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E-Filing

In 2002, the Eastern District of Wisconsin began allowing attorneys to electronically file documents using the Case Management/Electronic Case Files system, also known as CM/ECF.  Attorneys should electronically open all civil and miscellaneous cases, as well as electronically file all civil and criminal documents, including sealed documents.  Exceptions to electronic filing include the opening of sealed cases, documents filed in sealed cases, as well as criminal waivers of indictment. 

The Federal Judiciary developed a Next Generation (NextGen) Case Management/Electronic Case Files (CM/ECF) system that allows attorneys to use the same account for both PACER and electronic filing access.  The District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin upgraded to NextGen CM/ECF on April 8th, 2019.

To file documents electronically, attorneys must be admitted to practice before the Court and must be registered to file electronically.  Both admission and registration are processed through the PACER Service Center.  Attorneys are required to use their individual PACER login and password for access to the electronic filing system in NextGen Courts.  The login and password serve as an attorney's signature for FRCvP Rule 11 purposes on all documents that are filed electronically.

Before filing in CM/ECF, filers should review the Electronic Case Filing Policies and Procedures, ECF User ManualE-Government Act redaction requirements, as well as the Civil Case Opening Instructions.