Article II. Rules on Civil Proceedings in the Trial Court · Part G. Entry of Orders and Judgments · Last amended 2018 · Last verified July 20, 2026
In one sentenceRule 271 assigns the job of drafting an order after a motion ruling to the winning side’s attorney, unless the court says otherwise, and allows that order to be prepared and signed electronically.
Full Text of Ill. S. Ct. R. 271
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When the court rules upon a motion other than in the course of trial, the attorney for the
prevailing party shall prepare and present to the court the order or judgment to be entered, unless the court directs otherwise. Orders and judgments may be prepared, presented, and signed electronically, if permitted by the Supreme Court.
Plain-English Summary
Rule 271 answers a small but constant question in litigation: after the judge rules on a motion outside of trial, who writes up the order? The answer is the attorney for the side that won, unless the judge directs someone else to do it.
The rule also confirms that orders and judgments can be prepared, presented to the court, and signed electronically, as long as the Supreme Court permits that practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who prepares the written order after a motion is decided?
The attorney for the prevailing party, unless the court directs otherwise.
Does Rule 271 apply to rulings made during trial?
No, it applies to rulings the court makes on motions outside the course of trial.
Can the judge require someone other than the winning party to draft the order?
Yes, the court can direct otherwise if it wants a different arrangement.
Can orders be signed electronically?
Yes, if the Supreme Court permits electronic preparation, presentation, and signing.
Does Rule 271 cover judgments as well as orders?
Yes, the rule speaks of the “order or judgment to be entered,” so the same preparation duty applies to both.
Committee Comments
This is a revision of Rule 7.1 of the Uniform Rules for the Circuit Courts of Illinois.
Amendment History
Amended Dec. 29, 2017, eff. Jan. 1, 2018.
Source & verification. Rule text, official Committee Comments, and
amendment history are reproduced verbatim from the Illinois Supreme Court Rules,
promulgated by the Supreme Court of Illinois. Last verified July 20, 2026.
· Official source
Also known as:who drafts the orderpreparing order after motionproposed order submissionelectronic order signing