Judge S. Kate Vaughan
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Adjournments
- Defendants must be served within 90 days of filing complaint.
- Service must be completed within 90 days of filing the complaint.
Communication
Chambers
Phone
Clerk
In Person
Clerk
Drop Box
Clerk
Clerk
Clerk
Letter via ECF
Clerk
Document Format Requirements7 rules
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Documents must be typed or neatly written in blue or black ink (no pencils) on white, 8½ x 11 paper. Do not write on both sides of the paper. You must include your name, address and phone number on each document submitted.
Summary: Documents must use blue/black ink on 8½ x 11 white paper, single-sided, with contact information included.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Documents must be typed or neatly written in blue or black ink (no pencils) on white, 8½ x 11 paper. Do not write on both sides of paper.
Summary: Documents must be typed or written in blue/black ink on white 8.5x11 paper, single-sided only.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Software to convert your documents to PDF format (portable document format) OR a scanner set to 200 dpi (dots per inch) for scanning documents to PDF format.
Summary: Documents must be in PDF format for e-filing, with 200 dpi scanning required for scanned documents.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Only documents in PDF format may be filed with the court using the ECF system.
Summary: Documents filed via ECF must be in PDF format.
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Documents must be submitted on 8½" x 11" white paper, bear 25-line numbers in the left margin, include the case caption, case number and typed or neatly written. If you submit pleadings in writing, use black or blue ink (no pencils) and write legibly on one side of the paper only. All documents must be signed and dated with an original signature and include your name, address and phone number.
Summary: Document formatting requirements for paper submissions.
Paper
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Documents must be submitted on 8½" x 11" white paper, bear 25-line numbers in the left margin, include the case caption, case number and typed or neatly written. If you submit pleadings in writing, use black or blue ink (no pencils) and write legibly on one side of the paper only. All documents must be signed and dated with an original signature and include your name, address and phone number.
Summary: Documents must be on 8.5x11 paper with line numbers, case caption, original signature, and contact information; handwritten pleadings must use black or blue ink on one side only.
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Format of documents.......................................................................................... 31
Summary: Document formatting requirements section begins
Document Filing Requirements56 rules
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If initial disclosures have not been exchanged, or if they are not yet due, the disclosures required by Fed. R. Civ. P. 26(a)(1)(A) shall be exchanged within seven (7) days after the agreement is approved by the court.
Summary: Initial disclosures due within 7 days of agreement approval
Document Type
Initial Disclosure
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
The parties shall file a written agreement, using the court form titled “Agreement for Individualized Trial and Request for Approval” available from the Clerk’s Office and on the court’s website.
Summary: Parties must file written agreement using court form for Individualized Trial Program
Document Type
Agreement For Individualized Trial
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The court shall issue a case management order following the conference. Unless otherwise ordered by the court, the order shall require the parties to exchange the documents described in Fed. R. Civ. P. 26(a)(3) no later than fifteen (15) days before the pretrial conference and shall require the parties to complete all discovery no later than ninety 90 days after the individualized trial conference.
Summary: Case management order requires document exchange 15 days before pretrial conference and discovery completion within 90 days
Document Type
Case Management Order
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The parties must file a Joint Individualized Trial Statement seven (7) days before the individualized trial conference addressing all of the following topics...
Summary: Joint Individualized Trial Statement required 7 days before conference
Document Type
Joint Individualized Trial Statement
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Within ten (10) court days after notice of entry of a verdict, a party may file with the clerk and serve on each adverse party a notice of intention to move for a new trial
Summary: Notice of intent to move for new trial must be filed within 10 court days of verdict.
Document Type
Notice Of Intent New Trial
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Each side shall have three hours to present evidence, not including time for opening statement and time for closing argument. In multi-party trials, plaintiffs shall divide the three hours among themselves, and defendants shall divide the three hours among themselves.
Summary: Each side gets 3 hours for evidence presentation; multi-party trials divide time among plaintiffs/defendants.
Document Type
Trial Procedure
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Grounds for motions for a new trial shall be limited to: (1) judicial misconduct that materially affected the substantial rights of a party; (2) misconduct of the jury; or (3) corruption, fraud, or other undue means employed in the proceedings of the court or jury.
Summary: New trial motions limited to judicial misconduct, jury misconduct, or corruption/fraud/undue means.
Document Type
New Trial Motion
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
No party shall call more than one expert witness to testify, unless permitted by the court or by agreement of the parties.
Summary: Each party limited to one expert witness unless court permits or parties agree.
Document Type
Expert Witness
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Post-trial motions shall be limited to determination of costs and attorney’s fees, correcting a judgment for clerical error, conforming the verdict to the agreement, enforcement of judgment and motions for a new trial.
Summary: Post-trial motions limited to costs/fees, clerical errors, verdict conformity, enforcement, and new trial motions.
Document Type
Post Trial Motion
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Before filing an appeal, a party shall make a motion for a new trial pursuant to subsection (n) of these procedures. If the motion for a new trial is denied, the party may appeal the judgment and seek a new trial only on grounds specified in subsection (n)(3). All other grounds for appeal shall be waived and are not permitted, unless the parties agree otherwise.
Summary: Appeal requires new trial motion first; appeal only on grounds from subsection (n)(3) unless parties agree.
Document Type
Appeal Procedure
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Should you file your case in Tacoma or Seattle? The U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington has courthouses in Seattle and Tacoma. Where you file your case depends on the county in which the claim arose or where the defendant(s) reside, as established by the Court’s Local Civil Rules (LCR).
Summary: File in Seattle or Tacoma based on county of claim or defendant residence per Local Civil Rules.
Document Type
Case Filing
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Before filing a case in federal court, you first need to make sure that you are filing it in the correct court. This can be especially important if you are working with a deadline for certain statutes of limitations. Filing your case in the wrong court may affect whether or not you meet those required deadlines.
Summary: Verify correct court jurisdiction before filing to avoid missing statute of limitations deadlines.
Document Type
Case Filing
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
You must include your name, address and phone number on each document submitted.
Summary: Name, address, and phone number required on each document.
Document Type
All
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All documents must be dated and signed with an original signature, as established by FRCP 11(a).
Summary: All documents must be dated and signed with an original signature per FRCP 11(a).
Document Type
Complaint
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The following documents are required to file a new case. 1) Complaint form 2) Civil Cover Sheet 3) Payment of the filing fee ($405.00) or submittal of an Application to Proceed In Forma Pauperis – commonly referred to as an 'IFP' – requesting that the court waive the filing fee.
Summary: New cases require a Complaint, Civil Cover Sheet, and filing fee payment or IFP application.
Document Type
Complaint
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
All documents must be dated and signed with an original signature, as established by FRCP 11(a).
Summary: All documents must be dated and signed with original signature per FRCP 11(a).
Document Type
All
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Section 1(c): Since you are appearing pro se, write your name, address and phone number under “Attorneys.”
Summary: Pro se litigants must provide contact information in Section 1(c).
Structured details unavailable. See the source text.
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A “Civil Cover Sheet” is a document that provides the court with basic information about your case and must be filed when you submit your initial documents, as established by LCR 3(a).
Summary: Civil Cover Sheet is required with initial filing.
Document Type
Civil Cover Sheet
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
To successfully register to directly file documents in CM/ECF in this court, you must complete the following steps: 1. Complete and submit the registration form, indicating which e-filing service you are applying for. 2. Register for a PACER-Case Search Only account through pacer.gov. 3. Register for Non-Attorney Filers access through pacer.gov.
Summary: Must complete registration form, PACER account, and Non-Attorney Filers access to e-file
Document Type
Registration Form
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
A separate ECF Pro Se Registration Form must be submitted for every case that you file in this court. You are also required to have a case number before your account can be activated.
Summary: Separate registration form required for each case; case number needed before activation
Document Type
Registration Form
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The original summons form will then be returned to you for execution of service on the defendant(s). The court cannot serve the defendant(s) on your behalf, except if ordered by the court.
Summary: Plaintiff must personally serve summons; court does not serve unless ordered.
Document Type
Summons
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
You must also file proof of service for each defendant with the clerk, in accordance with rules 4(l) and (m) of Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.
Summary: Proof of service must be filed for each defendant with the clerk.
Document Type
Proof Of Service
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
You may not serve your own documents.
Summary: Pro se litigants cannot serve their own documents.
Document Type
Summons
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Once the defendant(s) have been served, the original proof of service must be filed with the court, as established by FRCP 4(l).
Summary: Original proof of service must be filed with the court after service is completed.
Document Type
Proof Of Service
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
All motions must include a "Noting Date". This is the date the motion will be ready for the judge's review. The noting date must appear on the face of the motion directly under the document title, as established by LCR 7.
Summary: All motions must include a Noting Date displayed directly under the document title.
Document Type
Motion
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
All motions must include a “Noting Date”. This is the date the motion will be ready for the judge’s review. The noting date must appear on the face of the motion directly under the document title, as established by LCR 7.
Summary: All motions must include a noting date under the document title.
Document Type
Motion
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
If your address, phone number or email address (if registered for electronic filing) changes, you must file a written notice within 10 (ten) days of the change, as established by LCR 10(f).
Summary: Address/phone/email changes must be reported within 10 days via written notice.
Document Type
Notice Of Change
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
To request oral argument on a motion, “Oral Argument Requested” must be written under the case number and document title. If the request for oral argument is granted, the parties will be contacted as to the date and time of argument, as established by LCR 7.
Summary: Oral argument requests must be clearly marked under case number and title.
Document Type
Motion
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
After summons have been issued and the defendant(s) have been "served" a copy of the complaint and accompanying documents, you must file a document called a "Proof of Service," which is on the second page of the summons form.
Summary: After serving defendants, pro se litigants must file a Proof of Service document.
Document Type
Proof Of Service
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Complete this section if you currently have or have had cases in this court or other federal courts with the same defendant(s). If so, add the name of the judge and case number to the form. You are also required to file a "Notice of Related Cases," listing the case information. As the court does have a general form to use, you may create your own.
Summary: Pro se litigants must file a Notice of Related Cases if they have related cases in federal court involving the same defendants.
Document Type
Notice Of Related Cases
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Because you are appearing pro se (i.e., acting as your own attorney), you must sign and date the box at the bottom of form under, "Signature of Attorney of Record."
Summary: Pro se litigants must sign and date the civil cover sheet in the "Signature of Attorney of Record" box.
Document Type
Civil Cover Sheet
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?
Is your case about a divorce, child custody, adoption, name change, landlord-tenant dispute, or a will? If so, you are likely in the wrong court. State courts generally hear family law matters and landlord-tenant disputes.
Summary: Family law and landlord-tenant cases belong in state court, not federal court.
Document Type
Case Filing
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It is very important to fill out the form completely as the judge will use this information to determine if you have the financial ability to pay the filing fee.
Summary: IFP form must be completed fully.
Document Type
Case Initiation
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?
You must save or print the notice.
Summary: Filers must save or print the Notice of Electronic Filing (NEF).
Document Type
Notice Of Electronic Filing
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You are solely responsible for the payment of fees associated with the services of a court reporter.
Summary: Party must pay court reporter fees for depositions.
Document Type
Deposition
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If a defendant does not file an answer within the timeframe required by law, the court may enter an order of default and default judgment, as established by FRCP 55(a)(b).
Summary: Default judgment may be entered under FRCP 55(a)(b) if defendant fails to answer.
Document Type
Default Judgment
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?
All subsequent pleadings, motions, or other filings must reflect the new contact information.
Summary: All future filings must include updated contact information.
Document Type
Pleading
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Jury trial will be before seven jurors and may proceed before a six-person jury if a juror is unable to serve through conclusion of trial and deliberations.
Summary: Seven-person jury standard; six-person jury allowed if juror cannot complete trial.
Document Type
Jury Selection
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Is your case about a federal law, the denial of Social Security benefits, other federal benefits, or a decision by a federal agency? If so, you are likely in the right court.
Summary: Federal law, Social Security, and federal agency decisions belong in federal court.
Document Type
Case Filing
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The only information you will complete in this section is the jury demand box, as established by LCR 38(b).
Summary: Only complete jury demand box in Section VII as per LCR 38(b).
Structured details unavailable. See the source text.
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If you pay the filing fee, summons can be issued immediately. If you file an IFP, summons will not be issued until the motion is granted and the clerk receives permission from the court to do so.
Summary: Summons issuance timing depends on filing fee vs IFP status.
Document Type
Summons
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If you prefer to wait and have summons issued later, you may submit them with a 'Praecipe' form.
Summary: Praecipe form can be used to request summons issuance later.
Document Type
Praecipe
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To request an attorney, you must complete the correct form based on the type of case you are filing. One form is specifically for civil rights cases and the other for employment discrimination cases. Both forms can be found at the end of this guide and on our website at www.wawd.uscourts.gov/court-forms under "Self-Representation." If your claims do not fall under either category, you can create your own form and submit it to the court.
Summary: Specific forms for court-appointed counsel based on case type.
Document Type
Case Initiation
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Once a decision has been made, a copy of the order will be mailed to you at the address listed on the complaint. Summons will not be issued until the IFP has been granted and the court gives the clerk permission to do so.
Summary: Summons not issued until IFP granted.
Document Type
Case Initiation
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The filing fee to open a case in federal court is $405.00.
Summary: Filing fee for opening a case is $405.00.
Document Type
Case Initiation
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The IFP form can be found at the end of this packet or on our website at www.wawd.uscourts.gov/court-forms under "Self-Representation."
Summary: IFP form available in packet or online.
Document Type
Case Initiation
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If you cannot afford an attorney but would like to request one be appointed, you can submit an "Application for Court-Appointed Counsel." Although this option is available, there is no right to representation in civil matters and no guarantee that the judge will appoint an attorney in your case.
Summary: Application for court-appointed counsel available but not guaranteed.
Document Type
Case Initiation
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The judge may base his or her decision on several factors, including but not limited to: 1. Do you have the financial ability to hire counsel? 2. Have you made reasonable efforts to hire counsel on your own? 3. Can you prepare and present your case without the help of an attorney? 4. How complex is your case?
Summary: Factors for court-appointed counsel decision.
Document Type
Case Initiation
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If you cannot afford to pay the filing fee, you can apply to have the fee "waived," which means your case may proceed without payment of the filing fee. In order to make that request, you must complete an "Application to Proceed In Forma Pauperis" – commonly referred to as an "IFP" – and submit it with your initiating documents.
Summary: IFP application required to waive filing fee.
Document Type
Case Initiation
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If you file an IFP requesting that the court waive the filing fee, the clerk will: 1) Randomly assign a case number and judge, based on the county where the incident took place or where the defendant(s) reside. 2) Social Security appeals are randomly assigned to judges in Seattle or Tacoma, regardless of their location. 3) Summons will not be issued until an order is entered by the court and the clerk is given permission to issue them.
Summary: IFP cases are randomly assigned to judges; summons are not issued until court order is entered.
Document Type
Ifp Filing
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If you pay the filing fee, the clerk will: 1) Randomly assign a case number and judge, based on the county where the incident took place or where the defendant(s) reside. 2) Social Security appeals are randomly assigned to judges in Seattle or Tacoma, regardless of where you reside. 3) Issue summons, if submitted.
Summary: Filing fee cases are randomly assigned to judges based on county or defendant residence; Social Security appeals go to Seattle/Tacoma judges.
Document Type
Case Filing
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The Clerk’s Office accepts the following forms of payment: • Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover • Personal checks, cashier checks and money orders
Summary: Clerk accepts credit cards and checks/money orders for payment.
Document Type
Filing Fee Payment
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Any person over the age of 18 and not a party to the case may serve the required documents.
Summary: Service can be performed by any person over 18 who is not a party to the case.
Document Type
Summons
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However, a party may send a letter called a “litigation hold” or also called “preservation letters” or “stop destruction requests”. The letter or communication basically advises the other side of the possibility of future litigation and identifies the relevant documents and electronically stored information which should be preserved.
Summary: Litigation hold letters may be sent to preserve evidence before formal discovery.
Document Type
Litigation Hold Letter
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A “deposition” is like an interview where you, the defendant(s) or other witnesses answer questions in person and under oath. A deposition is usually recorded by audio recording, video recording, or by a court reporter, as established by FRCP 30.
Summary: Depositions are recorded interviews under oath per FRCP 30.
Document Type
Deposition
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To request oral argument on a motion, "Oral Argument Requested" must be written under the case number and document title. If the request for oral argument is granted, the parties will be contacted as to the date and time of argument, as established by LCR 7.
Summary: Oral argument is requested by writing "Oral Argument Requested" under the case number and document title.
Document Type
Motion
Filing & Service rules
Sealing & Redaction Procedures
Personal identifiers must be redacted before filing per LCR 5.2(a), with specific redaction rules for dates of birth, minor children's names, SSNs, financial accounts, and other sensitive information.
Documents with personal identifiers must be redacted (blacked out) or removed before they are filed, as established by LCR 5.2(a). • Dates of birth (redact to year of birth) • Names of minor children under 18 (redact to initials) • Social security numbers (remove entirely) • Financial account numbers (redact to last four digits) • Taxpayer identification numbers (remove entirely) • Passport ID numbers (remove entirely) • Driver license numbers (remove entirely)
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Page 11 | FILING YOUR CASE
Personal identifiers must be redacted or removed before filing.
Documents with personal identifiers must be redacted (blacked out) or removed before they are filed, as established by LCR 5.2(a).
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Page 11 | redaction requirements
Sealed documents require a Motion to Seal with proposed order and supporting declaration/affidavit.
If you are filing a document that you want sealed from public view, you must first seek permission from the judge. The request must be submitted in the form of a “ Motion to Seal” and include a proposed order and declaration or affidavit supporting your motion.
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Page 35 | Sealed Documents
Sealed documents must be submitted in person or by mail, not electronically.
Sealed documents cannot be electronically filed and must be submitted in person or through the mail, as established by LCR 5(g)(9).
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Page 35 | Sealed Documents
A Motion to Seal with proposed order and declaration/affidavit is required to file sealed documents.
If you are filing a document that you want sealed from public view, you must first seek permission from the judge. The request must be submitted in the form of a " Motion to Seal" and include a proposed order and declaration or affidavit supporting your motion.
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Page 35 | Sealed Documents
Sealed documents must be filed in person or by mail, not electronically.
Sealed documents cannot be electronically filed and must be submitted in person or through the mail, as established by LCR 5(g)(9).
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Page 35 | Sealed Documents
Sealed documents must be in an envelope marked with caption, case number, and "FILED UNDER SEAL", delivered in person to the Clerk's Office.
The rule regarding the presentation of sealed documents are established by LCR 5(g)(3). The document(s) must be presented in a sealed envelope with the caption, case number and phrase, "FILED UNDER SEAL" on the front of the envelope. The envelope must be delivered in person to the Clerk's Office.
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Page 35 | Sealed Documents
Sealed documents cannot be accessed by anyone without a granted motion to unseal.
Once a document is filed under seal, no one, including the party who filed the document(s), can access, retrieve, review, or print the document unless a motion to unseal is granted by the judge, as established by LCR 5(g)(8).
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Page 35 | Sealed Documents
Sealed documents must be in a sealed envelope marked with case info and delivered in person to Clerk’s Office.
The document(s) must be presented in a sealed envelope with the caption, case number and phrase, “FILED UNDER SEAL” on the front of the envelope. The envelope must be delivered in person to the Clerk’s Office.
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Page 35 | Sealed Documents
Denied motions to seal result in document unsealing, with option to withdraw from record.
If the judge denies your motion to seal, the clerk will unseal the document. In addition, the party who is relying on the sealed document may also request that the court withdraw the document from the record rather than unseal it, as established by LCR 5(g)(6).
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Page 35 | Sealed Documents
Sealed document procedures section begins
Sealed documents .............................................................................................. 34
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Page 4 | FILING DOCUMENTS AFTER YOUR CASE IS OPEN
Sealed documents remain sealed until further court order.
If the judge grants your motion to seal or permits a document to remain under seal, the document will remain sealed until further order of the court, as established by LCR 5(g)(7).
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Page 35 | Sealed Documents
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
Plaintiff must request individualized trial conference within 30 days of filing agreement
Immediately upon the filing of the agreement, plaintiff shall contact the courtroom deputy for the assigned judge and request an initial individualized trial conference. The conference shall occur no later than thirty (30) days after the filing of the agreement unless otherwise ordered by the court.
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Page 1 | Individualized Trial Conference
Pretrial motions (except dispositive) must follow LCR 37 individualized procedure.
Except for dispositive motions, all pretrial motions must use the individualized procedure set forth in LCR 37.
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Page 3 | Pretrial Motions
Discovery planning conference required before seeking discovery under FRCP 26(f)(d).
As a general rule, a party may not seek discovery from any source before the parties have held a planning conference as required by FRCP 26(f), FRCP 26(d).
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Page 28 | Discovery
Motion filing procedures section begins
Motions ............................................................................................................. 32
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Page 4 | FILING DOCUMENTS AFTER YOUR CASE IS OPEN
14-day motions require 9-day response and reply by noting date.
The following types of motions cannot be noted earlier than 14 calendar days after they are filed. Unless otherwise ordered by the judge, the response is due no later than 9 days after the filing of the motion; the reply is due by the noting date.
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Page 33 | B. 14-day motions
Same-day motions do not permit responses or replies unless ordered.
The following motions may be noted for the same day they are filed. A response or reply is not permitted unless ordered by the court.
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Page 33 | A. Same day motions
28-day motions require 21-day response and reply by noting date.
The following types of motions cannot be noted any earlier than 28 calendar days after they are filed. The response is due by 21 days after the date of filing and the reply is due by the noting date, unless otherwise ordered by the judge.
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Page 33 | D. 28-day motions
21-day motions require 15-day response and reply by noting date.
Non-dispositive motions, except those specifically listed in other parts of LCR 7(d), cannot be noted any earlier than 21 calendar days after they are filed. The response is due by 15 days after the filing date and the reply is due by the noting date, unless otherwise ordered by the judge.
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Page 33 | C. 21-day motions
Motions in limine responses due Monday before noting date; replies not permitted unless ordered.
After a party files a motion in limine, the response is due by the Monday before the noting date. A reply is not permitted unless ordered by the judge.
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Page 34 | E. Motions in limine
Motions in limine must be noted between 21 days after filing and 6 days before pretrial conference.
Motions in limine cannot be noted any earlier than 21 calendar days after filing but no later than 6 days before the pretrial conference, unless otherwise ordered by the judge.
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Page 34 | E. Motions in limine
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
Defendants must be served within 90 days of filing complaint.
The defendant(s) must be served within 90 days after the complaint is filed, as established by FRCP 4(m).
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Page 24 | SERVICE OF SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT
Service must be completed within 90 days of filing the complaint.
You must perfect service within 90 days from the date the complaint has been filed, or your case may be dismissed.
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Page 25 | How do you serve The United States, its agencies, corporations, officers, or employees?
Chambers Communication Rules
Court does not accept pleadings via email, only through CM/ECF
The term, “e-file” differs from “email” in that the court does not accept pleadings via email.
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Page 19 | ELECTRONIC FILING SYSTEM (CM/ECF)
Technical requirements for ECF registration listed
The following requirements must be met to register for electronic filing: • The filing fee has been paid or the Motion to Proceed In Forma Pauperis (IFP) has been granted. • You are a party to the case for which you are applying for electronic filing. • You meet the following technical requirements: 1. A personal computer with Internet access. 2. Internet Explorer or Firefox browser. Other browsers (Safari, Google Chrome; Microsoft Edge) may have functionality issues with the court’s ECF system and are not supported. 3. Software to convert your documents to PDF format (portable document format) OR a scanner set to 200 dpi (dots per inch) for scanning documents to PDF format. 4. Adobe Acrobat Reader software to view and save documents in PDF format. 5. Experience and knowledge of word processing applications, printers and the Internet. 6. An email account to receive notices of filings and court orders.
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Page 20 | ELECTRONIC FILING SYSTEM (CM/ECF)
Email only for new cases; after assignment, use in-person, mail, or ECF.
You are only permitted to email documents when filing a new case. Once a judge has been assigned, documents must be submitted in person, through the mail or via the court’s electronic filing system, if registered (see page 18).
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Page 16 | You are only permitted to email documents when filing a new case. Once a judge has been assigned, documents must be submitted in person, through the mail or via the court’s electronic filing system, if registered (see page 18).
Clerk cannot provide legal advice, interpret rules, or communicate with judges.
We cannot: Give legal advice. This policy applies to all parties, including attorneys. Tell you whether you should file a case or what information to include in your court pleadings. Talk to the judge for you or let you talk to the judge outside of court. Determine when a decision will be made on your IFP or other pending motions as well as interpreting court orders. Interpret court rules.
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Page 18 | We cannot:
Written notice of address, phone, or email changes must be filed within 10 days.
If your address, phone number or email address (if registered for electronic filing) changes, you must file a written notice within 10 (ten) days of the change, as established by LCR 10(f). All subsequent pleadings, motions, or other filings must reflect the new contact information.
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Page 35 | If You Move During Your Case- Change of Contact Information
Email new case documents based on county.
You also have the option of submitting new case documents electronically. Where you email them is based on the county where the incident took place or where the defendant(s) reside (see page 6).
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Page 16 | You also have the option of submitting new case documents electronically. Where you email them is based on the county where the incident took place or where the defendant(s) reside (see page 6).
After-hours filing via locked drop box.
If you arrive outside of those hours, documents may be filed via the locked drop box located in the lobby of both courthouses.
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Page 16 | If you arrive outside of those hours, documents may be filed via the locked drop box located in the lobby of both courthouses.
Clerk's Office hours: M-F 9am-4pm.
The Clerk’s Office window is open to the public Monday-Friday from 9am to 4pm. Please make sure you have completed and signed all of the required forms before submitting them to the court.
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Page 16 | The Clerk’s Office window is open to the public Monday-Friday from 9am to 4pm. Please make sure you have completed and signed all of the required forms before submitting them to the court.
Mailing documents based on county of incident or defendant residence.
Documents may also be mailed to the Seattle or Tacoma courthouse. Where you mail them is based on the county where the incident took place or where the defendant(s) reside (see page 6).
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Page 16 | Documents may also be mailed to the Seattle or Tacoma courthouse. Where you mail them is based on the county where the incident took place or where the defendant(s) reside (see page 6).
Clerk can answer general questions and provide required forms for case filing.
We can: Answer general questions about how the court works, including providing you with the required forms to open a new case. Provide general information about court policies and procedures.
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Page 18 | We can:
Contact ECF Support Team by phone for CM/ECF technical questions.
For questions, please contact the ECF Support Team at (206) 370-8440, option#2 or via email at cmecf@wawd.uscourts.gov.
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Page 19 | ELECTRONIC FILING SYSTEM (CM/ECF)
CM/ECF system provides email notifications of all case filings
The CM/ECF system allows you to receive and view via email everything that has been filed by you, the judge, the defendants, or any other parties in your case.
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Page 19 | ELECTRONIC FILING SYSTEM (CM/ECF)
ECF filing rules and procedures available on court website
Information about how to directly file documents into CM/ECF, the rules and procedures that must be followed and the ECF User Manual can be found on our website at www.wawd.uscourts.gov/representing-yourself-pro-se/how-to-e-file.
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Page 19 | ELECTRONIC FILING SYSTEM (CM/ECF)
ECF Support Team contact information provided
For questions, please contact the ECF Support Team at (206) 370-8440, option#2 or via email at cmecf@wawd.uscourts.gov.
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Page 19 | ELECTRONIC FILING SYSTEM (CM/ECF)
Electronic filing is optional; paper filing still permitted
You are not required to use the court’s electronic filing system. If you are not computer savvy or do not have access to a computer, we recommend that you file your documents in person or through the mail.
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Page 20 | ELECTRONIC FILING SYSTEM (CM/ECF)
Second registration option: electronic filing and electronic-only document service
documents and be notified via email when a document has been filed, check the SECOND option. With this option, you waive your right to file and receive documents in your case in person or by other means. You will receive all documents electronically from the court and other parties. A paper copy will not be mailed to you.
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Page 21 | documents and be notified via email when a document has been filed
First registration option: receive electronic notices but must file paper copies
To receive service of documents and notice of electronic filings to your email address, chose the FIRST option. This option does not allow you to file documents electronically. Instead, you must file a paper copy either in person or through the mail.
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Page 21 | To receive service of documents and notice of electronic filings
CM/ECF support available by phone (206-370-8440) or email (cmecf@wawd.uscourts.gov), M-F 8am-5pm
Electronic Filing Assistance If you have questions about electronic filing, the CM/ECF support desk can be contacted by phone or email. (206) 370-8440 cmecf@wawd.uscourts.gov Monday – Friday, 8am to 5pm
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Page 21 | Electronic Filing Assistance
Registration form can be returned via email or mail
Once you have completed the form, you can return it via email or through the mail. The court's email address and mailing address can be found at the bottom of the registration form.
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Page 21 | Once you have completed the form, you can return it via email or through the mail
First viewing of filed documents is free; subsequent views cost $0.10 per page.
You may view a document once without being charged by clicking on the document number in the email you receive. This is known as the “free look.” Make sure you click on the document once (not twice) or you may be charged a viewing fee by PACER, which is currently .10 cents per page.
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Page 23 | NEF
Contact Clerk's Office for case questions after assignment.
If you have questions after your case has been assigned a case number and judge, you may contact the Clerk’s Office at the Seattle or Tacoma office (based on case assignment) and ask to speak with a case administrator.
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Page 27 | Case assignment
Magistrate judge may handle various stages of civil cases under FRCP 73(a).
If your case has been assigned to a district court judge, he or she may refer your case to a magistrate judge to handle different stages of your case leading up to trial. A magistrate judge may preside over a civil action or proceeding, including a jury or bench trial, pursuant to FRCP 73(a).
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Page 27 | Case assignment
Pretrial conference may be scheduled after discovery under LCR 16(a)(1).
The judge assigned to your case may schedule a “pretrial conference” after discovery has been completed. A pretrial conference is a meeting between the judge and the parties to narrow down the issues and resolve matters necessary to the disposition of the case, as established by LCR 16(a)(1).
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Page 28 | Pretrial process
Junior Lawyer Participation Incentives
Oral argument procedures section begins
Oral argument ................................................................................................... 34
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Page 4 | FILING DOCUMENTS AFTER YOUR CASE IS OPEN