Change Harris County Can Believe In
The position of District Clerk may not be the most glamorous or easily recognized in the political spectrum but it’s a good place for newly elected Democrat Loren Jackson to introduce the Information Age to a government institution that handles … well a lot of information.
Within 2 months, Jackson has transformed the Harris County District Clerk’s Office and is on the road to joining the technology standards of 2009. Jackson, a former Litigation Attorney with McLeod, Alexander, Powel & Apffel, is not intimidated by technology and seems to understand the potential power it encompasses if utilized properly.
His campaign goals were technology heavy … but one look at how the former District Clerk handled business would inspire one thought … archaic … when it came to how technology was implemented in the office.
Jackson understands that Harris County can be efficient and effective without compromising service. He is lead by technology to innovate and think outside the box in order to deliver a better experience to those that interact with his courts on a daily basis.
Brenda Sapino Jeffreys of the Texas Lawyer reports, “On Jan. 17, the Harris County District Clerk’s Office began testing an automated docketing feature that sends an e-mail to lawyers each weekend with a listing of all of their court hearings for the next week.”
Impressive but wait … the fun is not over yet. Jeffreys’ adds, “By clicking on links in the e-mail, the lawyers have online access to docket information and all of the documents filed in the suit, which can help them prepare at home for their hearings.”
Now, if you are not a lawyer this may not be exciting but that does not alter the significance of such small actions. Jackson is shooting for the stars hoping to hit the moon, which is great news for Harris County residents.
Future plans call for a database of criminal records including supplemental information linking to indictments or judgments etc. all searchable online. Think of it like Google or Yahoo but dedicated solely for Harris County and you would be looking up cases from home instead of driving to the courthouse to request a copy.
As Jackson pushes technology upon lawyers to adapt to the changing times, it seems they are responding. Although not required, lawyers are given the option to file documents electronically and this would aid Jackson’s other goal of putting all court files online.
Lawyers in Harris County shattered their own record of filing electronic documents on two different occasions. “That’s more filings in one day in any jurisdiction,” adds Jackson.
Jackson has been busy making changes in the last 4 months. From alerting attorneys of upcoming hearings to opening new service windows in order to aid individuals seeking certified documents of family documents, Loren Jackson has hit the road running. It helps that he has an insider’s perspective of how the District Clerk can operate more efficiently. Although not a prerequisite, it benefits Harris County that a former lawyer is now running the office of District Clerk.
As his campaign slogan proclaimed, “Because Harris County Should Set the Standard,” this is the change we need and seek. If more elected officials take the proactive approach that Jackson has embraced … the way our city functions may be altered in countless ways.
Now, the only thing the Harris County District Clerk needs to do is make a Facebook profile to friend other folks or open a Twitter account to update us each time a new document has been filed with the court … on second thought maybe that is not such a good idea once lawyers begin to file religiously online.