Northern District of California
Procedures & Guidelines
| Subject: | Section: | Comments: |
| SF - Filing Procedures | Reference Manual | |
Last updated: 10/20/1998
IN ADDITION TO THE LOCAL RULES, THE FOLLOWING GUIDELINES HAVE BEEN PROVIDED TO ENSURE THAT THE FILING PROCESS IS ACCOMPLISHED WITH EASE AND ACCURACY. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR ASSISTANCE, PLEASE CALL DURING OFFICE HOURS.
San Francisco Clerks Ofice
San Jose Clerks Office
Oakland Clerks Office
Eureka Clerks Office
1. Documents are to be filed in the Clerk’s Office at the location of the chambers of the judge to whom the action has been assigned. We do not accept filings for cases assigned to judges or magistrate judges in the Oakland or San Jose division, per Civil L.R. 3-2(b).
2. This office will retain the original plus one copy of most documents submitted. We will conform as many copies as you bring for your use. Related cases require an extra copy for each related action designated.
3. The copy retained goes directly to the assigned Judge. Courtesy copies, or instructions for couriers to deliver a copy directly to chambers are inappropriate, unless you have been instructed to do so by court order.
4. In order to facilitate the file stamping process, each original document should be submitted on top of its copies. In other words, group like documents together--as opposed to a set of originals and separate sets of copies.
5. The case number must indicate whether it is a civil or criminal matter by the inclusion of C or CR at the beginning of the number. Miscellaneous and foreign judgment matters should also be indicated with initials MISC or FJ at the end of the case number.
6. The case number must include the initials of the judge and/or magistrate judge followed by the letters designating the case Arbitration (ARB), Early Neutral Evaluation (ENE) or Mediation (MED)--if assigned to one of those programs.
7. The document caption should include the appropriate judge or magistrate judge involved in a particular matter or before whom an appearance is being made. This is especially important when submitting Settlement Conference Statements.
8. Documents are to be stapled or acco-fastened at the top. Backings, bindings and covers are not required. Two holes punched at the top of the original document will facilitate processing.
9. Appropriately sized, stamped, self-addressed return envelopes are to be included with proposed orders or when filing documents by mail.
10. Proofs of service should be attached to the back of documents. If submitted separately, you must attach a pleading page to the front of the document showing case number and case caption.
11. There are no filing fees once a case has been opened.
12. New cases must be accompanied by a completed and signed Civil Cover Sheet, the filing fee or fee waiver request form and an original plus two copies of the complaint and any other documents. For Intellectual Property cases, please provide an original plus three copies of the complaint. Please present new cases for filing before 3:30 p.m., as they take a considerable amount of time to process.
13. Copies of forms may be obtained at no charge. They may be picked up in person from the Clerk’s Office forms cabinet or with a written request accompanied by an appropriate sized, stamped, self-addressed envelope for return. In addition, copies of the Local Rules may be obtained, free of charge, in the Clerk’s Office or by sending a written request, along with a self-addressed, 10" x 14" return envelope, stamped with $7.50 postage to: Clerk, U.S. District Court, 450 Golden Gate Avenue, 16th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94102.
14. Two computer terminals which allow public access to case dockets and one terminal with information regarding files at the Federal Records Center (FRC) are located in the reception area of the Clerk’s Office. Written instructions are posted by the terminals. Outside of the Clerk’s Office, electronic access to dockets is available through PACER. To obtain information or to register call 1-800-676-6851.
15. A file viewing room is located adjacent to the reception area. Files may be viewed in this area after signing the log sheet and presenting identification. Files are to be returned by 12:45 p.m.. Under no circumstances are files to be removed from the viewing room. (Hours for San Francisco 9:00 am to 1:00 pm)
16. The Clerk’s Office can only accept payment by exact change or check made payable to Clerk, U.S. District Court. No change can be made for fees or the public copy machine.
17. Two pay copy machines are located in the file viewing room for public use, at twenty-five ($.25) per page. Copy cards may be purchases at the snack bar on the first floor. Orders for copywork may be placed through LoneStar by phoning (415) 255-8550 . Arrangements may be made to bring in a personal copier by calling the Clerk’s Office in advance.
18. Drop Boxes for filing when the Clerk's Office is closed are available.
