Local Rule LR81.1: Self-Represented Litigants.

LR81.1. Self-Represented Litigants.

(a) Self-Represented Litigants. Those proceeding without an attorney, i.e., "pro se" or "in propria persona," must appear personally on behalf of themselves only and may not delegate that duty to another who is not authorized to practice in this court. Pro se litigants shall abide by all local, federal, and other applicable rules and/or statutes. Sanctions, including but not limited to entry of default judgment or dismissal with prejudice, may be imposed for failure to comply with the Local Rules.

(b) Entities Other than Individuals. Entities other than individuals, including but not limited to corporations, partnerships, limited liability partnerships or corporations, trusts, community associations, and unions, must be represented by an attorney.

(c) Filing and Service by Self-Represented Litigants.

(1) After service of process, self-represented litigants need not serve any document that is electronically filed. Any document not electronically filed must be served pursuant to LR5.5.

(2) The court may agree to accept by e-mail scanned documents from a self-represented litigant intended for electronic filing. The agreement must be in writing and filed in the record. All documents intended for filing by the self-represented litigant must be signed by hand and conform to LR10.2.

(3) If a self-represented litigant presents a document or item for filing that cannot be scanned or does not produce a legible electronic image, the clerk must:

(A) Briefly describe the document or item and note the date of its submission in the record of the case; and

(B) Notify the litigant to serve the document or item by other means within three (3) business days.

(d) Serving Documents on Self-Represented Litigants.

(1) Self-represented litigants may agree to receive e-mail service of all documents filed electronically, whether filed by the clerk or by registered users. Consent must be in writing and filed in the record of the case. Documents not filed in the electronic record must be served pursuant to LR5.5.

(2) Alternatively, or in addition, pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 5(b)(2)(E), a self-represented litigant may agree with one or more other parties to receive and/or effect service by specified means. Such agreement must be made in writing signed by each participating party and filed in the record.

(3) Where neither (d)(1) nor (d)(2) apply, attorneys filing electronically must serve a self-represented litigant pursuant to LR5.5.

(e) Application of Three-Day Mailing Rule. When a party may or must respond to a document within a specified time period in a case involving a self-represented litigant three (3) days are added to the end of the response time, except when the party receives the document by e-mail, CM/ECF, personal service, or hand delivery.

(f) Ex Parte Communications. Self-represented litigants must not informally communicate with the presiding judge or chambers staff by letter, telephone, or electronic means. Requests for action must be brought by motion subject to response by the opposing party. Documents sent directly to the presiding judge, other than confidential settlement conference statements, will be shared with all parties in the case. The court may, in its discretion, construe written ex parte requests as motions that shall be docketed and treated as such by all parties.