Sealed Documents Provided Through Box.com
The Clerk’s Office provides Court-generated sealed documents to authorized attorneys through a secure Box.com link when permitted. This process aligns with the Court’s procedures governing sealed documents and provides a controlled method for access where electronic viewing in CM/ECF is not available.

Important
Sealed documents filed in CM/ECF are not accessible electronically. Box.com is used only as a secure delivery method and does not change filing, access, or service requirements.

Authority
This process is governed by Amended Standing Order No. 41 (April 24, 2026) of the United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina.
See: Amended Standing Order No. 41 – Procedures for the Filing of Sealed Documents

Key Requirements Under the Standing Order

• All sealed documents must be filed in CM/ECF unless exempted.
• Once filed, sealed documents are not accessible or viewable electronically.
• Service of sealed documents cannot be accomplished through CM/ECF.
• Parties must serve sealed documents by other appropriate means under applicable rules.
• The Court may serve sealed orders and notices by mail or through a secure electronic process implemented by the Clerk’s Office.

How Box.com Is Used

• Document is filed under seal in CM/ECF
  Sealed filings remain inaccessible electronically in accordance with the Standing Order.
• Clerk’s Office provides secure access
  When appropriate, a Box.com link is sent to authorized recipients to allow secure access to Court-generated sealed documents.
• Temporary availability
  Links are active for 72 hours. After expiration, documents must be re-requested and fees may apply.
• Confidentiality must be maintained
  Recipients are responsible for protecting sealed materials and limiting access to authorized individuals only.

Service of Sealed Documents
Because sealed documents are not accessible in CM/ECF, service must be completed outside the system in accordance with the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure or Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, as applicable. Box.com is not a method of service.

Copies of Sealed Documents
Parties entitled to access may request additional copies through the Clerk’s Office. Applicable copy fees will be charged.

Highly Sensitive and Specialized Documents
Certain highly sensitive sealed documents remain subject to additional procedures under Standing Order 18. Criminal sentencing-related documents are governed by applicable local criminal rules and procedures.

Questions
For questions regarding sealed documents or Box.com access, please contact the Clerk’s Office and include the case number exactly as it appears in CM/ECF.