Instructions for Using the Electronic Document Submission Web Portal
Pro se Litigant
An individual not represented by a lawyer (a pro se litigant) may use the court's Electronic Document Submission Web Portal (Web Portal) to submit a document for filing on the court's electronic filing system, CM/ECF. This includes a document to be filed under seal. Alternatively, a pro se litigant may submit a proposed filing to the clerk's office by mail or hand-delivery.
Lawyer
A lawyer may use the Web Portal to file a new sealed case or a document in an existing sealed (non-public) case. A lawyer without e-filing rights and seeking special admission may file their initial pleadings and motion for special admission through the Web Portal. Otherwise, a lawyer must file electronically using CM/ECF.
Web Portal Requirements
Do not submit a duplicate paper copy to the clerk’s office after submitting a document through the Web Portal. A document submitted through the Web Portal must comply with all relevant local and federal rules, as well as the Administrative Procedures for Electronic Filing. Failure to comply with the rules may result in your document being rejected. The privilege of submitting a document through the Web Portal may be revoked if abused.
Who may use the Web Portal?
You may submit a document using the Web Portal if you are not represented by a lawyer and you are a party to a case pending in the Middle District or wish to file a new case in the Middle District. If you are represented by a lawyer, your lawyer must file your documents on your behalf using CM/ECF.
If you are a lawyer, you may use the Web Portal to submit your documents under seal in a sealed (non-public) case. Alternatively, you may send a document to the clerk's office by mail or deliver the document to the clerk's office in person. However, a lawyer may not use the Web Portal to submit a document under seal in a non-sealed (public) case.
Am I required to use this Web Portal to file my document?
If you are a pro se litigant, you are not required to use the Web Portal to file a document, but the court strongly recommends that you do. Alternatively, you may send a document to the clerk's office by mail or deliver the document to the clerk's office in person.
If you are a lawyer, you may use the web portal to submit your documents under seal in a sealed (non-public) case. Alternatively, you may send a document to the clerk's office by mail or deliver the document to the clerk's office in person. However, a lawyer may not use the web portal to submit document under seal in a non-sealed (public) case.
What is the "filing date" for a document submitted through the Web Portal?
The date of submission will be considered the filing date for any document received through the Web Portal and later filed into CM/ECF. However, if the submission is received during the weekend or on a federal holiday, the filing date will be considered the next business day.
What if there is a technical problem with the Web Portal?
A technical failure will not excuse a missed filing deadline. In the event of a technical issue, you should submit a proposed filing by mail or in person at the clerk's office.