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The practice of law is ever changing - especially as it concerens technology. COVID-19, which also affected the practice of law, reinforced the point by making practitioners and courts increasingly dependent on technology. Today, more than ever, it is important for practitioners to familiarize themselves with the different technological tools available to them. From E-Filing to virtual appearances to electronic notarization, the trend is clear, less paper. With that in mind, below are tools and resources that are currently in use and we strongly suggest that practitioners familiarize themselves with all that is available.
e-FILING
NYSCEF
The New York State Unified Court System has established "NYSCEF," a program that permits the filing of legal papers by electronic means with the County Clerk and the courts in certain case types in designated venues, as well as electronic service of papers in those cases. Cases may be commenced using NYSCEF and cases that were initiated in hard-copy form may be converted to NYSCEF matters.
NYSCEF accounts are available to licensed attorneys in New York State and Pro Se Litigants.
NYSCEF REGISTRATION
- How to Create a NYSCEF Account, register today by clicking here
- E-Filing is authorized in certain court for certain types of cases, see here for a listing of authorized courts.
Training Resources
- View the resources available for NYSCEF training.
NYSCEF Support
- If you need any assistance please visit the NYSCEF Support Center.
EDDS
The Unified Court System initiated a program to transmit digitized documents in (pdf format) to UCS Courts, County Clerks and other court-related offices around the state. EDDS allows users to enter case information on a webpage, upload pdf documents and send the documents electronically to a court or clerk selected by the user for review. Unlike NYSCEF, EDDS is a document delivery portal, submission of a document does not consititue service upon other parties.
virtual appearances
Many courthouses and parts make use of electronic platforms to conference and hear cases. The appearances, which are identified as virual appearance, range and include everything from routine court conferences, discovery disputes, oral arguments, hearings and trials. As such, it is fundamental for every practitioner to fully understand how to use the platform employed by the court to meaningfully and fully participate in court proceedings. Currently, the preferred platform by courts in New York State is Microsoft TEAMS, and although the use of virtual appearances may vary from court to court, judge to judge, it is frequently used and thus the practitioner should familiarized themselves with its use.
Remote Notarization
The Covid-19 State of Emergency allowed the Governor of New York extraordinary powers, including to suspend and modify laws by executive order. One measure born from the State of Emergency was Remote Notarization, which dispensed for the need of in-person notarization. The State of Emergency expired on June 24, 2021, and with it the executive order allowing for remote notarization. Notwithstanding, the Governor and the Legislature passed legislation to continue the practice of Remote Notarization, though with major caveats from how it had been originally practiced. The link below will connect to materials and resources that better explain the current state of Remote Notarization. For more information about remote notarization click here.
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