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D. Mass. L.R. 83.5.5

Practice by Pro Se Litigants

activein force · 2019-11-01 – presentact-effective-date

(a) Generally. An individual who is not represented by counsel and who is a party in a pending

proceeding may appear pro se and represent himself or herself in the proceeding.

(b) No Representation of Other Parties. An individual appearing pro se may not represent

any other party and may not authorize any other individual who is not a member of the bar

of this district to appear on his or her behalf.

(c) Corporations and Other Entities. A corporation, partnership, limited liability company,

trust, estate, or other entity that is not an individual may not appear pro se. An individual

officer, director, partner, member, trustee, administrator, or executor may not appear on

behalf of an entity; provided, however, that if such an individual is also an attorney who is

otherwise permitted to practice in this court, the attorney may represent the entity if the

representation is otherwise appropriate under the circumstances. The court may strike any

pleading filed on behalf of any entity that purports to appear pro se.

(d) Requirement to Follow Rules. A pro se party is required to comply with these local rules.

(e) Requirement to Provide Mailing Address. Any party who appears pro se must provide

the clerk and all parties a mailing address at which service upon the pro se party can be

made. Service of pleadings and other papers under Rule 5 of the Federal Rules of Civil

Procedure and L.R. 5.2 may be made on a pro se party by sending copies by regular mail

to the party at the designated address.

(f) E-Mail Address. Any party who appears pro se may also provide the clerk and all parties

an e-mail address at which service upon that party may be made. A pro se party may

thereafter be served electronically at the designated e-mail address.

(g) Requirement for Documents Filed with Court. Any document requiring a signature that

is filed by a party appearing pro se shall bear the words “pro se” following that party’s

signature. Any such document shall also state the party’s mailing address, telephone

number (if any), and e-mail address (if any).

(h) Requirement to Update Addresses. Every party appearing pro se shall inform the clerk

and all parties in writing of any change of name, address, telephone number, or e-mail

address within 14 days of the change. It is the responsibility of the pro se party to notify

the clerk and the parties of any change. Any notice sent by the clerk or any party to a pro

se party shall be deemed delivered and properly served if sent to the most recent address

or e-mail address provided by the pro se party.

History

Effective January 1, 2015. Amended effective November 1, 2019

Provenance

Source
www.mad.uscourts.gov
Retrieved
2026-09-18
Edition
fed-district-2026-09-18
Content hash
50c9419938637a25976ed3f1f218d56a2dfceae14255db1a359b08cf5471ced7
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