PILOT PROGRAM -INSTRUCTIONS TO ATTORNEYS
PROCEDURES FOR FILING UNDER SEAL DOCUMENTS
FOR REQUESTS TO SEAL DOCUMENTS ONLY, NOT THE APPLICATION
AND ORDER:
1. Electronically file the application to seal and the declaration
giving notice or proof of service.
2. Attach a proposed order to the electronically filed
application (standard procedure for filing application with a
proposed order).
3. Indicate which of the three following actions will be taken if
the application is denied:
(1) Counsel will publically file the document(s) for
consideration by the Court;
(2) Attorney will retrieve the chambers copy of the
document(s); or
(3) Clerk will destroy the chambers copy of the document(s).
4. After electronically filing the application and proof of
service, send an e-mail to
[email protected]
with an attachment containing (1) an Adobe PDF version of the
application to seal and declaration giving notice or a proof of
service; (2) a Word or WP version of the proposed order
(including the proposed action to be taken if the application is
denied (see 3., above)); and (3) an Adobe PDF of the document(s)
to be filed under seal with a caption page clearly marked
"UNDER SEAL." The subject line of the e-mail should have the
case number, plus the words "UNDER SEAL REQUEST".
FOR REQUESTS TO SEAL THE APPLICATION, ORDER AND
DOCUMENT(S):
1. Electronically file a NOTICE OF MANUAL FILING indicating that
the following have been submitted to the Court: (1) an
application to seal; (2) a declaration giving notice or a proof of
service; (3) a proposed order; and (4) the documents to be placed
under seal.
2. Send an email to the chambers email at
[email protected] with an attachment
containing (1) an Adobe PDF version of the application to seal
and declaration giving notice or a proof of service; (2) a Word
or WP version of the proposed order (including the proposed
action to be taken if the application is denied); and (3) an Adobe
PDF of the document(s) to be filed under seal with a caption
page, clearly marked "UNDER SEAL." The subject line of the e-
mail should have the case number, plus the words "UNDER SEAL
REQUEST".
Please note: The title of the pleading will be placed on the public
docket entry. For example: "Declaration of John Doe, Exhibit A." If
approved, the document itself will be sealed and not viewable by the
public, but the entry (title) will be viewable.
OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING APPLICATIONS TO
FILE UNDER SEAL:
1. All applications must provide reason(s) as to why the parties’
interest to file the document(s) under seal outweighs the
public’s right to access.
2. All applications must indicate which portions of the documents
to be filed under seal are confidential.
3. If a party submits an application to file under seal pursuant to
a protective order only (i.e., no other reason is given), the
application will be denied unless the Court receives within 48
hours from the notice of filing a document providing (1) the
reasons the document should be filed under seal; and (2) the
portions within the document that are confidential. This
document shall be entitled: “ADDENDUM TO APPLICATION TO
FILE UNDER SEAL PURSUANT TO PROTECTIVE ORDER”.
