Court Filings

ECF Requirements

DOCUMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR CM/ECF

FORMAT
□ PDF format (text-searchable preferred)
□ No password protection
□ No embedded audio/video
□ Bookmarks for exhibits >25 pages

FILE SIZE
□ Maximum 35 MB per document
□ Split larger documents
□ Use correct document naming

SIGNATURES
□ /s/ [Name] format for electronic signatures
□ Scanned signatures for non-filing parties
□ Multiple signatures permitted

REDACTION
□ Social Security numbers (last 4 only)
□ Dates of birth (year only)
□ Financial account numbers (last 4 only)
□ Names of minors (initials only)
□ Home addresses (in certain cases)

Filing Procedure

1. LOG IN TO CM/ECF
   - Use PACER credentials (or court-specific)
   - Verify correct court

2. SELECT CASE
   - Enter case number
   - Verify case information

3. SELECT DOCUMENT TYPE
   - Choose appropriate event
   - Link related documents

4. UPLOAD DOCUMENT
   - Main document first
   - Attachments/exhibits separately
   - Verify PDF quality

5. ADD PARTIES
   - Select filing party
   - Link to related parties

6. VERIFY AND SUBMIT
   - Review filing summary
   - Confirm service
   - Complete submission

7. CONFIRM
   - Save Notice of Electronic Filing (NEF)
   - Verify service list
   - Calendar deadlines

NEF Contents

• Transaction receipt
• Document number
• Filing date/time
• Parties served electronically
• Parties requiring manual service

Document Formatting

Federal Rules Requirements

General Format:

• Paper size: 8.5" x 11"
• Margins: At least 1" all sides
• Font: 14-point (12-point for footnotes)
• Line spacing: Double-spaced (exceptions for block quotes, footnotes)
• Page numbers: Bottom center or lower right

Caption Format:

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
[DISTRICT NAME]

[PLAINTIFF NAME],            )
                             )
          Plaintiff,         )    Case No. [XX-cv-XXXX-ABC]
                             )
     v.                      )    [DOCUMENT TITLE]
                             )
[DEFENDANT NAME],            )
                             )
          Defendant.         )
_____________________________)

Page Limits (Federal)

Certificate of Compliance

CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE

I certify that this [document type] complies with the [page/word]
limit set forth in [rule] because:

[ ] This document contains [X] words, excluding the parts
    exempted by [rule], OR

[ ] This document does not exceed [X] pages.

Dated: [Date]

                              /s/ [Attorney Name]
                              [Attorney Name]

Service of Process

Initial Service (FRCP 4)

Methods for Individuals:

1. Personal service
2. Leaving at dwelling with person of suitable age
3. Delivering to authorized agent
4. Following state law methods

Methods for Corporations:

1. Personal service on officer, managing agent, or general agent
2. Delivery to agent authorized by law
3. Following state law methods

Methods for Government:

• United States: FRCP 4(i) (DOJ + agency)
• State: FRCP 4(j) (chief executive officer)

Waiver of Service (FRCP 4(d))

BENEFITS OF WAIVER
- Defendant: 60 days to answer (vs. 21)
- Plaintiff: Avoids service costs
- Both: Good faith cooperation

WAIVER REQUEST
- Mail request + complaint
- Allow 30 days to return waiver
- Prepaid return envelope

CONSEQUENCES OF REFUSAL
- Defendant bears service costs
- Unless good cause shown

Service of Subsequent Documents

Electronic Service (via ECF):

• All registered users served automatically
• Effective upon NEF transmission
• +3 days for response deadlines

Other Methods (FRCP 5(b)(2)):

Certificate of Service

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

I hereby certify that on [Date], I [served/caused to be served]
a copy of the foregoing [Document Title] on the following:

[VIA CM/ECF:]
[Name], Esq.
[Firm]
[Address]
[Email]

[VIA FIRST CLASS MAIL:]
[Name]
[Address]

                              /s/ [Attorney Name]
                              [Attorney Name]
                              Attorney for [Party]

Filing Deadlines

Deadline Calculation (FRCP 6)

Basic Rules:

1. Exclude trigger day
2. Count all days (including weekends/holidays)
3. If last day is weekend/federal holiday, extend to next business day

Periods Less Than 11 Days:

• Exclude weekends and federal holidays from count

Service Extensions (FRCP 6(d)):

• +3 days when served by mail, electronic means, or leaving with clerk

Federal Holidays (Court Closures)

1. New Year's Day
2. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
3. Presidents' Day
4. Memorial Day
5. Juneteenth
6. Independence Day
7. Labor Day
8. Columbus Day
9. Veterans Day
10. Thanksgiving
11. Christmas

Common Deadlines Quick Reference

Local Rules

Key Local Rule Areas

Checking Local Rules

1. Federal courts: [court].uscourts.gov
2. Standing orders: Individual judge requirements
3. ECF policies: Court-specific procedures
4. Filing fees: Current fee schedule
5. Pro hac vice: Admission requirements

Filing Fees

Federal Court Fees (2024)

Fee Waivers

• In forma pauperis (28 U.S.C. § 1915)
• Application required
• Financial qualification
• Prisoner Litigation Reform Act limitations

Quality Control Checklist

Pre-Filing Review

• Caption correct and complete
• Case number accurate
• Document title matches content
• All pages included
• Page numbers correct
• Signature block complete
• Certificate of service attached
• Exhibits properly labeled
• Redactions complete
• PDF searchable
• File size acceptable
• Local rules compliance verified

Post-Filing

• NEF received and saved
• All parties served
• Response deadline calendared
• Client copy sent
• Matter file updated
• Billing entry made

Integration with Other Skills

• litigation: Motion practice procedures
• case-management: Deadline tracking
• document-drafting: Pleading preparation
• brief-writing: Appellate filings
• us-federal-courts: Federal court procedures

Reference Files

For detailed guidance:

• references/ecf-guide.md - CM/ECF procedures
• references/formatting-rules.md - Document format requirements
• references/service-methods.md - Service of process guide