Proposed protective orders may be entered into pursuant to a stipulation of the parties, and such stipulations are encouraged. However, protective orders may not contain language that authorizes in advance the filing of documents under seal. Filings under seal are governed by Local Rule 5.3. Therefore, proposed protective orders MUST contain the following language:

This order does not authorize the filing of any documents under seal. Documents may be sealed only if authorized by statute, rule, or order of the Court. A party seeking to file under seal any paper or other matter in any civil case pursuant to this section shall file and serve a motion or stipulation that sets forth (i) the authority for sealing; (ii) an identification and description of each item proposed for sealing; (iii) the reason that sealing each item is necessary; (iv) the reason that a means other than sealing is not available or unsatisfactory to preserve the interest advanced by the movant in support of the seal; and, if a party files a motion only, (v) a memorandum of legal authority supporting the seal. See Local Rule 5.3. No party shall file or otherwise tender to the Clerk any item proposed for sealing unless the Court has entered an order allowing filing under seal.

Whenever a motion or stipulation to seal is filed, the party seeking to file under seal shall submit a proposed order which states the particular reason the seal is required. The proposed order shall be submitted via the link located under the "Utilities" section of CM/ECF.

Proposed protective orders submitted to the Court for entry should not contain any language that conflicts with the foregoing provision.