Integrating ECF/PACER

Add your ECF credentials to convert alerts into shareable, real-time notifications and reduce PACER costs.

Summary

Learn how to link your PACER/ECF credentials to Docket Alarm to enable real-time alerts, download "Free Look" documents automatically, and reduce your overall PACER fees.

Why This is Important

Without integration, Docket Alarm has to periodically "pull" the court for updates, which can cause a slight delay. By linking your ECF account, Docket Alarm intercepts the official "Notice of Electronic Filing" (NEF) email sent by the court.

Benefits:

  1. Real-Time Speed: You get the alert within seconds of when the court sends it.

  2. Free Documents: The system automatically downloads the "Free Look" PDF attached to the NEF. This saves you the standard PACER document fees.

  3. Shareable Links: Unlike the standard PACER link which expires after one click, Docket Alarm converts the document into a permanent link that you can share with your entire team without incurring double charges.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Access Setup

  1. Go to the Dashboard.

  2. Look for the ECF Integration Setup button (located on the bottom right of the page).

  3. Alternatively, go to My Account > ECF Setup.

Link your credentials to unlock real-time speed and cost savings.

Step 2: Input Credentials

  1. Select the specific court(s) you have credentials for.

  2. Enter your PACER Username and Password.

  3. Click Connect ECF Account.

Step 3: Verify Integration

  • Once linked, the alert will automatically add to your case dashboard once there has been a new filing.

  • You will see alerts in your dashboard displayed in blue italics, indicating they were sourced directly from an ECF notification.

Security & Privacy

  • Security: Docket Alarm does not store your ECF password and does not pull confidential documents. We only add a secondary email within your ECF settings to receive copies of the public Notice of Electronic Filing.

Cost Saving Tip: By centralizing your firm's tracking through Docket Alarm with ECF integration, you ensure that a document is paid for only once. If 10 attorneys need to read the same motion, they all view the cached Docket Alarm copy, rather than each paying $3.00 to PACER.

Related Articles

Need more help?

If your password changes on the official PACER site, remember to update it here in Docket Alarm to prevent interruption of your alerts.

What's Your Next Step?

New to vLex Library ?

Already a vLex Library Customer?

See how vLex Library can transform your practice. Request a personalized demo.

If you still have questions or need help with a specific feature, our team is here to assist. Contact our Support team.

Last updated

Was this helpful?