Important: This information is intended to assist individuals wishing to file a civil action in the United States District Court, Western District of Washington without an attorney, which is called appearing “pro se”. It cannot be a substitute for legal advice from an attorney. You are strongly encouraged to seek legal counsel when filing or defending against a case in federal court. If you’d like to be considered for Court-appointed pro-bono (free) counsel in a Civil Rights or Employment Discrimination case, please fill out the appropriate application found in Forms for Pro Se Filers and file it in your case. For additional legal assistance, please contact the FBA Legal Clinic (see right bar) for a consultation.

Getting Started
The court expects you to review the following before filing with this court:

• Pro Se Guide to Filing Your Lawsuit in Federal Court (PDF)
  Learn the basics on how to open a case and file in this District Court. 
• Fees and Payment Information
  Information on fees and how to pay them, including the court's fee schedule.

Filers are expected to be familiar with the following:

• Applicable Federal Rules
• Applicable Local Rules and
• Any information on your assigned judge’s web page 

You are also expected to diligently pursue your case after you file it.

It is strongly encouraged that you review and use:

• Template forms for pro se filers
• Template forms for Social Security (Self-Representation)

Register to file directly into and/or receive notice from the Court's electronic filing system (CM/ECF):
Important: Registrations cannot be processed until your case is open and the fee is paid or the judge grants your Motion to Proceed In Forma Pauperis. 

• Registration Instructions
  Learn about registration requirements and how to register to file directly into or receive email notification from CM/ECF in your case(s).
• CM/ECF Registration Form for Pro Se Filers
  Submit this form to register to file directly into or to receive email notification from CM/ECF in a case. Submit a separate form for each case in which you wish to register.
• Cancel CM/ECF filing and/or notice
  Submit this form to cancel your request to file directly into or to receive email notification from CM/ECF in your case(s).

Tools to File:

• How to E-File
  Review filing procedures, step-by-step manuals, helpful filing tools, and filing FAQs.
• Order a transcript

Learn More About the Court System:

• Pro Bono Alternative Dispute Resolution/Mediation
• Appeals
  Information on filing a civil or criminal appeal, including forms and links to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
• Common Legal Terms
• Understanding the Federal Courts
  Learn more about the court and its work.