Posted: Monday, October 25, 2010

The first civil case using new e-filing technology in Hennepin County District Court was submitted, initiated and accepted today by the law firm Bassford Remele.

Prompted by shrinking budget allotments in Minnesota's downturn economy, the courts are determined to become more efficient and cost effective through the use of technology.

Mark Thompson, Judicial District Administrator remarked, “We are working towards being a model government agency in the technology world.  E-filing is one big step forward for district courts in Minnesota.”

Initially, the pilot will start with only new attorney initiated cases in the general civil area.  It will include all case documents such as court notices; orders and judgments; and service / collection of any required filing fees.  The private bar partners were needed to help to develop and implement processes as a model for the rest of the state, eventually including e-filing for all case types by all types of parties.  The first phase of the pilot is estimated to last approximately 90 days.  Probate, mental health, conciliation, housing, criminal, family, juvenile and existing civil cases are not included in the initial pilot.

“Thanks to the collaboration between the courts, law firms and the vendor, Hennepin County District Court is on its way to bring the citizens of Hennepin County a more efficient and innovative way of providing justice.  The technology is out there, but it takes precious resources—personnel and adequate funding—to make it happen,” noted Hon. Robert Blaeser, presiding judge over Hennepin County Civil Court.

Six law firms were selected for the pilot: Maslon Edelman Borman & Brand, LLP; Rausch, Sturm, Israel, Enerson & Hornik, LLS; Faegre & Benson, LLP; Dorsey & Whitney, LLP; Lindquist & Vennum PLLP; and Bassford Remele.

"The Court has thoughtfully approached e-filing, as they worked with the Supreme Court to implement a system that will work for Hennepin County and is likely to be a model for state-wide adoption," commented David Herr, Partner, Maslon Edelman Borman & Brand LLP.

About the Fourth Judicial District

The State of Minnesota’s Fourth Judicial District serves only Hennepin County and is the state’s largest trial court with more than 750,000 cases received annually.  The mission of the Fourth Judicial District is to provide a system of justice that assures equal access for the fair and timely resolution of cases and controversies.