Notice and Instruction to Pro Se Party¶

Bass v. TTUHSC, No. 5:25-cv-00244-H-BV (N.D. Tex.) · Dkt. 5 · 2025-11-07 · PDF

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U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas
Instructions to a Non−Prisoner Pro Se Plaintiff
Your suit BASS V. TEXAS TECH HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER ET AL was filed on 11/7/2025 and has
been assigned to the Honorable James Wesley Hendrix, case number 5:25−cv−00244−H−BV.
These instructions do not include everything you need to know to pursue your case, but following them may
help you avoid common mistakes that can result in delay or other consequences−including dismissal of your
case.
1. Filing Procedures − The Local Civil Rules include the following requirements:
♦ After you have filed your complaint, unless you are excused for cause or the presiding judge
directs otherwise, you must:
◊ register as an Electronic Case Files (ECF) user within 14 days (you may register
online via our website at www.txnd.uscourts.gov), and
◊ file any pleading, motion, or other paper electronically.
♦ You must submit a judge's copy (a paper copy) of any document you file, even if you filed
the original electronically.
◊ If you electronically file a document, follow the procedures set forth in the ECF
Administrative Procedures Manual to provide the judge with the judge's copy.
◊ If you file a document on paper and want a file−stamped copy returned to you,
submit the original, the judge's copy, and an extra copy to be returned to you, and
provide a self−addressed, postage−paid envelope. The clerk cannot make an extra
copy for you unless you first pay a fee of 50 cents per page.
♦ You must type or legibly handwrite your documents on one side of numbered pages. Any
exhibit or discovery material attached to the filing must be referred to in the filing. Any
exhibit or discovery material not referred to in your filing or not attached to your filing may
be returned to you.
2. Address Change − You must notify the Court if your address changes, or your case may be
dismissed. If you are an ECF user, follow the procedures in the ECF Administrative Procedures
Manual to update your address. If you are not an ECF user, promptly file a written change of address
notice in your case.
3. Rules to Follow − You must read and follow the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (FRCP), this
court's Local Civil Rules, and the orders entered by a judge in your case.
4. Request for Attorney − In a civil case, you generally are not entitled to a court−appointed attorney
to represent you without cost to you. If you request a court−appointed attorney, a judge will decide
whether to appoint an attorney depending on the circumstances of the case. Even if the court decides
to appoint an attorney, the attorney cannot be forced to accept the appointment. You may call the
Lawyer Referral Service of the State Bar of Texas at (800) 252−9690 for assistance in securing the
services of a private attorney to represent you for a fee.
5. Initial Case Review − If the Court grants leave to proceed in forma pauperis, service of process will
be withheld pending review of your complaint, and your complaint may be dismissed pursuant to 28
U.S.C. § 1915(e)(2).
6. Copies to Defendant − After a defendant has been served your complaint in compliance with FRCP
4, you must serve a copy of any other document you file upon the defendant's attorney (or upon the
defendant, if the defendant is pro se) as required by FRCP 5. If you and the opposing side are both
ECF users, the ECF system will complete service for you, and a Certificate of Service is not required.
If either of you is not an ECF user, or if you learn that service sent through ECF did not reach the
person, you must serve the document by other means and include a Certificate of Service or file one
within a reasonable time after service. Sample language for a Certificate of Service is:

♦ On (Date) I filed (the "foregoing document" or Document Name) with the clerk of court for
the U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas. I hereby certify that I have served the
document on all counsel and/or pro se parties of record by a manner authorized by Federal
Rules of Civil Procedure 5 (b)(2).
Signature
7. Discovery Materials − Do not file discovery materials with the clerk. If you file a motion to compel
discovery, you may attach only the portions of discovery that are relevant to your motion.
8. Questions About Your Case − The court's website at www.txnd.uscourts.gov provides valuable
information. Do not write letters to the judge asking questions about your case − all communication
with the judge should be through filings. Do not write letters to the clerk asking for instructions on
how to handle your case, since the clerk is prohibited from giving legal advice.