Although e-filing court documents has streamlined the legal process, no universal standards exist for transmitting data. It’s up to the sender to learn the requirements to match each jurisdiction.
To take the guesswork out of e-filing, File & ServeXpress (FSX) of Irving, Texas, has created an online platform to both efficiently submit pleadings and other supporting documents while seamlessly integrating with each court system’s requirements.
Annette Cafferkey, business development manager for FSX, said the system facilitates communication between courts and attorneys. Whereas courts value efficient, paperless workflow, attorneys have a different set of requirements. The developers listened to both parties and created a streamlined solution.
“Understanding the needs of the courts, we then talked with attorneys to determine the functionality and tools that would help them with their filing needs,” Cafferkey said. “FSX took that knowledge and built an internet-based SAAS [software-as-a-service] application with user friendly workflows that enable both filers and court users to work seamlessly together.”
FSX key selling point is the development team’s technical expertise, strengthened by listening to both sides of the equation.
“Having dealt with many courts, the FSX team takes a consultative approach in working with the courts,” Cafferkey said. “They apply their knowledge and experience to the courts needs and implement an e-filing system that will work for them.”
One area court administrators and lawyers agree on is the need for heightened security given the sensitive nature of certain court documents. Some sensitive information may be filed under seal, such as personal information that requires protection. File and ServeXpress has all bases covered.
“FSX is able to support the security needs of the court and law firms through its system,” she said. “This is accomplished in many ways, including a secure data center, case class security, case level security, document level security, unique username and password, documents encrypted in motion and activity logging.”
Cafferkey said the firm’s corporate philosophy derives from a leadership program called Half the Sky, launched by Grace Killelea, author of the book The Confidence Effect: Every Woman’s Guide to the Attitude That Attracts Success. One of the firm's key tenets is contributing to charity.
“We come together in times of need for our community and state,” she explained. “This includes donating to the Red Cross as well as gathering items needed for disaster recovery. We take pride in the schools in our community and participate in the Irving ISD school supply drive. Further, we participate in Toys for Tots each year.”
FSX not only operates under a clearly defined philosophy, but also keeps its mission in focus. The overarching goal since CEO Tammy Carter founded the company in 2002 has been to listen to customers' needs.
“She pays it forward by inspiring her team to provide the legal community with top products and great customer service,” Cafferkey said.