Renois v. WVMF Funding, LLC

Background

Marianne Renois, acting as administrator, fiduciary, and beneficiary of the estate of Ellis DeAngelo and on behalf of others similarly situated, filed a motion to compel. She attached redacted versions of Exhibits A, B, F, and G and sought to file those exhibits under seal. The court directed her to file a sealing motion with unredacted copies for the court’s consideration.

Renois then filed a motion to seal, stating that Compu-Link Corporation d/b/a Celink had designated the documents as confidential under the parties’ protective order.

Court’s analysis

The court explained that a party seeking to seal a document must provide a redacted copy for the public docket and an unredacted copy for the court. Renois had not provided unredacted copies either through the court’s electronic filing system or by email.

The court also explained that a party seeking to seal documents must make the showing required by Lugosch v. Pyramid Co. of Onondaga. A designation under a protective order, standing alone, is not enough to permanently seal documents. The court must independently weigh the public’s right of access against any interests supporting secrecy.

Ruling

The court directed Celink, if it wished to keep Exhibits A, B, F, and G under seal, to file by March 31, 2025, a motion making the required showing under Lugosch. Celink was also directed to file both redacted and unredacted copies of the relevant documents with that motion. The Clerk was directed to terminate the letter motion at ECF No. 132. The order did not state that the exhibits were permanently sealed or rule on the underlying motion to compel.