NextGen CM/ECF Information

The Case Management/Electronic Case Filing (CM/ECF) system for the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio operates on the Next Generation CM/ECF (NextGen) platform.

NextGen features a Central Sign-On option that allows registered users to access all participating NextGen courts, including appellate, bankruptcy, and district courts, with a single PACER login and password.

All registered CM/ECF users must have an individual PACER account to use the system. Shared PACER accounts are not allowed and cannot be used. Additionally, all PACER users are required to use 2-Factor Authentication to log into the system.

Step 1. Obtain Your Own Individual PACER Account if you do not already have one. Register for a PACER account. If you already have your own PACER account, then proceed to Step 2.

A note to firms: Firms may set up a PACER Administrative Account to help manage attorney accounts, and have them centrally billed for filing and PACER access fees. Complete information regarding PACER Administrative Accounts (PAAs) can be found here: https://www.pacer.gov/documents/paausermanual.pdf. Click here to register for a PAA Account: https://www.pacer.gov/reg_firm.html

Step 2. If you already have your own individual PACER account (as opposed to a shared account that your whole firm or office uses), determine whether your PACER account is an upgraded or legacy account. (Legacy accounts were created prior to August 11, 2014.) Legacy accounts must be upgraded in order to file in a NextGen court. Instructions for upgrading your PACER account. After reviewing the above instructions, click here to manage your account: https://pacer.psc.uscourts.gov/pscof/login.jsf.

Important Note to CJA Panel Members: Within the NextGen platform, CJA members can toggle between exempt (CJA) and non-exempt (non-CJA). CJA Procedures for NextGen CM/ECF

The PACER Service Center has created an electronic learning module specifically for CJA counsel: PACER CJA ELM

Questions regarding Individual PACER accounts should be directed to PACER at pacer@psc.uscourts.gov or by calling (800) 676-6856. Answers to frequently asked questions may be found at https://www.pacer.gov/nextgen. Preparing for NextGen - PACER USERS

Step 3. Make sure you know the login and password that was used in CM/ECF prior to February 10, 2020. These are the credentials that were issued by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio and used to e-file, view restricted documents and/or maintain e-mail notification preferences. If you do not know the CM/ECF login and/or password, please call the Clerk's Office Help Desk at 1-800-355-8498.

Step 4. You must link your upgraded PACER account to your CM/ECF account or you will be unable to access the Court’s electronic filing system. Instructions for Linking an upgraded PACER account to a NextGen CM/ECF account

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

Step-by-Step instructions for registering for a new individual PACER account

Step-by-Step instructions for upgrading an existing legacy PACER account

Step-by-Step instructions for linking an upgraded PACER account to a NextGen CM/ECF account

CJA Exempt Status Instructions

Step-by-Step Instructions for Activating CJA Privileges (Existing CJA Attorney with a PACER Exempt Account, Newly Appointed CJA Attorney with an Existing PACER Account and/or Newly Appointed CJA Attorney with No PACER Account)

Instructions Non-Attorney E-File Registration

Instructions Register MDL-PHV

QUESTIONS ABOUT NEXTGEN?

Cleveland: 1-800-355-8498

Akron: 330-252-6000

Toledo: 419-213-5500