Skip to content

Appellate court eFiling

Electronic filing in Wisconsin courts
  1. Home
  2. eFile/eCourts
  3. Appellate court eFiling
  4. Timeline

Implementation timeline & transition instructions

electronic files

Transition to mandatory appellate eFiling

The Wisconsin Supreme Court has approved a plan to begin a comprehensive system of electronic filing for the Court of Appeals and Supreme Court. The Court has also approved a number of amendments to the Rules of Appellate Procedures (external link) to incorporate eFiling procedures. Electronic filing will be implemented in the following phases:

  1. Voluntary eFiling in the Court of Appeals until June 30, 2021
  2. Mandatory eFiling in the Court of Appeals beginning July 1, 2021
  3. Supreme Court pilot project: testing of designated cases
  4. Supreme Court non-pilot cases: continue to use traditional filing

1. Voluntary eFiling in the Court of Appeals until June 30, 2021

The pilot project for voluntary eFiling in the Court of Appeals will conclude on June 30, 2021.

2. Mandatory eFiling in the Court of Appeals beginning July 1, 2021

Beginning on July 1, 2021, attorneys are required to eFile all documents with the Court of Appeals. Please note several important points:

  • eFiling is mandatory for all Wisconsin attorneys, attorneys appearing pro hac vice, and filing agents who file more than 10 small claims actions per calendar year in the Wisconsin circuit courts.
  • Mandatory eFiling is applicable to all new cases and all documents filed in pending cases. Mandatory eFilers will be automatically opted in to their pending cases in the Court of Appeals on the evening of June 30, 2021. Notifications from the court and service from other parties will be sent only through the eFiling system as of July 1.
  • Self-represented parties may register to use the eFiling system if they choose.
  • All parties who opt in to the case will be served electronically. A single plain-paper copy of any document must be served on non-electronic parties.
  • eFiling parties may use electronic signatures to sign documents, including certifications.
  • A document will be considered filed on a particular day if it is submitted to the eFiling system by 11:59 p.m. and subsequently accepted by the clerk upon review.
  • The notice of appeal under Wis. Stat. Rule 809.10 is still filed in the circuit court.
  • NEW!  In addition, the docketing statement, statement on transcript, and optional motion for 3-judge panel are also filed in the circuit court.
  • NEW!  Changes have been made throughout the Rules of Appellate Procedure, Wis. Stat. chapter 809.
  • NEW!  Attorneys and self-represented parties do not have to file multiple bound copies of briefs with the Court of Appeals.
  • NEW!  A number of changes have been made to the required format for briefs and certifications.
  • There is no eFiling fee for appellate eFiling.

For complete information, please consult these rules:

3. Supreme Court pilot project: testing of designated cases

The Supreme Court is currently testing the new eFiling system on a small set of cases by invitation. Beginning on July 1, 2021, parties who are invited to participate in the pilot project should follow the amended Rules of Appellate Procedure, effective July 1, 2021. No date has been set for the Supreme Court to begin mandatory eFiling.

4. Supreme Court non-pilot cases: continue to use traditional filing

If a proceeding in the Supreme Court is not included in the pilot project ("non-pilot proceeding"), the parties must file paper documents and use traditional methods of service until further notice. The Supreme Court has issued an Order and Revised Interim Rule with the rules applicable to parties in non-pilot proceedings. The Revised Interim Rule will be in effect starting on July 1, 2021, and continuing until the Court begins mandatory electronic filing.

  • During this time, parties in non-pilot proceedings must file the required number of paper copies with the Clerk. See the Revised Interim Rule for guidance on the number of copies required.
  • Parties must serve other parties with paper copies using traditional methods of service such as mail and delivery.
  • Unless the Supreme Court orders otherwise in a particular matter, documents must be physically received in the Clerk’s office by the close of business at 5:00 pm. Fax filings must complete transmission by 5:00 pm.
  • Briefs, appendices, petitions for review, and responses to petitions for review must be printed and bound, with color covers if applicable.
  • Handwritten signatures must be used to sign paper documents and certifications.
  • An attorney filing a brief, petition for review, or response to a petition for review must file an electronic copy of the document with the court in addition to the paper copies. For timely filing, the controlling date is determined by physical receipt of the paper copies.
  • Certain aspects of the new Rules of Appellate Procedure, effective July 1, 2021, are applicable with respect to formatting, numbering of the record, treatment of confidential information, and calculation of time.
  • View the amended Rules of Appellate Procedure (effective July 1, 2021) (external link)
  • View the 2021 Supreme Court Order regarding appellate eFiling (effective July 1, 2021)
  • View the Interim Rules for the Supreme Court Pilot Project (effective July 1, 2021)

For additional information about electronic filing of briefs and appendices in addition to the paper copies, please see:

If you have any questions about filing and service in the Supreme Court during the pilot project, contact the Clerk of the Supreme Court at clerk@wicourts.gov or (608) 266-1880.