Last updated April 4, 2007

Set Up Your Computer

Don't have a computer? get one. Don't know how to use a computer? Forget it and get a lawyer.

You will want to create a folder on your computer for your files. Call it something clever like "Legal". Then create sub-folders so you can organize papers by subject matter. Sub-folders like "Complaint", "Reply", etc.

Search for and download a copy of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (in pdf format). All federal courts follow these rules. But wait, there's the local rules to consider. Each district has different local rules than govern their actions. You can download these "Local Rules" in pdf format into the "Legal" folder you've created. You will need to read these rules and learn which ones apply to you and your pleadings.

Download from the district court's web page the documents you will need. These forms include, but are not limited to "Waiver of Service", "Civil Cover Sheet", "Summons". Learn the local rules as they apply to exhibits, motions, and the like.

All filings, including the original complaint, have a court instructed header. For the general format CLICK HERE. All courts require double-spaced papers with font size 12 type. Most require an inch border on all sides.When you begin your typing, we suggest you use Word as it used by the great majority of computers. Begin by single spacing your complaint and then double-space it when done. Editing is easier that way, for us at least. Also make sure you "insert" page numbers in the middle of the bottom margin.

Where searching the internet, try using the AltaVista search engine (www.altavista.com) instead of Google or MSN. AltaVista allows you to use exact phrases instead of just words. When you use Google, you enter trademark and infringement and Google gets matches to both or either word. In AltaVista, you can enter "trademark infringement" (in quotes as shown) and AltaVista returns only matches to the phrase "trademark infringement". Very helpful in finding specific legal references. In AltaVista you can search for +"motion for summary judgment", and +"federal court"+"fifth federal circuit", and the search will return only results containg all three of these exact phrases, where Google will only return matches to the nine words used in your search.