Nationally, CM/ECF filers are increasingly using third-party services (e.g., PACER Pro, DocketBird, CourtDrive, RECAP, etc.) to collect and organize case filings. The use of third-party services or software increases the potential risk of inadvertently sharing restricted documents.

Sharing your  PACER account credentials with a third-party service provider or designating that provider as a secondary recipient of a Notice of Electronic Filing or Notice of Docket Activity (NEF/NDA) will give that third party access to restricted or sealed case information and documents, typically in violation of court order. You are urged to use caution in your computer security practices to ensure that restricted or sealed documents to which you have access are not disclosed.

More information? See WSBA Advisory Opinion 201601 (link is external) (Ethical Practices of the Virtual Law Office) and Electronic Filing Procedures for the Bankruptcy Court, W.D. Washington.