As a new attorney seeking admission to the bar in the District of Maryland, I need to understand the complete admission procedure, from application to receiving my bar number. Additionally, once admitted, what are the immediate steps to gain e-filing access, and what are the associated costs for accessing court records through PACER?
Navigate to 'mdd.uscourts.gov'. Click on the 'Attorney Information' link. Click on the 'Apply to the Bar' link, then 'Admission Procedure'. Extract the key steps for bar admission, including application submission, ceremony scheduling, and post-ceremony actions to receive the bar number. From the 'Admission Procedure' page, identify the immediate step required after receiving the bar number to gain e-filing permission. Navigate to the 'E-Filing' page. Identify how attorneys request CM/ECF (e-filing) access. Extract information regarding PACER, specifically its fee structure for accessing court records. Synthesize all gathered information into a concise answer.
The agent successfully navigates to the 'Admission Procedure' page. The agent accurately outlines the three main steps for bar admission: 'Apply for Admission' (including application submission and sponsor's motion, online payment, 14-day review), 'Schedule an Admission Ceremony' (within three months of approval, electronic registration), and 'Day of the Ceremony' (arrival time, check-in, certificate, and email of bar number within 1-2 business days). The agent correctly states that after receiving the bar number, e-filing permission must be requested through the PACER account. The agent successfully navigates to the 'E-Filing' page. The agent states that attorneys must request CM/ECF (e-filing) access through PACER. The agent accurately describes PACER as a fee-for-use service with a charge of $0.10 per page, a maximum charge of $3.00 per document, and notes that the first access to a newly filed document via a Notice of Electronic Filing (NEF) is free.