IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE WESTERN DISTRICT OF LOUISIANA
IN RE: PROCEDURES FOR ACCESS GENERAL ORDER:
AND MANAGEMENT OF SEALED 0001-2025
OR RESTRICTED DOCUMENTS
WHEREAS a recent escalation in cyberattacks on the CM/ECF systems of
federal courts requires the implementation of new procedures for the storage and
management of sealed or restricted documents;
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that, effective as of the date of this order and
until such time as the court orders otherwise,
1. Electronic Access to Sealed or Restricted Documents. Sealed or restricted
documents will continue to be filed in CM/ECF under existing procedures but will
no longer be accessible or viewable by electronic means.
2. Service of Sealed or Restricted Documents Filed in CM/ECF. Because sealed
documents filed in CM/ECF are no longer accessible or viewable electronically,
service of those documents can no longer be accomplished through CM/ECF.
Parties will have to serve sealed documents by other appropriate means as provided
by the Federal Rules of Procedure.
3. Additional Copies of Sealed or Restricted Documents. Because sealed or
restricted documents filed in CM/ECF are no longer accessible or viewable
electronically, a party with the right to access said documents in a case who
requires a copy of a sealed or restricted document will have to contact the clerk’s
office to request a paper or e-mailed copy. Applicable copy fees will be applied to
such requests. See the Fees and Online Payments page on our website for more
information.
4. Highly Sensitive Documents (HSDs). Sealed documents that are defined as HSDs
will continue to be subject to the court’s HSD procedures. See the General Orders
page on our website for more information.
5. Questions about Sealed or Restricted Document Procedures. Any questions about
the filing of and access to sealed or restricted documents should be directed to the
clerk’s office at 1-866-323-1101.
This Order supersedes any and all inconsistent prior court orders,
administrative procedures for filing, and local rules.
IT IS SO ORDERED, this 26th day of September, 2025.
____________________________________
Chief Judge Terry A. Doughty
Chief United States District Judge
Western District of Louisiana
