Thompson, Coe, Cousins, and Irons, LLP

Attorney Brian Hensley with Thompson, Coe, Cousins, and Irons, LLP was working on several cases filed in jurisdictions in multiple counties across Texas. The cases were consolidated, designated as a Multi-District Litigation (MDL) case, and moved to Travis County District Court. Since Travis County mandates eFiling, the original petitions needed to be eFiled into the new Travis County MDL cause number.

Given the voluminous nature of the filings, Brian contacted the firm’s electronic service provider, CaseFileXpress (CFX), to find out the best way to eFile the cases. Brian already determined that filing all cases under the single MDL cause number would create significant tracking and monitoring issues not only for his firm but for the opposing counsel as they received the eServices for multiple plaintiffs under one cause number. Working with Tammy Carter, General Manager of CFX, they discussed developing an extension to the cause number to uniquely identify the individual plaintiffs in the case and to facilitate the needed tracking of individual cases.

The next step was to discuss the impact of the proposed solution with TexasOnline and the Travis County Clerk’s office. Collectively, all agreed the extension to the MDL cause number provided an effective tracking method for the law firms and did not disrupt the systems or processes of the Travis County Clerk’s office. The solution was implemented, the filings were submitted, and clerk’s office processed them faster than ever before eFiling!

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Baxter & Schwartz, PC

CaseFileXpress client Frances Madary, Legal Assistant, of Baxter & Schwartz won the Top eFiler Award for Texas in 2005, which means she was not only the top eFiler for CFX, but also filed more documents through TexasOnline than anyone else in the state. Frances works in the Home Equity department of Baxter & Schwartz. They are typically the first firm to submit documents when a new county begins accepting eFiling. Frances says, "I love eFiling. It is so simple and makes filing easier and faster. With eFiling, we get replies back the same day instead of a month later like with paper. I wish every county accepted eFiling."

Linda Hill, team leader in the Home Equity Department, implemented eFiling in the firm in 2005 after Partner Kirk Schwartz encouraged her to explore more efficient methods to streamline the court filing process. Linda explains, "It helps us a great deal to be able to complete our timelines that we are required to meet way ahead of schedule, because we do not have to wait for our file stamped documents to come back to us in the mail. Now, instead of waiting three weeks to get our file-stamped copy, we can get them the same day." The firm provides mortgage banking services and prides itself on utilizing advanced technologies.

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Barrett Burke Wilson Castle Daffin & Frappier, LLC

Barrett Burke Wilson Castle Daffin & Frappier, LLC, was the first firm to eFile when the Tarrant County Courts at Law went online. "I'm amazed at how easy, straightforward and fast eFiling is. I look forward to more counties going online so we can take advantage of eFiling across the state. This has the potential to save our firm a lot of time processing paper," says Michael C. Barrett, Partner.

The firm began eFiling district and county court pleadings on October 1, 2005. The clerk's response time on eFiled pleadings has reduced the timeframes on their files significantly, which has increased the profitability and productivity of the firm. Cathy Smith, Litigation Support Supervisor, for the firm says, "Thank you, CaseFileXpress, for the excellent hands-on training and constant support you have given us. Without this, Barrett Burke Wilson would not have made such a smooth transition into the world of eFiling."

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Scott, Hulse, Marshall, Feuille, Finger & Thurmond, P.C.

Chantel Crews, an attorney, with Scott Hulse learned all about eFiling while doing research for a presentation with the State Bar Advanced Civil Trial Seminar. As Chantel describes, she has used eFiling in some challenging situations, "If I cannot get something filed by the last courthouse run, I know that I can always eFile."

She remembers when eFiling really saved her in a case where she had to reply to a special appearance the seventh day before the hearing and her deadline fell on the day before Thanksgiving. The district clerk's office closed early without advance notice and she still needed to file her response. She explained, "I was able to timely file my response with multiple exhibits regardless of whether the district clerk's office was open. Having those important few extra minutes and having the ability to file when the district clerk's office and the courts are closed are the best reasons to eFile." She appreciates the fact that our staff has always followed up to make sure that her questions were fully addressed and to know that her eFilings have been successful.

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Riecke Baumann Attorney At Law

Our first client was Riecke Baumann, a collections attorney, who became a trail blazer when it comes to implementing new technology into his firm's practice. The first county to go online with the new Texas eFiling system was Fort Bend, where Riecke couldn't wait to get started, because he knew Diane Wilson, Fort Bend County Clerk, and her staff would be helpful and knowledgeable. Riecke eFiled the first document in Fort Bend in May 2003 and hasn't stopped since. He now files in every Texas county that will accept eFiling.

One of Riecke's clients needed to file a small case, ASAP. The client had been to several other firms, but his case was small and no one wanted to spend the time to represent him. Riecke took the case and had it eFiled immediately. By the time the client arrived home, Riecke had already e-forwarded a file stamped copy. As Riecke explained, the size of the case doesn't matter. What's important is that, by eFiling, we can provide the client with the most cost effective and quickest result. "It was really a piece of cake, [and] filings are never returned because our check was off by 15 cents."

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Strasburger & Price, LLP

"Not only is the filing immediate, but the ‘green’ savings with the e-filing far surpass the costs associated with traditional filings. In the past, if a deadline is involved, one had to either send the document via a local courier, Federal Express, or Lone Star service. Service upon opposing counsel had to be made via the same methods, via facsimile, or via certified mail – again along with the various associated costs. In addition, if, instead, the document is mailed to the court, one must provide return postage for the court’s use in returning a file-marked copy. Finally, the cost of paper, ink for the printer, and wear and tear on the copy machine should also be considered. Alternatively, if one utilizes electronic filing and serving services, there are very minimal fees for filing and serving the document – and both are done with just a few clicks of your mouse. As more and more courts (district, county, small claims, and probate) come online in Texas, the ease with which our firms can service our clients through the entire state becomes invaluable." Alexis Montgomery, Strasburger & Price, LLP

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