Client Success Story:

Mission Critical Partners Collaborates with California County to Digitize Court Services

MCP Helps California Court System Provide Better Service to Stakeholders, Wins 2023 Innovation Award

MCP helped the Superior Court of California – Marin County digitize its operations and modernize its technology systems, addressing challenges such as physical access barriers and paper-based processes. We provided expertise in technology implementation, project management, and change management. We developed a "digital-by-default" strategy, replaced aging computer systems, and offered comprehensive training and support. As a result, all court documents are now digitized, e-filing and e-delivery services are available, and the case-management system is modernized. The digital transformation improved speed, transparency, and equity in court operations, resulting in the Thomas J. O’Reilly Innovation Award for 2023 from the IJIS Institute.

Challenges

Marin County had four outdated computer systems, including a case-management system that created challenges involved restricted physical access for litigants and inefficiencies based with paper-based operations, prompting the need for a complex, multiyear digitization project.


Solutions

The county turned to MCP to provide a "digital-by-default" strategy for online court services, along with support for system replacement, effective change management, and stakeholder adoption. MCP’s services encompassed procurement, implementation, project management, and organizational change management. 

 

Results

The project digitized court documents, introduced e-filing, and modernized case management with AI, which ultimately led to it winning the 2023 Thomas J. O’Reilly Innovation Award, showcasing its significant impact on innovation within the justice system. As a result of these advancements, the county experienced improved speed, transparency, and equity in court operations.

CA-Courthouse

 

California's Court System Embraces the Digital Age

In fiscal year 2021-2022, the state of California's court system grappled with processing more than 4.5 million cases, all of which generated a significant paper trail, including filings, depositions, affidavits, evidence, testimony, and judgments. Recognizing the need for change, the Superior Court of California – Marin County took on the challenge of digitizing its operations. With four outdated computer systems, including the case-management system, the court turned to Mission Critical Partners (MCP) for its expertise in technology implementation, integration, project management, and change management. This ambitious project aimed to address the hurdles posed by physical courthouse visits and cumbersome paper-based processes, ultimately improving access to the justice system and enhancing the court’s operational efficiency.

MCP's Role in Shaping a Digital Court Experience

MCP played a pivotal role in the project by collaborating with court personnel to establish a "digital-by-default" strategy, allowing all court services to be accessed digitally through web-based portals. Additionally, they provided crucial support in procurement, implementation, and project management for replacing the aging computer systems. Their guidance regarding change management was instrumental in ensuring the project's success, with a focus on regular communication, feedback, training, and continuous support. This systematic and principles-based approach helped staff members, judicial officers, and stakeholders embrace new tools and procedures, paving the way for a successful digital transformation.

The Results

The project included digitization of all court documents, implementation of e-filing services, and modernization of the case-management system to streamline processes and provide timely notifications to litigants. Additionally, artificial intelligence and robotic-process automation technologies have been integrated to reduce backlogs and data-entry errors while facilitating real-time data and document processing. A web-based portal now offers electronic access to case information and remote documents, enhancing transparency and efficiency.

Benefits of the project include improved court efficiency, accessibility, and transparency, with streamlined operations and eliminated physical courthouse visits. Digital document access, AI support, e-filing, a web portal, and timely notifications benefit all stakeholders, promoting equitable access to justice. The project's recognition with the Thomas J. O’Reilly Innovation Award highlights the court's commitment to innovation and meaningful access to the justice system, with MCP's vital support.


 

Digital-Court

“We are dedicated to promoting information sharing within our community and across the state of California while also striving to ensure that everyone has meaningful access to the justice system. MCP was critical in helping us develop a digital-by-default strategy.”

James Kim, executive director, Marin County Superior Court

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