Electronic Filing Changing the Practice of Law

Grant Griffiths wishes for electronic filing in his state courts after learning more about the federal e-filing system (now in place in 87 percent of federal courts) where lawyers automatically receive notice of filings .  I can’t blame Grant.   Particularly for lawyers who practice from home, who may not live near the courts, there’s nothing like the convenience of e-filing.

Though not immediately obvious, e-filing is one of those trends which
can significantly improve the practice of law by giving clients options
to representation not previously availabe.  In many ways, it’s like
online dating services like Match.com or Lawyers in Love.
These services pair people from other worlds, who previously, might
never have crossed paths.  E-filing in many ways, serves the same
roles.  It expands possibility by enabling a part time lawyer or a home
office lawyer to conveniently manage a case at a far away locale,
thereby expanding the pool of attorneys available to clients.  This is
particularly important in small towns, where often local lawyers turn
down controversial suits against government for fear of repercussions.
If these courts have e-filing, it’s easier for clients to find
representation from outside lawyers.