Difference Between Case Opening and Electronic Case Files (ECF) Training

The Case Opening classes will focus on opening new cases in the CM/ECF System and paying fees using Pay.gov when filing the Summons and Complaint.   To use the Case Opening feature of the CM/ECF System, an attorney filer must have e-filing access rights.   However, completion of Case Opening training alone will not activate e-filing rights for those attorneys who presently do not have such rights.  (Case Opening Training Agenda)

The Electronic Case Files (ECF) classes will instruct participants on the Electronic Filing (E-Filing) process and procedures.   It is the completion of ECF training that activates an attorney's e-filing access rights.  (ECF Training Agenda.)

Those who have attended ECF training are encouraged to register for Case Opening training.  Those who have not attended any training are encouraged to register for both Case Opening and Electronic Case Files (ECF) training.

An attorney's attendance at one of the scheduled ECF training classes normally will be required.   If an attorney cannot attend training but believes that he/she has achieved proficiency sufficient to allow him/her to begin to E-File, then the attorney may request that the Clerk's Office activate his/her E-Filing access rights without training but after completion of a Court-assigned practice filing.   This request is to be submitted, by letter or e-mail, to the Clerk of the Court.

Release of CM/ECF Version 3.1 is scheduled to take place in the first quarter of 2008.  Please check back for our updated manual and a list of changes to expect in the newest version of CM/ECF.

Schedule of Training Classes for Case Opening & Electronic Case Files (ECF)  -  January to December  2008

The Clerk’s Office will provide Case Opening and Electronic Case Files (ECF) training classes in Washington, DC, during the months of January, March, May, July, September, October and November, 2008, and in New York, NY, during the months of February, April, June, August, October and December, 2008.   Please click on the links below to access the training schedules for New York and Washington, DC.

For those individuals residing in cities other than where training has been scheduled, please note the following.  If there are attorneys who actively practice before the Court and their support staff who are interested in having the Court conduct Case Opening and Electronic Case Files (ECF) training classes in their locale, please call (212) 264-2835 to discuss the possibility of arranging the classes.  

To Register for a Training Class

Click on the Training Registration Form to access the form.  Kindly complete the form and return it, via e-mail or fax [(212) 264-0441], to the Court to register for Case Opening and ECF training classes.

CM/ECF User's Manuals

Upon receipt of the login and password, it is highly recommended that users familiarize themselves with the CM/ECF System by reading the materials available on the web site, taking the online tutorial and practicing in the training database.

For questions about the CM/ECF System, specific case information, or technical assistance regarding hardware and software requirements, please contact the CM/ECF Help Desk at 1-866-450-1859 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time.