8.5.15 CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

Most courts require that litigants who serve papers on the court also certify that they have served copies of those documents on opposing counsel.²⁵ In this way, the court ensures that all litigants have copies of all of the documents in the case. In general, the certificate should describe how service was accomplished. If you hand deliver the document to opposing counsel’s office, the certificate should say so and list the address. If the brief is filed electronically, the certificate may be filed electronically as well; as always, consult local rules to find out the particulars. The sample briefs in Appendix C contain examples of a certificate of service.