US · rules
D. Mass. L.R. 83.5.5
Practice by Pro Se Litigants
(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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