed pleadings, including the complaint, must be delivered to chambers (2356) within one business day of filing. Parties are directed to discuss settlement and whether they consent to proceed before the Magistrate Judge. They are further directed to meet and confer regarding a proposed discovery plan. See Judge Gottschall's civil case management packet regarding pretrial case management procedures at: http://www.ilnd.uscourts.gov. Mailed notice (mjc, )
	Request

15	Filed: 12/19/2017, Entered: 12/19/2017
	MOTION by Plaintiff 1992C8C for attorney representation. (tt, )
	Request

14	Filed: 12/19/2017, Entered: 12/19/2017
	APPLICATION by Plaintiff 1992C8C for leave to proceed in forma pauperis. (tt, )
	Request

13	Filed: 12/19/2017, Entered: 12/19/2017
	RECEIVED AMENDED complaint by 1992C8C against All Defendants (Exhibits). (tt, )
	Request

12	Filed: 12/19/2017, Entered: 12/19/2017
	RECEIVED AMENDED complaint by 1992C8C against All Defendants (Exhibits). (tt, )
	Request

11	Filed: 12/19/2017, Entered: 12/19/2017
	RECEIVED AMENDED complaint by 1992C8C against All Defendants (Exhibits). (tt, )
	Request

10	Filed: 12/19/2017, Entered: 12/19/2017
	RECEIVED AMENDED complaint by 1992C8C against All Defendants (Exhibits). (tt, )
	Request

9	Filed: 12/4/2017, Entered: 12/5/2017
	PRO SE Appearance by Plaintiff 1992C8C. (tt, )
	Request

8	Filed: 12/4/2017, Entered: 12/5/2017
	RECEIVED ADMENMENT complaint by 1992C8C against All Defendants (Exhibits). (tt, )
	Request

7	Filed: 12/4/2017, Entered: 12/4/2017
	MINUTE entry before the Honorable Joan B. Gottschall: Plaintiff 1992C8C ("Willis") has a filed a pro se form complaint for employment discrimination 1 ; application to proceed without prepayment of fees 4 ; and motion for recruitment of counsel 5 . 1992C8C application to proceed without prepayment of fees 4 and motion for recruitment of counsel 5 are denied without prejudice because questions 2(B), 4, and 9 on the In Forma Pauperis Application and Financial Affidavit dated November 30, 2017, 4 were not completed. Plaintiff must either submit a complete application form or pay the filing fee on or before December 18, 2017. Failure to do so will result in the dismissal of this action without prejudice for failure to pay the filing fee. The court denies 1992C8C motion for recruitment of counsel without prejudice for an additional reason. 1992C8C failed to check the box corresponding to question 8 on page two of the motion. Checking that box indicates that the statements in the motion are made under penalty of perjury. For this reason alone, the motion must be denied. See 28 U.S.C. § 1746; N.D. Ill. L.R. 83.36(a) (requiring submission of "affidavit" in support of motion to recruit counsel). Also, 1992C8C answered "no" to question 2 on the form motion for recruitment of counsel. Question 2 asks the applicant to list the attorneys/organizations the applicant has contacted seeking representation. 1992C8C also left the line following the statement "But I have been unable to find an attorney because:" blank. It may be that 1992C8C did not have time to seek representation and filed this complaint before the statute of limitations expires. The Local Rules of this court, specifically Local Rule 83.36(a), strongly encourage 1992C8C to conduct a reasonable search for counsel before asking the court to recruit counsel. In that vein, this court encourages 1992C8C to conduct a search for an attorney before moving for recruitment of counsel. Additionally, 1992C8C left portions of the form complaint blank. In particular, plaintiff did not set forth any facts supporting the claim of discrimination in question 13, and plaintiff did not indicate whether a jury trial is demanded (question 15) and did not specify what relief is requested in question 16. Also, a box is checked indicating that the charge of discrimination filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is attached (question 7.1(b)), but no copy of the charge of discrimination has been filed. Without this information, the court cannot determine what 1992C8C factual allegations are. 1992C8C may also file an amended complaint and charge of discrimination on or before December 18, 2017. See Fed. R. Civ. P. 15(a)(1(A). Plaintiff is strongly encouraged to make use of the pro se help desk, which is available to provide assistance. The Pro Se Assistance Program operates by appointment and in-person only. Appointments may be scheduled at www.ilnd.uscourts.gov/prose.htm. Mailed notice (mjc, )
	Request

5	Filed: 11/30/2017, Entered: 11/30/2017
	MOTION by Plaintiff 1992C8C for attorney representation. (tt, )
	Request

4	Filed: 11/30/2017, Entered: 11/30/2017
	APPLICATION by Plaintiff 1992C8C for leave to proceed in forma pauperis. (tt, )
	Request

3	Filed: 11/30/2017, Entered: 11/30/2017
	PRO SE Appearance by Plaintiff 1992C8C. (tt, )
	Request

2	Filed: 11/30/2017, Entered: 11/30/2017
	CIVIL Cover Sheet. (tt, )
	Request

1	Filed: 11/30/2017, Entered: 11/30/2017
	RECEIVED Complaint and four copies by 1992C8C. (tt, )
	Request

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