Which E-Filing Service Provider Is Right for You?
Mandatory e-filing goes into effect across Illinois on January 1 (you knew that, right?), and one task that belongs at the top of every law firm's to-do list is choosing from among the "electronic filing service providers" who are the pathways to the e-filing system. No service provider, no e-filing. It is not a DIY project.
The service providers, also known as EFSPs, offer a myriad of features that lawyers will need to compare and contrast in making their decision: prices and payment options, support features like call center hours and web browsers served, and additional services like document conversion, extended document storage, detailed or simpler reporting, and proof of service to other parties.
By mid-September, the vast majority of those in Illinois who had signed up, about 93 percent, had chosen Odyssey eFileIL, a free service provided by Tyler Technologies, the vendor hired by the Illinois courts to implement e-filing statewide.That sign-up pattern is typical of other states in which Tyler Technologies has worked, at least at the outset, says Terry Derrick, senior director of e-solutions for the Texas-based company. He notes that in Texas, where Tyler has provided services for a few years, 79 percent of filers currently use Odyssey.
"The majority of the filing community will start with a free solution to see if that will meet their needs," he says. "If it doesn't…they will venture out and look at value-added services offered by the other EFSPs."
Asked and Answered
Join us for this full-day seminar in Chicago on November 1, 2017 that gives you the information you need to handle your next medical negligence trial from start to finish. Each segment is presented from the perspective of both a plaintiff and defense attorney (giving you a well-rounded look at each topic) and offers you plenty of interactive opportunities to have your questions answered. Health care attorneys, personal injury lawyers, wrongful death practitioners, workers’ compensation attorneys, and those involved in the medical negligence practice who attend this seminar will better understand: how to limit or prevent evidence from being presented by opposing counsel; the importance of choosing the right jurors for your case; how to use the opening statement to make an impression; how direct and cross examinations can both help and hurt your case; the important roles of experts and treating physicians in this type of trial; and the necessity of creating a compelling closing argument. The program closes with an in-depth look at the trial process through the lens of the judiciary.
Leading appellate attorneys review the Illinois Supreme Court opinions handed down on Thursday, October 19. The cases are People v. Reese, In re Destiny P., and Rozsavolgyi v. The City of Aurora.
Mark your calendars for Thursday, December 7, to join us at the 20th annual ISBA Young Lawyers Division Holiday Party at Exchequer Pub in Chicago from 7:00-9:00 p.m.! This event is an opportunity to socialize, enjoy food and refreshments, and meet young lawyers from across the state while supporting a great cause. Proceeds from the holiday party will go to the Illinois Bar Foundation YLD's Children Assistance Fund. 
Even if you can't attend this year's Illinois Bar Foundation Gala, you can still support the work of the IBF and this year's honoree, Senator Dick Durbin, by participating in the online silent auction.
The newly-created ISBA Privacy and Information Security Section held its first meeting at the Chicago Regional Office on October 17, 2017. The meeting kicked off with President Hon. Russell Hartigan delivering remarks to the section before moving to member introductions, mission statement discussion, and business items.