A Way to Improve Your Orders Via MEC
February 19, 2019 § 1 Comment
Former Chancery Clerk and now US District Court Clerk Arthur Johnston, sent me the following suggestion:
Another tip for lawyers, esp in chancery, would be to list in proposed orders the motions to be terminated if the proposed order is entered. That helps the clerk and the judge keep a clean docket and makes the motions and other reports true.
For instance:
You filed a motion to compel and opposing counsel filed another motion about discovery. You reach an agreement with her to resolve both motions. In the agreed order you include the statement that “This order disposes of MEC nos. 18 and 24.”
Or, in the temporary order you could include the sentence, “This order disposes of plaintiff’s Motion for Temporary Relief, MEC no. 5, and defendant’s Motion to Grant Temporary Relief, MEC no. 9.”
One advantage of MEC is that everyone involved has access to the docket so you have a ready-made tool online, without having to drop everything and go to the courthouse to drag out the old General Docket Books. The more accurate and informative we make our electronic docket, the better and more useful tool it will be.
Connected to the Court
March 28, 2014 § 4 Comments
Lauderdale County Chancery Court implemented electronic filing this year, and it became mandatory March 1. I have informally polled lawyers about their experience with and views of the system. Here is the feedback from my random, unscientific survey:
“I hate it.”
“I’m having trouble signing on, but once I get that straightened out, it should be no problem because I use PACER and file electronically in Alabama.”
“I am still trying to learn it, but so far I don’t care for it.”
“My secretary does it; I haven’t heard anything negative from her.”
“It’s okay.”
“I think it will be fine once I learn how to do it.”
“The categories for pleadings don’t fit.”
“No big deal. It’s the same as federal court.”
“Maybe when I get used to it, it will be good.”
“It’s an improvement.”
“It makes it easier for me to stay on top of my cases.”
“I had to update my computers and internet connection, so that was probably good. I’m getting the hang of it.”
Stay tuned for further developments over here in the far east.
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