Please find attached a Standing Order that modifies the way our Court handles sealed documents.  The Standing Order directs the Court to treat documents that formerly would be docketed under seal in CM/ECF in the same manner as we currently treat highly sensitive documents (HSD).  This means that going forward from today, all newly filed sealed documents will be kept off CM/ECF, and processed, stored, and disseminated in paper format.    

Effective today, the ability to file sealed documents in CM/ECF has been disabled.  This will mean that you will need to file sealed documents in paper format with the Clerk’s Office for processing.  Sealed documents may be filed in person at the Clerk’s Office or via U.S. mail, but not via email. 

When sealed document docket entries are created in CM/ECF, NEFs will still generate, but there will be no hyperlinked document in the NEF notification or in CM/ECF.  Sealed documents will be stored in paper format in the Clerk’s Office, and you will need to serve parties as outlined on page 4 of the Court’s Second Amended Standing Order In Re: Procedures for the Filing, Service, and Management of Highly Sensitive Documents, entered April 14, 2021.  If you are to be given a copy of sealed documents, they will either be mailed to you via U.S. mail, or you can arrange to pick up the documents at the courthouse with proper identification and authorization.

If you have any questions about these new procedural changes, please reach out to the Clerk’s Office in the appropriate division:

Norfolk:            757-222-7201

Alexandria:       703-299-2100

Richmond:        804-916-2220

Newport News: 757-247-0784