On April 27, the Small Claims Branch hosted a public forum for those who practice before it, as well as any other interested community members, to learn about new developments, ask questions and provide input.  Civil Division Deputy Presiding Judge Laura Cordero provided an overview of current initatives, such as online dockets, online calendars, interactive document assembly, and the veterans navigator program (a DCSC initiative, not just Civil Division).  Civil Division Director Zabrina Dempson explained that the Small Claims Branch was working towards electronic check-in (also known as "eLobby"), which would also have time checks, so the division could assess how quickly people are being served.  She also discussed the introduction of eFiling in the Small Claims Branch, and went over details of how it would work.  Judge Cordero spoke about the work of the Small Claims Rules Advisory Committee and the Small Claims Working Group, and invited interested parties to provide input.  Civil Division Presiding Judge Ramsey Johnson thanked all those who "cared enough to come down" to the courthouse to attend the forum, as well as those who emailed input and suggestions in advance.  Chief Judge Robert Morin discussed the new case management system that is expected in 2019, explaining that the contracting process (request for information and then for proposals) was underway and what functions the Court hopes to have included.

After the judges and Ms. Dempson spoke, the audience posed a few questions, asking for details on electronic check-in (the court is looking at how to implement such a system in Small Claims and Landlord Tenant, it's currently in use in the Domestic Violence Unit); and about the current volume of cases.  Ms. Dempson spoke of the 42% increase in cases and explained that she is working with the MultiDoor Division to get more mediation slots available for small claims cases.  She also explained that the Strategic Management Division was researching case flow in both Small Claims and Landlord Tenant Branches, so that they could recommend the optimal number of cases to be set each day, given the number that usually settle, get dismissed, are contined for lack of service, etc.

In closing, Mr. McGinley went over the many recent initiatives - such as docketron and online case calendars - that the Court had implemented, as well as giving a sense of where the Court is headed.