IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA
IN RE: :
:
PROCEDURE FOR ACCESS AND : STANDING ORDER
MANAGEMENT OF SEALED :
DOUCMENTS :
:
:
STANDING ORDER
WHEREAS cyberattacks on the CM/ECF systems of federal courts require
the implementation of new procedures for the storage and management of sealed
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 Documents: Sealed documents will continue to be
filed in CM/ECF under existing procedures
(https://www.paed.uscourts.gov/redaction-requirements-and-sealed-
documents) but will no longer be accessible or viewable by electronic means.
2. Service of Sealed 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. The court will serve court
issued documents.
3. Additional Copies of Sealed Documents. Additional copies of sealed
documents will require a court order. Applicable copy fees
(https://www.paed.uscourts.gov/fees) will be applied to such requests.
4. Highly Sensitive Documents (HSDs): Sealed documents that are defined as
HSDs will continue to be subject to the court’s HSD procedures
(StandingOrder-HSD.pdf).
5. Questions about Sealed Document Procedures: Any questions about the
filing of and access to sealed documents should be directed to the Clerk’s
Office at
[email protected] or 215-597-7704.
This Order supersedes any and all inconsistent prior District Court orders,
CM/ECF procedure manuals, and local rules concerning the process for filing
sealing documents.
IT IS SO ORDERED, this 23rd day of September, 2025.
BY THE COURT:
/s/ Wendy Beetlestone
WENDY BEETLESTONE, C.J.
