Local Rule AP 2.7: Signatures on Electronically Filed Documents

2.7 Signatures on Electronically Filed Documents

(a) Form of Signature. All electronically filed documents must include a signature block and must set forth the Filing User's name, bar registration number, address, primary telephone number, and e-mail address. The name of the Filing User under whose log-in and password the document is submitted must be preceded by (1) a "/s/ [Insert Signatory's Name]" and typed in the space where the signature would otherwise appear, or (2) a digital signature where the signature would otherwise appear.

(b) Multiple Party Documents. The following applies when a pleading, stipulation, or other document requires multiple signatures.

(1) Form of Signatures. All electronically filed documents that contain more than one signature must list thereon all the names of other signatories by means of a "/s/ [Insert Signatory's Name]" block or a digital signature for each signatory.

(2) Certification and Proof of Consent. By electronically filing a document pursuant to subparagraph (b)(1), the Filing User certifies that each of the other signatories has expressly agreed to the form and substance of the document and that the filing attorney has their actual authority to submit the document electronically.

(c) Affidavits/Verified Pleadings/Other Non-Attorney Signatures. Preexisting affidavits and other preexisting non-Filing User signature documents shall be filed in a scanned PDF format. All other affidavits and non-Filing User signature documents, including the signature of a notary or other jurat, shall be filed in an electronically converted PDF format and shall contain a "/s/ [Insert Signatory's Name]" block or a digital signature indicating that the paper document bears an original signature.

(d) Objection to Authenticity. A non-Filing User signatory or party who disputes the authenticity of an electronically filed document must file an objection to the document within fourteen (14) days of the filing of the document in question.

(e) Retention of Documents. Documents that are electronically filed and contain original signatures other than that of the Filing User, as well as consents to file under subsection (b)(2) to the extent memorialized, shall be maintained in paper form by the Filing User until three (3) years after the date of filing or until the conclusion of all appeals in the case, whichever date is later. Upon request of the court or any party, a Filing User must make the original documents available for inspection.

(§§ (a)(2), (b)(1) and (c) amended 10/1/05; § (d) amended 12/1/09; § (a)(2) amended 12/1/17; § (a)(1) removed, § (a)(2) became § (a) 12/1/18; §§ (a), (b)(1) and (c) amended 12/1/21)