Online: Learn How to File Electronically

For attorneys who wish to file electronically in the federal district courts, the Case Management ' Electronic Case Filing (“CM/ECF”) site at  www.ilnb.uscourts.gov/cmEcf/ is very helpful. Go to the site and click on “Requirements.” There you will find both the minimum and recommended configurations for hardware and software for both IBM compatible and Macintosh computers.

The Electronic Case Filing (ECF) Tutorial is designed for attorneys interested in learning how to use the CM/ECF system. Through guided practice, using simulated CM/ECF screens and actions, you will learn how to file pleadings and other materials using the CM/ECF system.

The tutorial consists of six modules. The first five modules guide you through specific CM/ECF functions such as how to file a motion or how to create a docket report. The sixth module contains a link to an Adobe Acrobat tutorial on working with PDF documents. The entire tutorial will take you about an hour to complete.

If you click on “Bulletin Board,” there is a list of topics and moderators. If you are registered, you can participate in a discussion. Topics include: General Information, Computer Hardware, Computer Software and Benefits/Costs.

The topics under Frequently Asked Questions include: CM/ECF Project Background, Implementation Schedule, User Information, Systems Access and Capabilities (filing and otherwise), Hardware/Software Requirements, Systems Interface and Document/Report Specifications.

There are a number of significant benefits and features of using CM/ECF for courts, attorneys and the public. They include:

• Full case information, including the docket and the filed documents, is readily available to judges, chambers staff, and clerk's office personnel simultaneously without having to retrieve case records from the file room. These court users can also access this information at any time from locations other than the courthouse, via the Internet.
• At the court's option, registered attorneys can file and retrieve court documents 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
• Attorneys filing over the Internet automatically create docket entries.
• Attorneys, parties and the general public are able to view case records using the Internet. This includes the ability to view the full text of all filed documents (subject to any limitations the court might impose).
• Attorneys can receive notices electronically in ECF cases; this eliminates the costs to both the court and attorneys of handling and mailing paper notices. It also greatly speeds delivery and allows easier tracking of case activity.
• Maintaining files in electronic form reduces physical storage space needs.
• Since CM/ECF uses Internet standard software, the out of pocket cost of participation for attorneys is typically very low.

For attorneys who wish to file electronically in the federal district courts, the Case Management ' Electronic Case Filing (“CM/ECF”) site at  www.ilnb.uscourts.gov/cmEcf/ is very helpful. Go to the site and click on “Requirements.” There you will find both the minimum and recommended configurations for hardware and software for both IBM compatible and Macintosh computers.

The Electronic Case Filing (ECF) Tutorial is designed for attorneys interested in learning how to use the CM/ECF system. Through guided practice, using simulated CM/ECF screens and actions, you will learn how to file pleadings and other materials using the CM/ECF system.

The tutorial consists of six modules. The first five modules guide you through specific CM/ECF functions such as how to file a motion or how to create a docket report. The sixth module contains a link to an Adobe Acrobat tutorial on working with PDF documents. The entire tutorial will take you about an hour to complete.

If you click on “Bulletin Board,” there is a list of topics and moderators. If you are registered, you can participate in a discussion. Topics include: General Information, Computer Hardware, Computer Software and Benefits/Costs.

The topics under Frequently Asked Questions include: CM/ECF Project Background, Implementation Schedule, User Information, Systems Access and Capabilities (filing and otherwise), Hardware/Software Requirements, Systems Interface and Document/Report Specifications.

There are a number of significant benefits and features of using CM/ECF for courts, attorneys and the public. They include:

• Full case information, including the docket and the filed documents, is readily available to judges, chambers staff, and clerk's office personnel simultaneously without having to retrieve case records from the file room. These court users can also access this information at any time from locations other than the courthouse, via the Internet.
• At the court's option, registered attorneys can file and retrieve court documents 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
• Attorneys filing over the Internet automatically create docket entries.
• Attorneys, parties and the general public are able to view case records using the Internet. This includes the ability to view the full text of all filed documents (subject to any limitations the court might impose).
• Attorneys can receive notices electronically in ECF cases; this eliminates the costs to both the court and attorneys of handling and mailing paper notices. It also greatly speeds delivery and allows easier tracking of case activity.
• Maintaining files in electronic form reduces physical storage space needs.
• Since CM/ECF uses Internet standard software, the out of pocket cost of participation for attorneys is typically very low.