In response to recent cyberattacks directed at public and private sector computer systems, including attacks directed at the Judiciary, a new procedure was adopted in July of this year eliminating litigants' ability to electronically file sealed documents and requiring "paper only" filing of all sealed material. Since that time, the Court has diligently worked to develop a revised filing system that would ease the burden on litigants, while protecting the integrity of our electronic case management system and ensuring uninterrupted access to all public Court records.
The Court's Standing Order dated July 29, 2025, is hereby RESCINDED and is replaced by the Standing Order entered today, September 25, 2025.
Sealed documents should once again be filed electronically in CM/ECF under the E-Filing procedures in place prior to July 29, 2025, as amended by any future updates to those procedures. Although electronic filing of sealed documents will resume, litigants will no longer be able to access or view such sealed documents by electronic means. A party with the right to access a sealed document can still request a paper copy by contacting the Clerk’s Office.
Additionally, because sealed documents filed in CM/ECF will no longer be accessible or viewable electronically, service cannot be accomplished through CM/ECF. Parties will have to serve sealed documents by other appropriate means as provided by the Federal Rules of Procedure. See Fed. R. Civ. P. 5 & Fed. R. Crim. P. 49 (outlining the rules governing service "by other means" and requirements for filing certificates of service). The Court will generally serve sealed documents in paper by mail.
The Court’s active standing orders may be found on our website.
You may contact the Clerk’s Office with questions regarding these changes, or sealed document filing questions generally, by emailing sealed_doc_faq@vaed.uscourts.gov, or by phone:
- Alexandria, (703) 299-2100;
- Norfolk, (757) 222-7201;
- Richmond, (804) 916-2220; and,
- Newport News, (757) 247-0784.
Thank you.