In August 2025, the Court ordered that sealed documents would only be accepted in paper and not electronically through CM/ECF.  Since then, additional measures have been taken to enhance the security of the Court’s systems.  Therefore, the Court has amended Standing Order 41 and directed parties to resume filing sealed documents on CM/ECF.  However, there are three caveats.

First, once filed, sealed documents will be accessible to the Court only.  Filers will not be able to view or download restricted documents from CM/ECF.  This includes documents that were previously filed on CM/ECF under seal before August 20. 

Second, since sealed documents will no longer be accessible after filing, service cannot be accomplished through CM/ECF.  Instead, parties must serve sealed documents conventionally by other authorized means.  See Fed. R. Civ. P. 5; Fed. R. Crim P. 49.  The Court will serve sealed orders, notices, and other Court-generated documents by U.S. Mail.

Third, a party with permission to access a sealed document who would like a copy must contact the Clerk’s Office.  After confirming that the party making the request has permission to access the document, the Clerk’s Office will provide the document in-person or by U.S. Mail.  Requests for paper copies are subject to a fee.

For questions about these procedures, please contact the Clerk’s Office at (336) 332-6000 and ask to speak with the Docketing Supervisor, Operations Manager, Chief Deputy Clerk, or me. We appreciate the cooperation of the Bar in working through these changes.

Larry Cunningham
Clerk of Court
United States District Court for the
Middle District of North Carolina