Rule 5005-1 Filing and Transmittal of Papers.

(a) Electronic Filing and Signing.

  1. By a Represented Entity.  An entity represented by an attorney must file documents by using the Court’s Electronic Case Filing system (“ECF” or “CM/ECF”) in accordance with the CM/ECF Administrative Procedures available on the Court’s website (www.pamb.uscourts.gov).  However, non-electronic filing may be allowed for good cause, or as otherwise provided for by these rules; 
  2. By A Self-Represented Individual. 

(A) Using the Electronic Document Submission System (“EDSS”). A self-represented individual may file documents (other than proofs of claim) electronically using the EDSS. Persons filing with EDSS must comply with the EDSS Administrative Procedures available on the Court’s website (www.pamb.uscourts.gov). Proofs of claim may be filed electronically using the Electronic Proof of Claim System (“ePOC”) in accordance with Local Rule 5005-1(b).

(B) Using the Court’s Electronic Case Filing (“CM/ECF”) system. An individual not represented by an attorney:

  1. may file electronically using CM/ECF only if allowed by Court order or through compliance with the conditions authorizing same as set forth in the CM/ECF Administrative Procedures adopted by this District; and
  2. may be required to file electronically only by Court order or as otherwise provided for in the CM/ECF Administrative Procedures adopted by this District.

3. Signing.

  1. An Electronic Signature made by a person is an original signature for purposes of this Rule. Documents that are electronically filed and require original signatures or require verification under F.R.B.P. 1008 or contain an unsworn declaration under 28 U.S.C. § 1746, must be maintained in paper or Electronic form by the filer for 2 years.
  2. The following definitions shall apply to this Rule:

“Electronic.” Relating to technology having electrical, digital, magnetic, wireless, optical, electromagnetic or similar capabilities.

“Electronic Signature.” An electronic symbol or process attached to or logically associated with a document and executed or adopted by a person with the intent to sign the document.

4. Same as a Written Paper.  A paper filed electronically is a written paper for purposes of these rules, the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure, and Section 107 of the Code.

(b) Filing Proofs of Claim.  Notwithstanding the requirements of L.B.R. 5005-1(a), claims may be filed, amended, or withdrawn through the Court’s Electronic Proof of Claim (“ePOC”) system without the need to register or login as a user in the Court’s CM/ECF system.  Any claim filed, amended, or withdrawn electronically through the ePOC system will constitute the filer’s approved signature and have the same force and effect as if the authorized individual signed a paper copy of the proof of claim form, amendment, or withdrawal.

(c) Temporary Paper Filing.  An attorney who is not a registered CM/ECF filer may file initial papers in person or by using the Court’s Electronic Document Submission System after seeking permission from the Court,  Before any additional papers are filed, the attorney must apply for and obtain a CM/ECF login and password. 

(d) Self-Scheduled Matters.

  1. Filing a Self-Scheduled Matter.  When a motion or other document is filed using self-scheduling, the CM/ECF filer must use the Courtroom Hearing Scheduler (“CHS”).
  2. Self-Scheduled Matters.  A list of the matters that may be self-scheduled, as well as the filing procedures, are posted on the Court’s website under the Self-Scheduling Hearings button.  (www.pamb.uscourts.gov).
  3. Matters Which Cannot Be Self-Scheduled.  No matters other than those listed under the Self-Scheduling Hearings button can be self-scheduled.

COMMENTSThe definitions set forth in subparagraph (a)(3)(B) were adopted from the Electronic Signature in Global and National Commerce Act, 15 U.S.C. § 7001, et. seq., and the Pennsylvania Uniform Electronic Transaction Act, 73 P.S. § 2260.101 et. seq.

Part: 
Part V - Courts and Clerks