CM/ECF allows registered attorneys to electronically file (e-file) motions and pleadings with the Court through the internet. These filings are immediately placed on the court's official docket sheet and the system sends attorneys and the judge e-mail notice of all filings in cases in which they are involved, including minute entries and orders.  Any computer with Internet access and web browser software can access CM/ECF. Filing in CM/ECF is governed by the Electronic Case Filing Administrative Policies and Procedures Manual (Policy Manual).  All members of the court's bar are expected to register as electronic filers and file case documents electronically. See Standing Order 06-PLR-2.

CMECF provides internet access to case information to all public users.   Unless viewing dockets from a public access terminal provided by the Eastern District of North Carolina in the Clerk's Offices, retrieving dockets and electronically filed documents requires a PACER account and the Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader software (or equivalent), which is available at no cost from Adobe over the Internet. A PDF document creator, such as Adobe Acrobat Standard (or equivalent) is required to prepare documents for filing.