1-09:  FILING: Electronic Access: Attorneys: CM/ECF

CM/ECF stands for Case Management Electronic Case Filing system, which allows attorneys and some non-attorney "limited filers" to register for a login and password to file documents electronically.  Knowledge about CM/ECF is vital, because:

• LBR 5005-4(a) requires nearly all documents to be filed electronically if the party has an attorney.
• When a party submits a document electronically via the CM/ECF portal, that process automatically "files" the document on the court's docket of a particular bankruptcy case or adversary proceeding; the result of filing a document is that a Notice of Electronic Filing (NEF) is generated and sent to all parties whose email address is already on that particular docket. 
• LBR 9036-1 requires all parties to accept notice of documents electronically if those parties file documents electronically.  

The CM/ECF Training and Registration link provides instructions to register to file documents electronically via the CM/ECF, including opening a bankruptcy case.  

The CM/ECF eFiling Manual contains instructions for completing numerous activities using CM/ECF, including opening a bankruptcy case.

• An example of a creditor matrix is found at page 26 of the Checklist of Forms Required to File a Bankruptcy Case.  See link below
• Some names, addresses and other identification may require referring to the Style Guide.  See link below

The CM/ECF Resources is a one-stop link to procedures to follow when preparing, signing and filing documents electronically, phone number for the CM/ECF HELP DESK, training and registration, etc. 

The TCG Supplement is the same document that used to be Court Manual section 3 and includes procedures and guidance including the requirement to flatten a pdf before it is filed.  

NOTE:  When multiple attorneys work at the same law firm, the CM/ECF login/password of one attorney in the firm CANNOT be used to electronicaly file documents that are signed only by a different attorney in that law firm.  If your law firm designates an employee in the law firm to be a "filing agent" as defined in the TCG Supplement below, and that filing agent has access to the login/password of multiple attorneys in the same law firm, it is imperative that the attorney's login/password that is used to file the document is the login/password that matches the attorney who signed the document.