You are viewing a free summary from Descrybe.ai. For citation checking, legal issue analysis, and other advanced tools, explore our Legal Research Toolkit — not free, but close.

In re Attorney Information System

Citations: 406 S.C. 221; 750 S.E.2d 212; 2013 WL 5942626; 2013 S.C. LEXIS 293

Court: Supreme Court of South Carolina; November 3, 2013; South Carolina; State Supreme Court

Narrative Opinion Summary

The South Carolina Judicial Department has issued an order mandating the implementation of a new electronic filing system for court documents, which will leverage the existing Attorney Information System (AIS). This initiative requires all members of the South Carolina Bar, inclusive of those with limited practice certificates and foreign legal consultants, to update their AIS credentials. The necessary updates include changing passwords to meet enhanced security standards, responding to updated security questions, and verifying contact information. These updates must be completed by December 15, 2013. Compliance is crucial as the AIS will serve as the official notification and service address per Rule 410(e), SCACR. Non-compliance will result in the inability to pay 2014 license fees, potentially leading to suspension under Rule 419, SCACR. This directive, signed by Chief Justice Jean H. Toal and other associate justices, underscores the court's commitment to security and efficiency in the digital age.

Legal Issues Addressed

Compliance with AIS Requirements

Application: Bar members must update their AIS credentials and contact information by a specified deadline to facilitate e-filing and avoid penalties.

Reasoning: From the date of this order until December 15, 2013, all members of the South Carolina Bar... must log into AIS to... update and verify their contact information.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Application: Failure to comply with AIS updates will result in inability to pay license fees, risking suspension under Rule 419, SCACR.

Reasoning: Failure to update passwords, security questions, and verify information will prevent lawyers and consultants from paying their 2014 license fees, potentially leading to suspension under Rule 419, SCACR.

Implementation of E-Filing System

Application: The South Carolina Judicial Department is introducing an e-filing system that mandates the use of the Attorney Information System (AIS) for all lawyers.

Reasoning: The South Carolina Judicial Department is implementing an e-filing system for court documents, which will utilize the existing Attorney Information System (AIS).

Mandatory Security Enhancements for AIS

Application: Lawyers must enhance their AIS security through stronger passwords and updated security questions to prepare for the e-filing system.

Reasoning: To prepare for e-filing, security enhancements to AIS are necessary, including the requirement for stronger passwords.