Bankruptcy Court Goes High-Tech: Bernstein Law Firm Completes First Electronic Filing Under Court's New Paperless System
Pittsburgh (February 5, 2003)-With the click of a mouse and a tap on the keyboard, Pittsburgh-based Bernstein Law Firm successfully completed the first electronic filing in the Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania.
The Court's electronic filing system went "live" on Monday, February 3, 2003.
By 8:39 a.m. on Monday, Bernstein Law Firm Managing Partner Bob Bernstein had made high-tech Court history by transmitting paperless documentation to the Court.
"The judicious and appropriate use of technology can benefit clients and lawyers alike," says Bernstein, a long-time advocate for the use of technology to enhance efficiencies both in his own law practice and Pennsylvania's State and Federal Courts. "Speed, accuracy and the elimination of wasteful travel are immediate benefits, as is the ability to log on and view filed documents any hour of the day."
Bernstein has been actively involved in improving technology in the courts and his law practice for many years. Along with chairing a special committee designated by Chief Bankruptcy Judge Judith K. Fitzgerald to develop procedures for the electronic filing system in the Western District Bankruptcy Court, he has served as Chair of the Technology Committee of the Allegheny County Bar Association. Bernstein has also incorporated technology into the day-to-day operations of his firm by use of electronic data management and reporting systems in order to streamline internal efficiencies and improve client communications.
Under the Court's electronic filing procedures, parties will file all court documents, including pleadings and proofs of claim, in electronic format in the Pittsburgh, Johnstown and Erie Bankruptcy courts. Registered users will receive copies of pleadings by email, further reducing the costs associated with bankruptcy cases. For now, only attorneys admitted to practice before the Bankruptcy Court are eligible to register for the system.
The Bernstein Law Firm, P.C. is a full-service creditors' rights and bankruptcy law firm, providing a comprehensive range of services in all aspects of creditor and bankruptcy representation.
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Bob Bernstein, the firm's managing partner, can be reached at 412-456-8101 or rbernstein@bernsteinlaw.com.
