Local Rule 83.5.5: PRACTICE BY PRO SE LITIGANTS

RULE 83.5.5 PRACTICE BY PRO SE LITIGANTS

(a) Generally. An individual who is not represented by counsel and who is a party in a pending proceeding may appear pro se and represent himself or herself in the proceeding.

(b) No Representation of Other Parties. An individual appearing pro se may not represent any other party and may not authorize any other individual who is not a member of the bar of this district to appear on his or her behalf.

(c) Corporations and Other Entities. A corporation, partnership, limited liability company, trust, estate, or other entity that is not an individual may not appear pro se. An individual officer, director, partner, member, trustee, administrator, or executor may not appear on behalf of an entity; provided, however, that if such an individual is also an attorney who is otherwise permitted to practice in this court, the attorney may represent the entity if the representation is otherwise appropriate under the circumstances. The court may strike any pleading filed on behalf of any entity that purports to appear pro se.

(d) Requirement to Follow Rules. A pro se party is required to comply with these local rules.

(e) Requirement to Provide Mailing Address. Any party who appears pro se must provide the clerk and all parties a mailing address at which service upon the pro se party can be made. Service of pleadings and other papers under Rule 5 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and L.R. 5.2 may be made on a pro se party by sending copies by regular mail to the party at the designated address.

(f) E-Mail Address. Any party who appears pro se may also provide the clerk and all parties an e-mail address at which service upon that party may be made. A pro se party may thereafter be served electronically at the designated e-mail address.

(g) Requirement for Documents Filed with Court. Any document requiring a signature that is filed by a party appearing pro se shall bear the words "pro se" following that party's signature. Any such document shall also state the party's mailing address, telephone number (if any), and e-mail address (if any).

(h) Requirement to Update Addresses. Every party appearing pro se shall inform the clerk and all parties in writing of any change of name, address, telephone number, or e-mail address within 14 days of the change. It is the responsibility of the pro se party to notify the clerk and the parties of any change. Any notice sent by the clerk or any party to a pro se party shall be deemed delivered and properly served if sent to the most recent address or e-mail address provided by the pro se party.

Effective January 1, 2015. Amended effective November 1, 2019