At the discretion of the judicial officer, counsel may be assigned to represent a pro se
litigant in a civil case pursuant to the Court’s Pro Bono Civil Case Protocol. (See Appendix J.)
Assignment of counsel is not a right of a pro se litigant but may be utilized in those limited cases
where the judicial officer believes such an assignment is warranted. Pursuant to the Protocol, a
judicial officer may instruct the Clerk’s Office to select counsel with experience in the subject
matter of the case from the list of attorneys who have volunteered to provide Pro Bono services.
The Court will reimburse assigned counsel, pursuant to the Pro Bono Civil Case Protocol, for
certain expenses incurred in providing representation.
Last Revised 8/28/24. See Historical Notes for full Revision History
Supplemental Rule C.1 Publication
(a) The notice required by Rule C(4) of the Supplemental Rules for Admiralty or
Maritime Claims and Asset Forfeiture Actions of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure
shall be published at least once and shall contain the fact and date of the arrest, the title of
the cause, the nature of the action, the amount demanded, the name of the Marshal, and
the name and address of the attorney for the plaintiff. The notice shall also contain a
statement that any person who asserts a right of possession or any ownership interest in
the property that is the subject of the action must file a verified statement of right or
interest with the Clerk of Court within ten (10) days of the date of publication, in
compliance with Rule C(6) and must serve their answers within twenty (20) days after the
filing of their statements of right or interest. The notice shall also state that all interested
persons should file statements of right or interest and answers within the times so fixed;
otherwise default will be noted and condemnation ordered.
(b) When the property remains in the custody of the Marshal, the cause will not
be heard until after publication of notice of arrest is made in that cause or in some other
pending cause in which the property is held in custody. No final judgment shall be
entered ordering the condemnation and sale of the property, not perishable, arrested under
process in rem unless publication of notice of arrest in that cause shall have been duly
made.
Last revised 10/22/09. See Historical Notes for full revision history.
Supplemental Rule E.1 Property in Possession of Officer or Employee of the United States
(a) In proceedings in rem on behalf of the United States, when the property is in
the custody of an officer or employee of the United States, the Clerk, at the instance of
the United States Attorney, may omit the attachment clause in the monition.
(b) In such suits and also in other suits in rem, when the property is in the
custody of an officer or employee of the United States under authority of any law of the
United States, it shall be sufficient service of the monition and warrant, in such other
suits in the first instance, to leave a copy thereof with said officer or employee of the
United States with notice of attachment of the property therein described, and requiring
such officer or employee to detain such property in custody until the further order of the
Court; and in case the officer or employee is not found within the District, then to leave
also such copy and notice with the custodian of the property within the District, with
notice also, except in customs seizure cases, to the owner or the owner's agent, if found
within the District, subject, however, to such further special order as the Court may make.
Last revised 4/7/97. See Historical Notes for full revision history.
Supplemental Rule E.2 Summary Release from Arrest or Attachment
Where property is arrested or attached, any person claiming an interest in the property
arrested or attached, may, upon a showing of any improper practice or a manifest want of equity
on the part of the plaintiff, be entitled to an order requiring the plaintiff to show cause forthwith
why the arrest or attachment should not be vacated or other relief granted consistent with these
Rules.
Last revised 10/22/09. See Historical Notes for full revision history.
Supplemental Rule E.3 Security
Any party having an interest in the subject matter of the suit may, at any time on three (3)
days' notice, move the Court on special cause shown for greater or better security. Any order
made thereon may be enforced by attachment or otherwise.
Last revised 4/7/97. See Historical Notes for full revision history.
Supplemental Rule E.4 Appraisement and Appraisers
Orders for the appraisement of property under arrest or attachment at the suit of a private
party may be entered as of course by the Clerk, at the instance of any party interested or upon the
consent of the attorneys for the respective parties. Only one appraiser is to be appointed, unless
otherwise ordered; and, if the respective parties do not agree in writing upon the appraiser to be
appointed, the Court shall forthwith name an appraiser.
Appraisers, before executing their trust, shall be sworn or affirmed to its faithful
discharge before the Clerk or the Clerk's deputy and shall give three (3) days' notice of the time
and place of making the appraisement, by notifying the attorneys in the cause and by affixing the
notice in a conspicuous place, where the Marshal usually affixes notices, to the end that all
persons concerned may be informed thereof. The appraisement, when made, shall be returned to
the Clerk's Office.
Last revised 4/7/97. See Historical Notes for full revision history.
Supplemental Rule E.5 Sale
(a) Unless otherwise ordered as provided by law, notice of sale of the property
after condemnation in suits in rem shall be published daily for at least six (6) days before
sale.
(b) No sale of the property shall be ordered by interlocutory judgment before the
sum chargeable thereon is fixed by the Court, except by consent of the parties or by order
of the Court.
Last revised 4/7/97. See Historical Notes for full revision history.
Supplemental Rule E.6 Custody of Vessel
(a) Upon the seizure by the Marshal of a vessel by arrest or attachment in any
suit in personam, in rem, or both, the Marshal shall appoint as keeper or custodian of the
vessel so seized, the vessel's master or other officer upon such master's or other vessel
officer's acceptance of the responsibilities and liabilities incidental to the appointment,
unless the Marshal shall receive permission of the Court for the appointment of any other
person.
(b) Upon proper motion of any party having an interest in the vessel so seized,
and upon proof of responsibility satisfactory to the Court, the Court shall appoint at any
time during the seizure a keeper or custodian as substitute for any keeper or custodian so
appointed by the Marshal.
(c) Upon seizure of the vessel, the Marshal, keeper or custodian shall not impede
the conduct of the loading and discharging of cargo or other operations normal to the
vessel unless deemed necessary for the safe custody of the seized vessel.
(d) Upon proper motion of any party having an interest in the seized vessel, upon
proof satisfactory to the Court of adequate insurance protection covering the seized
vessel, and upon at least one (1) day's notice to the Marshal, keeper or custodian, the
Court shall order the cancellation of any insurance placed upon the seized vessel on
behalf of the Marshal, keeper or custodian, save only such insurance as may be necessary
to protect against liability in such capacity, and subject to such provision as the Court
may require for the continuing maintenance of adequate insurance protection.
(e) Upon proper motion of any party having an interest in the vessel, and upon
the filing of a stipulation or other form of undertaking satisfactory to the Court
guaranteeing the payment of any sums found legally payable to the plaintiff by judgment
of the Court or by settlement, and upon at least one (1) day's notice to the plaintiff, the
Court shall order the release of the vessel so seized subject to the further order of the
Court.
Last revised 4/7/97. See Historical Notes for full revision history.
Supplemental Rule E.7 Accounting by Marshal
Upon the return of any process of sale, the Marshal shall file with the Clerk an account of
all property sold and pay over to the Clerk all monies received with a bill of the Marshal's
charges. The Clerk shall tax the charges and pay them to the Marshal out of such monies.
Last revised 4/7/97. See Historical Notes for full revision history.
Supplemental Rule E.8 Claims After Sale, How Limited
In proceedings in rem, after a sale of the property under a final decree, claims upon the
proceeds of sale, except for seamen's wages, will not be admitted on behalf of lienors filing
complaints or claims after the sale, to the prejudice of lienors under claims filed before the sale,
but shall be limited to the remnants and surplus, unless for cause shown it shall otherwise be
ordered.
Last revised 4/7/97. See Historical Notes for full revision history.
Supplemental Rule F.1 Election to Transfer Owner’s Interest in Vessel to a Trustee
Whenever a complaint for limitation of liability elects to transfer to a trustee the owner’s
interest in the vessel and shows any prior paramount lien, lienors, or creditors, and the vessel is
so surrendered, no final decree exempting from liability will be made until all such liens or
claims as may be admitted or proved, prior to such final decree, to be superior to the liens of the
claims limited shall be paid or secured independently of the property surrendered. The monition
in cases of election to transfer the owner’s interest in the vessel shall cite all persons having any
claim upon the vessel to appear on the return day or be defaulted, as in ordinary process in rem.
Last revised 10/22/09. See Historical Notes for full revision history.
Supplemental Rule F.2 Complaint Seeking Appraisement
If an appraisement of the vessel is sought for the purpose of giving a stipulation for value,
notice of the proceedings to appraise the vessel shall be given to such lienors and creditors as are
stated in the complaint or known to the plaintiff, as the Court shall direct.
Last revised 10/22/09. See Historical Notes for full revision history.
LR - Appendix A
LR - APPENDIX B
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
NORTHERN DISTRICT OF OHIO
ELECTRONIC FILING
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES MANUAL
October 6, 2025
Introduction
The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio requires attorneys in civil and
criminal cases to file documents with the Court electronically over the Internet thru its
NextGen Case Management/Electronic Case Files (NextGen CM/ECF) system. The
Court requires attorneys to file documents electronically, absent a showing of good cause,
unless otherwise excused by the procedures set forth below or by Order of the Court.
While parties and pro se litigants may register to receive “read only” electronic filing
accounts so that they may access documents in the system and receive electronic notice,
typically only registered attorneys, as Officers of the Court, will be permitted to file
electronically. The Judicial Officer may, at his or her discretion, grant a pro se litigant who
demonstrates a willingness and capability to file documents electronically permission to
register to do so. Permission to file electronically may be revoked at any time.
1. Authorization for Electronic Filing
Pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 5(d), Fed. R. Crim. P. 49(d) and (e), LR 5.1(b) and LCrR 49.2,
the following policies and procedures govern electronic filing in this district unless, due to
extraordinary circumstances in a particular case, a judicial officer determines that these
policies and procedures should be modified in the interest of justice.
2. Definitions and Instructions
The following definitions and instructions will apply to these Policies and Procedures for
Electronic Filing:
2.1 The term “document” shall include pleadings, motions, exhibits,
declarations, affidavits, memoranda, papers, orders, notices, and any other
filing by or to the Court.
2.2 The term “party” shall include counsel of record and a pro se litigant.
2.3 All hours stated shall be Ohio time.
3. Application of Rules and Orders
Unless modified by approved stipulation or order of the Court or a judicial officer, all
Federal Rules of Civil and Criminal Procedure, Local Rules, and orders of the Court will
continue to apply to cases filed electronically.
4. Applicable Cases
Electronic filing will be expected in all civil and criminal cases unless otherwise ordered
by the Court. The parties will begin filing electronically in a case immediately.
5. Social Security Review and Immigration Cases
Unless otherwise ordered by the Court, in an action for benefits under the Social Security
Act, and in an action or proceeding relating to an order of removal, relief from removal, or
immigration benefits or detention, access to an electronic file is authorized as follows:
(1) the parties and their attorneys may have remote electronic access to any part
of the case file, including the administrative record;
(2) any other person may have electronic access to the full record at the
courthouse, but may have remote electronic access only to:
(A) the docket maintained by the Court; and
(B) an opinion, order, judgment or other disposition of the Court, but not any
other part of the case file or the administrative record.
Social security transcripts that are available from the Social Security Administration in
electronic format should be filed electronically. Social security transcripts that are filed
electronically may exceed the 35-megabyte limitation set forth in Section 15 in order to
take advantage of the index and hyperlinks within those documents. Social security
transcripts that are not available electronically will be filed and served on paper in the
traditional manner since scanning that set of documents, and filing or retrieving them
electronically, is impractical at this time. Typically, social security transcripts filed
manually will not be scanned by the Clerk’s Office but will be maintained in a paper case
file.
6. System Requirements
While the system requirements may be set forth more completely in a User’s Manual or
other Court publication, it is expected that the following hardware and software will be
needed to electronically file, view and retrieve documents in the electronic filing system:
● A personal computer running a standard platform such as Windows or
Macintosh.
● A PDF-compatible word processor like Macintosh or Windows-based
versions of WordPerfect or Word.
● Internet service.
● A NextGen CM/ECF-compatible web browser.
● Software to convert documents from a word processor format to portable
document format (PDF).
● Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available for free, is needed for viewing
PDF documents.
● A scanner may be necessary to create electronic images of documents that
are not in your word processing system.
7. Fees in the District Court
A. On-Line Payment of Fees. All ECF transactions that require a payment shall
be paid on-line on the same day that the transaction is docketed.
B. Acceptable Credit Cards. Only VISA, MASTERCARD, AMERICAN
EXPRESS, DISCOVER and DINERS CLUB credit cards will be accepted.
Debit cards from the above-mentioned providers that do not require a “PIN”
code will also be accepted.
8. Filing of Case Initiating Documents / Payment of Filing Fee / Service of
Summons
Civil case initiating documents (e.g., Complaints, Notices of Removal) can be filed
electronically if filer is using a credit card for payment of the required fee. Summons will
be issued electronically for parties to perfect service. Criminal case initiating documents
(e.g., Informations, Indictments, Complaints) will be filed on paper rather than
electronically.
9. General Format of Documents to be Filed Electronically
Electronically filed documents must meet the requirements of Fed. R. Civ. P. 10 (Form of
Pleadings), LR 10.1 and LCrR 49.1 (General Format of Documents Presented for Filing),
and LR 10.2 and LCrR 49.2 (Designation of District Judge and/or Magistrate Judge) as if
they had been submitted on paper. Documents filed electronically are also subject to any
page limitations set forth by Court order or by LR 7.1(f) (Length of Memoranda).
Electronically filed documents should be in PDF text searchable format whenever
possible.
10. Filing Documents Electronically
Electronic transmission of a document consistent with the procedures adopted by the
Court will, upon the complete receipt of the same by the Clerk of Court, constitute filing
of the document for all purposes of the Federal Rules of Civil and Criminal Procedure and
the Local Rules of this Court, and will constitute entry of that document onto the docket
maintained by the Clerk pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 58 and 79 and Fed. R. Crim. P. 55.
A receipt acknowledging that the document has been filed will immediately appear on the
filer’s screen. Parties can also verify the filing of documents by inspecting the Court’s
electronic docket sheet. The Court may, upon the motion of a party or upon its own
motion, strike any inappropriately filed document.
Documents filed electronically must be submitted in the Adobe Acrobat PDF format.
Documents created on a computer should be converted directly to PDF without scanning.
Documents requiring an original signature or documents that cannot be converted directly
should be scanned into PDF.
Filing documents electronically does not alter any filing deadlines. All electronic
transmissions of documents must be completed (e.g., received completely by the Clerk’s
Office) prior to midnight in order to be considered timely filed that day. Although parties
can file documents electronically 24 hours a day, attorneys and parties are strongly
encouraged to file all documents during normal working hours of the Clerk’s Office
(8:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.) when assistance is available.
11. Civil and Criminal Dockets
Upon the filing of a document, a docket entry will be created using the information
provided by the filing party. The Clerk of Court will, where necessary and appropriate,
modify the docket entry description to comply with quality control standards.
12. System Availability
The Court’s system is designed to provide service 24 hours a day. The parties, however,
are encouraged to file documents in advance of filing deadlines and during normal
business hours.
The Clerk’s Office is available to respond to questions regarding the electronic filing
system and the registration process business days from 8:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. and will
be available at all other times to record voice mail messages.
Cleveland: 1-800-355-8498
Akron: 330-252-6000
Toledo: 419-213-5500
Youngstown: 330-884-7400
If a party is unable to file electronically and, as a result, may miss a filing deadline, the
party must contact the Clerk’s Office to inform the Clerk of Court of the difficulty. If a party
misses a filing deadline due to an inability to file electronically, the party may submit the
untimely filed document, accompanied by a declaration, as a separate document, stating
the reason(s) for missing the deadline. The document and declaration must be filed no
later than 12:00 noon of the first day on which the Court is open for business following
the original filing deadline. A model form is provided in Appendix A.
13. Registration
In order to effectively use the electronic filing system and retrieve documents from the
electronic filing system, users, including members of the public, must have a PACER
(Public Access to Court Electronic Records) account. PACER is a national billing system
that provides case information from nearly all federal courts. Users who do not have a
PACER account will be unable to view or retrieve docket sheets or documents over the
Internet, but may access that information, unless otherwise restricted, at the court house.
a. A PACER Account can be established through the PACER Service Center
at www.pacer.gov; and the registration form can be completed at:
https://pacer.psc.uscourts.gov/pscof/registration.jsf
Under the PACER system, parties and counsel of record are entitled to one
free copy of each document filed in their cases, so long as they retrieve the
document within 15 days of filing. Subsequent access to those documents,
or access to documents in other cases, are subject to PACER billing fees.
See the PACER web site for current rates and details.
b. NextGen CM/ECF Registration for the Northern District of Ohio is located
on the Court’s web site at:
https://www.ohnd.uscourts.gov/electronic-filing-registration
Attorneys seeking to file electronically must be admitted to practice in the
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio. Once registration is
completed and approved by the Court, the party will be notified via email
that filing privileges have been granted.
The user’s login and password required to submit documents to the
electronic filing system serve as the user’s signature on all electronic
documents filed with the Court. They also serve as a signature for purposes
of Fed. R. Civ. P. 11, the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, the Federal
Rules of Criminal Procedure, the Local Rules of this Court, and any other
purpose for which a signature is required in connection with proceedings
before the Court.
Parties agree to protect the security of their passwords and immediately
notify the Clerk of Court if they learn that their password has been
compromised. Parties may be subject to sanctions for failure to comply with
this provision.
It is the responsibility of any attorney who has e-filing access to keep
all contact information, including email addresses, updated and
current.
The primary email address must be updated through PACER.
Manage My Account → Maintenance → Update E-Filer Email
Noticing and Frequency
The secondary email address(es) must be updated through NextGen
CM/ECF.
Utilities → Your Account → Maintain Your Email
14. Service of Electronically Filed Documents
The parties must make available electronic mail addresses for service. Instructions to set
up e-mail notification are available at:
https://www.ohnd.uscourts.gov/sites/ohnd/files/MaintainingYourAccount
Upon the filing of a document by a party, an e-mail message will be automatically
generated by the electronic filing system and sent via electronic mail to the e-mail
addresses of all parties in the case. In addition to receiving e-mail notifications of filing
activity, the parties are strongly encouraged to sign on to the electronic filing system at
regular intervals to check the docket in their case.
No certificate of service is required when a paper is served by filing it with the Court’s
electronic filing system.
It is the responsibility of the filing party to ensure that all other parties are properly served.
Fed. R. Civ. P. 5(b)(3) notes that service by electronic means is not effective if the party
making service learns that the attempted service did not reach the person to be served.
If a party requiring service is not listed on the electronic filing receipt as having been sent
an electronic notice of the filing, the filing party must serve that party by other appropriate
means.
15. Electronic Filings
A key objective of the electronic filing system is to ensure that as much of the case as
possible is filed and made available electronically. To facilitate electronic filing and
retrieval, documents to be filed electronically are to be reasonably broken into their
separate component parts. By way of example, most filings include a foundation
document (e.g., motion) and other supporting items (e.g., memorandum and exhibits).
The foundation document as well as the supporting items will each be deemed a separate
component of the filing, and each component must be uploaded separately in the filing
process. Any component having an electronic file size that exceeds 35 megabytes, with
the exception of social security transcripts as noted in Section 5, should not be filed
electronically. Where an individual component is not included in the electronic filing, the
filer must electronically file the prescribed Notice of Manual Filing in place of that
component and the excluded component must be filed with the Clerk’s Office within any
deadlines and no later than one business day after the rest of the submission was filed
electronically. A model form is provided as Appendix B.
The following example illustrates the application of this section.
A party seeks to file a motion, a supporting memoranda, and four exhibits
(A, B, C and D). The motion is a text document that, after conversion to
Adobe PDF, has a size of 5kb. The supporting memoranda is a text
document that, after conversion to PDF, has a size of 45kb. Attachment A
is a scanned image of a one-page document that, after conversion to PDF,
has a size of 200kb. Attachment B is a scanned image of a 60-page
document that, after conversion to PDF, has a size of 37mb. Attachment C
is a scanned image of a 10-page document that, after conversion to PDF,
has a size of 1.2mb. Attachment D represents an object that cannot be
converted to digital format.
Each document should be kept as a separate component (PDF file) rather
than being merged together as one file in order to facilitate easy retrieval of
any individual component. Each of the components, except for Attachments
B and D, should be filed electronically in one submission by filing the motion
and attaching the memoranda and exhibits through the electronic filing
system. Attachment B, at 37mb, exceeds the 35mb file size standard for
conveniently creating, filing and retrieving documents. Attachment D cannot
be scanned. In the electronic submission, Attachments B and D should each
be replaced by a Notice of Manual Filing form. Attachment B should then
be manually filed with the Court on paper with an original signature, along
with a copy of the attachment on disk, and served upon the parties in the
traditional, non-electronic manner. Attachment D should be treated as it
would if a traditional filing system were being used.
16. Manual Filings
Parties otherwise participating in the electronic filing system may be excused from filing
a particular component electronically under certain limited circumstances, such as when
the component cannot be reduced to an electronic format or exceeds the file size limit
described in Section 15. Such component must not be filed electronically, but instead
must be manually filed with the Clerk of Court, contain an original signature, and be
served upon the parties in accordance with the applicable Federal Rules of Civil and
Criminal Procedure and the Local Rules for filing and service of non-electronic
documents. A party may seek to have a component excluded from electronic filing
pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 26(c).
Whenever a party makes an electronic filing which excludes a component that will be filed
manually, the electronic filing must include a Notice of Manual Filing in place of that
component. A model form is provided as Appendix B. If the entire filing, including all
components, is made manually, a Notice of Manual Filing should not be filed, either
electronically or manually.
Whenever it is practical, the Clerk’s Office will scan manual filings and enter them into the
electronic filing system. Once a document is scanned into the system, Section 22 below
provides that the electronic version becomes the official record of the Court and permits
the Clerk of Court to retain, return or discard the original. If a party believes that retention
of the original is warranted, a copy of the document should be filed with the Court and the
party should retain the original. A party may also request at the time of filing or within 10
days thereafter, through a separate document, that the original be returned, rather than
discarded, should the Clerk’s Office ever determine it is no longer needed by the Court.
The pages of all documents filed manually should be one-sided in order to facilitate
scanning by Court staff.
17. Retention of Originals of Documents Requiring Scanning
Originals of documents requiring scanning to be filed electronically must be retained by
the filing party and made available, upon request, to the Court and other parties for a
period of one year following the expiration of all time periods for direct appeals.
18. Signature Block
The party identification name and password will constitute the party’s signature for Fed.
R. Civ. P. 11 purposes. All documents filed electronically must include a signature block
in compliance with the appropriate Local Civil or Criminal Rule (LR 10.1 or LCrR 49.1)
and include the typewritten name, address, telephone number, facsimile number, e-mail
address and the attorney's Ohio Bar Registration Number, if applicable.
In addition, the name of the password registrant under whose password the document is
submitted should be preceded by a “s/” and typed in the space where the signature would
otherwise appear.
s/ [Name of Password Registrant]
Name of Password Registrant
Address
City, State, Zip Code
Phone: (xxx) xxx-xxxx
Fax: (xxx) xxx-xxxx
E-mail:
[email protected]
[attorney bar number, if applicable]
Documents requiring signatures of more than one party must be filed either by submitting
a scanned document containing all necessary signatures or by listing all of the names of
the signatories on the document by means of a “s/[name] (consent)” signature block for
each. By submitting such a document, the filer certifies that each of the other signatories
has expressly agreed to the form and substance of the document and that the filer has
been authorized to submit the document on their behalf. Physical, facsimile or electronic
signatures may be used to satisfy the requirements of this provision.
19. Sealed Documents
The filing of documents under seal is governed by LR 5.2 and LCrR 49.4, which permits
such filings only with prior leave of the judicial officer. Sealed documents may be filed
electronically using the events Sealed Motion, Sealed Document, Sealed Motion with
Ex Parte Docket Entry or Sealed Document with Ex Parte Docket Entry. The Court’s
electronic filing system will not serve sealed documents, unless the Court orders that
attorneys be given sealed access. If attorney sealed access has not been ordered on the
case, all sealed documents must be manually served upon the parties in accordance with
the applicable Federal Rules of Civil and Criminal Procedure and the Local Rules for filing
and service of non-electronic documents. The Clerk will enter a notice of the filing on the
docket for manually filed sealed documents. Accordingly, the party filing a sealed
document should not file a Notice of Manual Filing, electronically or on paper.
20. Trial Exhibits
Exhibits “lodged” with the Clerk of Court pursuant to LR 39.1 or LCrR 23.2 will not be filed
electronically. Such documents will not be placed into the electronic filing system unless
and until they are admitted as part of the official public record. The party submitting the
“lodged” exhibits may be required to resubmit the documents in electronic format once
they are admitted into the public record.
21. Filing of Discovery Materials
In civil cases, the filing of discovery depositions, interrogatories, requests for production
of documents, requests for admissions, and answers and responses thereto will be
governed by the Case Management Plan defined in LR 16.1(b)(4), and the determination
of whether such materials will be filed electronically or manually will be made by the
judicial officer after consulting with the parties. In general, the Court prohibits the filing of
discovery material unless it is done in support of a motion.
In criminal cases, no material subject to discovery under Fed. R. Crim. P. 16 should be
filed unless otherwise ordered by the Court, pursuant to LCrR 16.1.
22. Official Record
The official Court record will be the electronic file maintained on the Court’s servers. The
official record will also include, however, any conventional documents or exhibits filed in
accordance with these provisions that have not been otherwise entered into the system
because it was impractical to do so. The Clerk’s Office will retain all original indictments
and plea agreements, after they are scanned and uploaded into the system, for a period
of 30 days after the case closing date or after the completion of any appeal. The Clerk’s
Office may retain, return or discard all other original documents filed with the Court on
paper after they have been scanned into the system, at the discretion of the Clerk of
Court, subject to any limitations imposed by statute, judiciary policy or orders of this Court.
23. Remote Public Access
In accordance with the E-Government Act of 2002 and policies set forth by the Judicial
Conference (which governs the administration of the U.S. Courts), the Court strives to
provide public Internet access to case related documents to the same extent that those
documents are available at the court house, with some limitations. The Court restricts
remote public access to social security review and government collection cases pursuant
to Judicial Conference policy as well as ERISA cases pursuant to General Order 2006-24
because of the sensitive personal data identifiers that appear in many of the documents
in those cases.
24. Privacy
The E-Government Act of 2002 and the Judicial Conference of the United States Courts’
Policy on Privacy and Public Access to Electronic Case Files set forth rules and provide
guidance to protect privacy and security concerns relating to the electronic filing of
documents and the public availability of documents filed electronically. In accordance with
the Act, the following Model Notice has been provided to Courts using the CM/ECF
system:
The Office of the Clerk is now accepting electronically filed pleadings
and making the content of these pleadings available on the Court’s Internet
web site via WebPACER. Any subscriber to WebPACER will be able to read,
download, store and print the full content of electronically filed documents.
The Clerk’s Office will not make electronically available documents that have
been sealed or otherwise restricted by Court order.
Do not include sensitive information in any document filed with the
Court unless such inclusion is necessary and relevant to the case. Remember
that any personal information not otherwise protected will be made available
over the Internet via WebPACER. If sensitive information must be included,
the following personal data identifiers must be partially redacted from the
pleading, whether it is filed traditionally or electronically:
1) Social Security numbers: If an individual’s Social Security
number must be included in a document, only the last four digits
of that number should be used;
2) Names of minor children: If the involvement of a minor child
must be mentioned, only the initials of that child should be used.
3) dates of birth: If an individual’s date of birth must be included in
a document, only the year should be used.
4) Financial account numbers: If financial account numbers are
relevant, only the last four digits of these numbers should be
used.
5) (In criminal cases only) Home addresses: If a home address
must be included, only the city and state should be listed.
In compliance with the E-Government Act of 2002, a party wishing to
file a document containing the personal data identifiers specified above may:
(a) file a redacted document in the public record and file a reference list
under seal. The reference list shall contain the complete personal data
identifier(s) and the redacted identifier(s) used in its (their) place in the
filing. All references in the case to the redacted identifiers included in
the reference list will be construed to refer to the corresponding
complete personal data identifier. The reference list must be filed
under seal, and may be amended as of right, or
(b) file an unredacted version of the document under seal.
The Court may, however, still require the party to file a redacted copy for the
public file.
In addition, exercise caution when filing documents that contain the
following:
1) Personal identifying number, such as driver’s license number;
2) medical records, treatment and diagnosis;
3) employment history;
4) individual financial information; and
5) proprietary or trade secret information.
Counsel are strongly urged to share this notice with all clients so that an
informed decision about the inclusion, redaction and/or exclusion of certain
materials may be made. If a redacted document is filed, it is the sole
responsibility of counsel and the parties to be sure that all documents comply
with the rules of this Court requiring redaction of personal data identifiers. The
Clerk’s Office will not review documents for compliance with this rule, seal on
its own motion documents containing personal data identifiers, or redact
documents containing personal identifiers, whether filed electronically or on
paper.
The privacy provisions adopted by the Court are set forth under the General Rules of
Pleading in LR 8.1 and LCrR 49.1.1.
25. Additional Information
Additional information regarding electronic filing can be obtained by one of the following:
Visiting the Court’s web site at (www.ohnd.uscourts.gov/electronic-filing)
Calling the Clerk’s Office: Cleveland: 1-800-355-8498
Akron: 330-252-6000
Toledo: 419-213-5500
Youngstown: 330-884-7400
Writing to: Christian M. Capece, Clerk
United States District Court
Attention: Electronic Filing System Registration
801 W. Superior Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44113-1830
Appendix A
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
NORTHERN DISTRICT OF OHIO
) Case No.
)
Plaintiff, ) JUDGE
)
v. ) MAGISTRATE JUDGE
)
Defendant. ) Declaration that Party was Unable to
) File in a Timely Manner Due to
) Technical Difficulties
Please take notice that [Plaintiff/Defendant, Name of Party] was unable to file the
[Title of Document] in a timely manner due to technical difficulties. The deadline for filing
the [Title of Document] was [Filing Deadline Date]. The reason(s) that I was unable to file
the [Title of Document] in a timely manner and the good faith efforts I made prior to the
filing deadline to both file in a timely manner and to inform the Court and the other parties
that I could not do so are set forth below.
[Statement of reasons and good faith efforts to file and to inform (including dates
and times)]
I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.
Respectfully submitted,
s/ [Name of Password Registrant]
Name of Password Registrant
Address
City, State, Zip Code
Phone: (xxx) xxx-xxxx
Fax: (xxx) xxx-xxxx
E-mail:
[email protected]
[attorney bar number, if applicable]
Appendix B
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
NORTHERN DISTRICT OF OHIO
) Case No.
)
Plaintiff, ) JUDGE
)
v. ) MAGISTRATE JUDGE
)
Defendant. ) Notice of Manual Filing
)
)
Please take notice that [Plaintiff/Defendant, Name of Party] has manually filed the
following document or thing:
[Title of Document or Thing]
This document has not been filed electronically because:
the document or thing cannot be converted to an electronic format;
the electronic file size of the document exceeds 35 megabytes (30-60 scanned
pages); or
[Plaintiff/Defendant] is excused from filing this document or thing by Court order.
The document or thing has been manually served on all parties.
Respectfully submitted,
s/ [Name of Password Registrant]
Name of Password Registrant
Address
City, State, Zip Code
Phone: (xxx) xxx-xxxx
Fax: (xxx) xxx-xxxx
E-mail:
[email protected]
[attorney bar number, if applicable]
LR - APPENDIX C
U.S. DISTRICT COURT, NORTHERN DISTRICT OF OHIO
JUROR QUESTIONNAIRE No. ___________
PLEASE COMPLETE BOTH SIDES OF THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONNAIRE USING INK, PLEASE PRINT YOUR ANSWERS.
Please be assured that the information in this questionnaire will be used only for the purpose of jury
selection. Pursuant to Local Rule LR 47.2 and LCrR 24.1, "Questionnaires will be available to counsel for
the limited purpose of assisting their preparation for voir dire (questioning of potential jurors). They are
not otherwise to be used, copied, or disclosed without court order. Upon selection of a jury, all
questionnaires shall be returned to the Clerk. Contact prior to trial by any counsel, party, or any person
acting on behalf of any counsel or party with any prospective juror is absolutely forbidden.
Noncompliance with this directive or any other limitation imposed with reference to the disclosure or use
of the questionnaires will lead to contempt of Court citation and other appropriate sanction."
Date:
Name:
Spouse's/Significant Other’s Name:
Names and Ages of your children:
1. Please indicate the employers for whom you have worked, your occupations, periods of
employment, and whether you work from home (including military service, if any):
2. If your spouse or significant other is or has been employed, please indicate employers,
occupations, and periods of employment (including military service, if any):
3. Please indicate the employers and occupations of your parents or guardians:
4. If your children or any other adult member of your household is employed, please indicate
employers, occupations, and periods of employment (including military service):
5. If you are a member of a trade union, professional association, civic, charitable, or other
work-related organization, please indicate:
(OVER)
LR - APPENDIX C
PAGE 2
6. Please indicate whether you own, are buying, or rent your home (circle one).
7. Please list previous residences by city and state, indicating the approximate period of residence
at each location:
8. How far did you go in school? ________________ If you attended college or graduate school, or
received other post-high school training, please indicate areas of study and instruction:
9. How far did your spouse or significant other go in school? ______________________ Please
indicate areas of study and instruction in any post-high school training:
10. If any of your children are currently in college or graduate school or are receiving any post-high
school training or instruction, please indicate:
11. Have you, or has any member of your household ever been involved in any way in a civil lawsuit
as a claimant, defendant, witness, or otherwise? _______ If so, please describe:
12. Have you, or has any member of your household ever been involved in any way in criminal
litigation as a defendant, victim, witness, or otherwise? _______ If so, please describe:
13. Have you, or has any member of your household or a close friend ever been a victim of a crime?
If so, please describe:
14. Do you have any physical problems with hearing, vision, or otherwise which would affect your
service as a juror? If so, please describe:
(OVER)
LR - APPENDIX C
PAGE 3
15. Are you or is anyone in your family/household currently having any health problems which
would make it difficult for you to serve as a juror? If so, please describe:
16. Have you ever served as a juror before? _______ If so, please indicate when, in what courts, the
types of cases, and the outcomes (if you can recall):
17. Do you have a relative, family member/household member who is an attorney? _______ If so,
please give name and indicate relationship:
18. Do you have a relative, family member/household member that is a member of law
enforcement? Indicate relationship and position in law enforcement.
19. Do you have any objection to sitting as a juror in a criminal case? _______ If so, please explain:
20. Is there anything with reference to your ability to serve as a fair and impartial juror of which you
think the Court should be aware? _______ If so, please describe:
21. How do you get your news? Television, print media, social media or other electronic sources?
LR - APPENDIX D-1
(Sample Order – Opening Investment)
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
NORTHERN DISTRICT OF OHIO
Plaintiff(s), ) CASE NO.:
)
v. ) JUDGE:
)
Defendant(s). )
ORDER OF DEPOSIT AND INVESTMENT
On this day came to be heard ______________________________’s request to deposit
funds into the registry of the Court. Said funds shall be placed in interest-bearing Government
Account Series securities via the Court Registry Investment System (CRIS) administered by the
Administrative Office of the United States Courts; it is therefore,
ORDERED that the Clerk accept and deposit into the registry of the Court the deposit
made by in this cause of action in the
amount of $_____________________; it is further
ORDERED that the Clerk promptly and properly invest those funds into Government
Accounting Series securities through the Court Registry Investment System and direct the
custodian to deduct the CRIS fee of an annualized 10 basis points on assets on deposit for all
CRIS funds, excluding the case funds held in Disputed Ownership funds, for the management of
investments in the CRIS. According to the Court’s Miscellaneous Fee Schedule, the CRIS fee is
assessed from interest earnings to the pool before a pro rata distribution of earnings is made to
court cases.
United States District Judge
LR - APPENDIX D-2
(Sample Order – Opening DOF Investment)
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
NORTHERN DISTRICT OF OHIO
Plaintiff(s), ) CASE NO.:
)
v. ) JUDGE:
)
Defendant(s). )
ORDER OF DEPOSIT AND INVESTMENT
28 U.S.C. § 1335 INTERPLEADER FUNDS
On this day came to be heard ______________________________’s request to deposit
interpleader funds meeting the IRS definition of a “disputed ownership fund” (DOF) as defined
under 28 U.S.C § 1335 into the registry of the Court. Said funds shall be held in interest-bearing
Government Account Series securities via the Court Registry Investment System (CRIS)
administered by the Administrative Office of the United States Courts; it is therefore,
ORDERED that the Clerk accept and deposit into the registry of the Court the deposit
made by in this cause of action in the
amount of $_____________________; it is further
ORDERED that the Clerk promptly and properly invest those funds into the CRIS
Disputed Ownership Fund. Income generated from the fund investments will be reduced by an
annualized 20 basis points on assets on deposit for funds held in the DOF, for the management of
investments in the CRIS. According to the Court’s Miscellaneous Fee Schedule, the CRIS fee is
assessed from interest earnings to the pool before a pro rata distribution of earnings is made to
court cases.
United States District Judge
LR - APPENDIX E-1
(Sample Order of Disbursing of Funds)
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
NORTHERN DISTRICT OF OHIO
Plaintiff(s), ) CASE NO.:
)
v. ) JUDGE:
)
Defendant(s). )
ORDER OF DISBURSEMENT
On __________________, _____________________________ deposited $___________
with the Court pending the outcome of this action. This Court subsequently ordered the Clerk of
Court to deposit said funds in interest-bearing Government Account Series securities via the
Court Registry Investment System (CRIS) administered by the Administrative Office of the
United States Courts.
Pursuant to this Court’s Order dated _______________________, the Clerk is hereby
authorized and directed to withdraw the $________________ principal plus all interest accrued
less the CRIS fee of an annualized 10 basis points on assets on deposit for all CRIS funds for the
management of investments in the CRIS. The CRIS fee is assessed from interest earnings to the
pool before a pro rata distribution of earnings is made to court cases. The Clerk will disburse
remaining funds to:
[Insert name and amount]
The address and tax identification number of the recipient(s) have been provided to the
Court.
United States District Judge
LR - APPENDIX E-2
(Sample Order of Disbursing DOF Funds)
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
NORTHERN DISTRICT OF OHIO
Plaintiff(s), ) CASE NO.:
)
v. ) JUDGE:
)
Defendant(s). )
ORDER OF DISBURSEMENT
28 U.S.C. § 1335 INTERPLEADER FUNDS
On __________________, _____________________________ deposited $___________
interpleader funds meeting the IRS definition of a “disputed ownership fund” as defined under
28 U.S.C. § 1335 into the registry of the Court pending the outcome of this action. This Court
subsequently ordered the Clerk of Court to deposit said funds in interest-bearing Government
Account Series securities via the Court Registry Investment System (CRIS) Disputed Ownership
Fund (DOF) administered by the Administrative Office of the United States Courts.
Pursuant to this Court’s Order dated _______________________, the Clerk is hereby
authorized and directed to withdraw the $________________ principal plus all interest accrued
less a fee of an annualized 20 basis points on assets on deposit for funds held in the DOF for the
management of investments in the CRIS. According to the Court’s Miscellaneous Fee Schedule,
the CRIS fee is assessed from interest earnings to the pool before a pro rata distribution of
earnings is made to court cases. The Clerk will disburse remaining funds to:
[Insert name and amount]
The address and tax identification number of the recipient(s) have been provided to the
Court.
United States District Judge
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
Northern District of Ohio
Plaintiff CONSENT TO EXERCISE OF JURISDICTION
BY A UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE
v. AND ORDER OF REFERENCE
Case Number:
Defendant
CONSENT TO EXERCISE OF JURISDICTION BY A UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE
In accordance with the provisions of 28 U.S.C. 636(c) and Fed. R. Civ. P. 73, the parties in this case
hereby voluntarily consent to have a United States magistrate judge conduct any and all further proceedings
in the case, including the trial, and order the entry of a final judgment.
Signatures Party Represented Date
ORDER OF REFERENCE
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that this case be referred to United
States Magistrate Judge, for all further proceedings and the entry of judgment in accordance with 28 U.S. C.
636(c), Fed.R.Civ.P. 73 and the foregoing consent of the parties.
Date United States District Judge
NOTE: RETURN THIS FORM TO THE CLERK OF THE COURT ONLY IF ALL PARTIES
HAVE CONSENTED ON THIS FORM TO THE EXERCISE OF JURISDICTION BY
A UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE.
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
Northern District of Ohio
NOTICE & ORDER
Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §636(c)(1) and LR 73.1, a Magistrate Judge of the Northern District of Ohio may, upon
consent of all parties to an action, and entry of an order of reference by the Judge, exercise trial jurisdiction in
civil actions, both jury and non-jury, and enter final judgment therein.
If all parties to this action consent and an order of reference is entered, the case will be assigned to a
Magistrate Judge pursuant to LR 73.1. If all parties do not consent, or if an order of reference is not entered,
the action will remain with the Judge to whom it is assigned. The decision of counsel on this matter of
consent is entirely voluntary. Your response is joint, and disclosure of individual decisions is not required.
Pursuant to Local Civil Rule 73.1, Recusal, Resignation or Death of Magistrate
Judge, where the parties have consented of the transfer of a civil case to a Magistrate Judge under section
(a) above, if the Magistrate Judge thereafter recuses, resigns or dies, the case shall be returned to the
District Court Judge. The Clerk shall immediately assign another Magistrate Judge by the random draw and
notify the parties of such new assignment. Within ten (10) days after such notification by the Clerk, the parties
shall indicate their consent, or lack thereof, to transferring the case to the newly-assigned Magistrate Judge
under 28 U.S.C. §636(c). If the parties do not consent to the transfer, the case shall remain with the District
Court Judge.
At the time the last appearance of counsel is made on behalf of the named defendant, the parties are to
communicate with each other on this matter. It is the responsibility of plaintiff’s counsel to initiate such
consultation. The response is to be returned within ten (10) days of the last appearance. The
response must contain the signatures of all counsel.
Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §636(c)(3) all appeals relating to magistrate consent cases must be heard only in the
court of appeals.
Please file the proposed consent electronically using the civil event "Notice". Parties representing
themselves should sign and send form to the Clerk's Office. If an order of reference is entered by the Court,
you will be advised by the Clerk as to which Magistrate Judge the FDVH has been assigned for further
proceedings.
Christian M. Capece
Clerk of Court
(See form on the reverse side)
Revised October 2025
LR – APPENDIX G
United States District Court
Northern District of Ohio
Non-Appeal Transcript Order
To Be Completed by Ordering Party
Court Reporter Judicial Officer/Judge
Requested by
Case Name
Case Number Date(s) of Proceedings
Today's Date Requested Completion Date
Receipt of order is the date upon which financial arrangements are made with the court reporter.
If the method of payment is authorized under CJA, submit an AUTH-24 in the OHND CJA eVoucher System.
Email
Phone
Signature of Ordering Party (e-signatures permitted)
Maximum Rate Per Page (effective October 1, 2024)
First Copy to Each Add'l
Transcript Type/Delivery Time Options Original
Each Party Copy to Party
30-Day Transcript (Ordinary): A transcript to be delivered within
thirty (30) days after receipt of order.
$4.40 $1.10 $0.75
14-Day Transcript: A transcript to be delivered within fourteen (14) days $1.10
after receipt of an order.
$5.10 $0.75
7-Day Transcript (Expedited): A transcript to be delivered within $1.10
seven (7) days after receipt of order.
$5.85 $0.75
3-Day Transcript: A transcript to be delivered within three (3) days after
receipt of order.
$6.55 $1.30 $0.90
1-Day Transcript (Daily): A transcript to be delivered prior to the normal
opening hour of the Clerk’s Office on the calendar day following receipt of the order, $7.30 $1.45 $1.10
regardless of whether or not that calendar day is a weekend or holiday.
2-Hour Transcript (Hourly): A transcript of proceedings to
be delivered within two (2) hours from receipt of the order.
$8.70 $1.45 $1.10
Realtime Unedited Transcript: A draft unedited transcript produced by
a certified realtime reporter as a byproduct of realtime to be delivered
electronically during proceedings or immediately following receipt of the order. One feed, $3.70
(Availability is limited to case participants only.) per page.
Two-to-four feeds,
$2.55 per page.
Five + feeds,
$1.80 per page.
Local Civil Rule 80.1/Criminal Rule 57.20 of the Northern District of Ohio requires transcript requests to be addressed to the court
reporter who took the proceeding and filed with the Clerk of Court.
Please electronically file the form and the appropriate court reporter and court staff will receive notification of the filing.
________________________
This section is for use by OHND Federal Public Defender Only
Approved: Not Approved: ______________________________ _____________
Approving Authority Signature Date
LR - Appendix I
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
NORTHERN DISTRICT OF OHIO
)
)
) Case No.
v. )
) Corporate Disclosure Statement
) in a Civil Case
)
Pursuant to the Corporate Disclosure Statement provisions in Local Civil Rule 3.13(b):
Any nongovernmental corporate party or any nongovernmental corporation that seeks to
intervene in a case must file a corporate disclosure statement identifying the following: (a) Any
parent, subsidiary, or affiliate corporation; (b) Any publicly held corporation that owns 10% or
more of the party’s stock; and (c) Any publicly held corporation or its affiliate that has a
substantial financial interest in the outcome of the case by reason of insurance, a franchise
agreement or indemnity agreement. A corporation is an affiliate for purposes of this rule if it
controls, is under the control of, or is under common control with a publicly owned corporation.
A party must file the statement upon the filing of a complaint, answer, motion, response, or other
pleading in this Court, whichever occurs first. The obligation to report any changes in the
information originally disclosed continues throughout the pendency of the case.
In compliance with those provisions, this Corporate Disclosure Statement is filed on behalf of:
.
1. Is said party a parent, subsidiary or other affiliate of a publicly owned corporation?
_____ Yes _____ No.
If the answer is Yes, list below the identity of the parent, subsidiary or other affiliate corporation
and the relationship between it and the named party:
2. Is there a publicly owned corporation, not a party to the case, that has a financial interest in the
outcome? _____ Yes _____ No.
If the answer is Yes, list the identity of such corporation and the nature of the financial interest:
3. Identify the citizenship of every individual or entity whose citizenship is attributed to the party or
intervenor on whose behalf this Corporate Disclosure Statement is being filed:
(Signature of Counsel) (Date)
Last Revised: 12/1/22
LR - APPENDIX J
NORTHERN DISTRICT OF OHIO
PRO BONO CIVIL CASE PROTOCOL
A. The Court encourages members of the Federal Bar to represent parties in civil actions who
cannot afford legal counsel. To further this policy, the Court has adopted a plan for expense
reimbursement as set forth below.
B. A party requesting pro bono representation shall submit an Affidavit of Need to the Clerk=s
Office, to verify that the party cannot afford legal counsel in the case. A form Affidavit of
Need, attached hereto as Exhibit A, is available from the Clerk=s Office.
C. Upon a judicial officer=s request, a case shall be referred to the Clerk’s Office Pro Bono
Department for the appointment of legal counsel. The judicial officer, through the Pro Bono
Department, shall forward the docket and filings to attorneys who have volunteered for the
Court’s pro bono panel and, within thirty (30) days, recommend a lawyer who, subject to
judicial approval, will be assigned the case.
D. Applications for reimbursement of pro bono expenses shall be submitted to the Clerk for
review and recommendation to the judicial officer to whom the case was assigned. Forms
requesting reimbursement (attached) are available at Clerk Office locations in the District
or on line.
E. The Fund may not be used to reimburse for expenses associated with the evaluation,
preparation and presentation of an appeal to the United States Court of Appeals or the
United States Supreme Court. A lawyer=s responsibility to a client continues through the
entry of judgment and the filing of a notice of appeal if the client wishes to appeal.
F. The assigned judge may approve reimbursement of expenses up to a total of $1,500 in any
case. Requests for reimbursement of expenses over $1,500 up to a total of $5,000 in any
case must be accompanied by an explanation and must be approved by the Chief Judge.
Requests for reimbursement over a total of $5,000 in any case must be approved by the
Attorney Admissions Fund Committee. All requests for reimbursement must be
accompanied by proof that the expenses were actually incurred.
G. Reimbursement is limited to the following allowable expenses:
1. Mileage and Parking. Mileage at the current rate authorized for federal employees
as well as out-of-pocket expenses for parking.
2. Photocopies and Telephone Calls. Out-of-pocket expenses incurred for
photocopying or photographs used in the case and long distance calls necessary to
the preparation of the case. Copy costs may not exceed 15¢ per page.
3. Depositions and Transcripts. Court reporter attendance fees for depositions of
essential witnesses and transcription fees for such depositions. Transcript costs
may not exceed the page rate for ordinary transcripts established in the District.
4. Investigative or Expert Services. Investigative or expert services which are
necessary to the preparation of the case if approved in advance by the judicial
officer to whom the case is assigned.
5. Service of Process Fees. Fees for service of papers and the appearance of lay
witnesses at depositions and their mileage fees.
6. Interpreter Services. The cost of interpreter services if approved in advance by the
judicial officer to whom the case is assigned.
7. Expert Fees. The cost of expert fees if approved in advance by the judicial officer
to whom the case is assigned.
H. Request for reimbursement from the Fund must be filed within thirty (30) days of entry of
judgment. If the lawyer has withdrawn or been dismissed prior to the entry of judgment,
the request must be filed within thirty (30) days of withdrawal or dismissal.
I. Amounts reimbursed must be repaid to the Fund if the case is settled with the payment of
money, if fees and costs are awarded under 28 U.S.C. § 1988 or any other fee shifting
statute, or if the party is awarded sufficient monetary damages.
J. Volunteer attorneys are eligible to receive continuing legal education (CLE) credit through
the Ohio Supreme Court. Volunteer attorneys may receive one hour of CLE credit for
every six hours of pro bono legal service performed, up to a maximum of six CLE credit
hours per biennial compliance period. For each assigned pro bono case, attorneys must
submit one Form 23 to the Clerk’s Office Pro Bono Department by December 31 of each
calendar year in which services have been rendered. Form 23 is located on the Ohio
Supreme Court website.
Last revised: 8/28/2024
Exhibit A
United States District Court
Northern District of Ohio
)
)
Plaintiff ) CASE NO.
)
v. ) JUDGE
)
) AFFIDAVIT OF NEED
Defendant )
)
1. I request the Court to appoint counsel to represent me in this case pro bono (at no cost to
me).
2. My household income does not exceed 200% of the current applicable Federal Poverty
Guidelines.
3. I lack assets sufficient to afford legal representation in this case.
4. I will notify the Court and my appointed counsel if my financial condition materially
changes before completion of this case.
I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.
Date: ______________ _________________________________________
Plaintiff/Defendant
_________________________________________
Address
LR - APPENDIX K
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
NORTHERN DISTRICT OF OHIO
DEFAULT STANDARD FOR DISCOVERY OF
ELECTRONICALLY STORED INFORMATION (“E-DISCOVERY”)
1. Introduction. The court expects the parties to cooperatively reach agreement on
the appropriate and proportional scope of e-discovery, including the identification, preservation,
collection, processing, culling, review, and production of electronically stored information
(“ESI”). In the event that such agreement has not been reached by the time of the Fed. R. Civ. P.
16 scheduling conference, the following default standard shall apply until such time as the parties
reach agreement or until further order of the court.
2. Discovery Conference. Parties shall be prepared to discuss the parameters of their
anticipated e-discovery at the Fed. R. Civ. P. 26(f) conference, as well as at the Fed. R. Civ. P. 16
scheduling conference with the court, consistent with the requirements outlined below and shall
provide notice of any problems reasonably anticipated to arise in connection with e-discovery.
Such discussions should continue to occur, as needed, as the case and issues evolve.
3. E-Discovery Parameters. By the time of the Rule 26(f) conference, the parties
shall be ready to discuss the following information:
(a) Identification -
(i) Custodians - Each party shall draft a list of the most likely
custodians of relevant ESI, including a brief description of each person’s title and
responsibilities.
(ii) Data Sources - Each party shall identify all known custodial and
non-custodial data sources believed to contain potentially relevant ESI. The parties
should include whether any of the identified ESI is not reasonably accessible under
Fed. R. Civ. P. 26(b)(2)(B). ESI that is not reasonably accessible may include, but
is not limited to, anything stored on legacy systems or electronic media of a format
no longer in use, maintained in redundant electronic storage, or for which retrieval
involves substantial cost. Additionally, the parties shall mutually agree whether
any specified data types will be excluded from the discovery process.
(iii) Date Restriction - The parties shall work together to identify the
overall relevant time frame at issue in the case that is to be used throughout the
e-discovery process.
(b) Preservation - Each party acknowledges that it has an obligation to take reasonable
and proportional steps to preserve potentially relevant ESI in the party’s possession,
custody, or control, including the original forensic integrity of the ESI, unless
otherwise agreed upon by the parties. Absent a showing of good cause by the
requesting party, the parties shall not be required to modify the procedures used by
them in the ordinary course of business to back up and archive ESI; provided,
however, the parties shall preserve non-duplicative potentially relevant ESI
currently in their possession, custody, or control.
(c) Processing - The parties shall disclose the manner of de-duplication employed, if
any. The custodian identification for any de-duplicated ESI shall be tracked in a
production custodian field. Additionally, the data shall be processed in UTC
(Coordinated Universal Time) unless otherwise mutually agreed upon by the
parties. The parties shall also discuss the handling and processing of any non-
standard ESI (e.g. - structured data) or non-searchable ESI identified by the parties
as well as the appropriateness and application of other initial data processing steps
and the handling of related issues (e.g. - deNI
