When presenting a document for filing in a civil case, you must comply with the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (FRCP) and the Local Civil Rules (LR) of the United States District Court, Northern District of Texas.  Caution:  All applicable rules must be adhered to.  The list below is not exhaustive.   For more filing information, see the Attorney Handbook.

You must submit an original and one copy of each document on numbered, 8 ý x 11" paper, two-hole punched and stapled at the top or fastened with metal or other durable fasteners. If you want to keep a file stamped copy, submit an additional copy (i.e., one original and 2 copies). If you want the extra file stamped copy mailed to you, submit a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

You must file a document in the divisional office where the case is pending. The court will not accept faxed filings.

Pursuant to FRCP 5(c), the Clerk’s Office will not refuse to file a document solely because it is not presented in proper form. The Clerk’s Office will refuse a complaint if not submitted with the appropriate filing fee (see Fee Schedule and 28 USC ß 1914).

Also, the Clerk’s Office will refuse to file discovery materials unless one of the exceptions listed in LR 5.2 applies. Please pay particular attention to the requirement to file appropriate materials related to a discovery dispute. If you submit discovery materials without written explanation, the Clerk’s Office will return them with a "Notice of Return of Discovery Material" form.

Listed below are common filing deficiencies. The Clerk’s Office will notify the presiding judge of any of these deficiencies using a "Notice of Deficiency" form order. If the judge signs the order, the Clerk will "unfile" the pleading.

Common Filing Deficiencies

• No civil cover sheet filed with complaint [LR 3.1(c)]

• No title on the face of the document that clearly identifies each included pleading, motion, or other paper as required by LR 5.1(c) and LR 10.1(a)

• No signature block that sets forth the attorney’s bar number and a facsimile number where information may be sent to the attorney [LR 10.1]

• No certificate of service as defined in FRCP 5(d)

• No summons filed with complaint [LR 3.1(b)]

• Failure to comply with motion practice requirements of LR 7.1 (e.g., no accompanying brief, certificate of conference, or proposed order when required)

• Failure to comply with brief requirements [LR 7.2 or LR 56.5]

• Document not two-hole punched at the top and either stapled in the upper, left-hand corner or secured with a durable fastener at the top [LR 10.1(e)]

• Document not signed [FRCP 11]

• No copy of the proposed amended pleading with a motion for leave to amend [LR 15.1]

• No signature of party on a motion for continuance [LR 40.1]

• Removal of action from state court not in compliance with LR 81.1

• No admission to practice in the Northern District of Texas [LR 83.7]

• No statement in writing by attorney applying for pro hac vice status that the attorney has read and will comply with Dondi Properties Corp. v. Commerce Sav. & Loan Ass’n, 121 F.R.D. 284 (N.D. Tex. 1988) (en banc) and the Local Rules [LR 83.9(b)]

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