Palm Beach County Bar Bulletin– President's Message #3 Opportunity Knocks! (or Arrives in your email)
Sometime in 2009, Clerk and Comptroller, Sharon Bock, is going to be installing new computer programs to handle the operations and to reorganize the Clerk’s office and website. Her office has graciously consented to allow our Bar Association to have input into this process by sending out a questionnaire to our members asking for your ideas as to what you would like to see on this website and what information and functions you would like to use and obtain through the Clerk and Comptroller’s office website.
This survey will be done electronically, i.e., sent to your email. It represents a golden opportunity for us, as lawyers, to make our voices heard and to have input into this most important source of local governmental information. Whether it’s being able to access pleadings in a Civil or Criminal matter or E-filing of pleadings, or other functions, please let us know what you would like to access to assist you in your specific practice specialty. The suggestions that you make will be prioritized and the results of the survey will be reported to the Clerk’s office and to our Association.
The timeline for responding to this survey will be short. Since the bidding process and negotiation for the new software will be moving forward quickly, we ask that you respond to this survey electronically within fourteen (14) days of receipt.
Of course, there is no guarantee that all of our suggestions will be able to be incorporated immediately upon the launch of this new software sometime in 2009 (which is the target). Bear in mind that any E-filing and access to scanned pleadings is controlled by the Florida Supreme Court through the Florida Courts Technology Commission which has to approve of any proposals. However, I can think of no greater opportunity for we, as lawyers, to have a significant impact on a major source of governmental information that relates to all of our practices.
I want to thank, in advance, our Clerk and Comptroller, Sharon Bock, and her staff, especially Un Cha Kim, Jim Douglas and Nicole Blanton, and those heading up our Bar Technology Committee – Casey Jones, Chuck Hernicz, Brian Poulton from the State Attorney’s Office, Mark Osherow from the South County Bar, Bard Rockenbach and, of course, Patience Burns for participating in this important project.
We look forward, with anticipation, to your responses!
