The Superior Court of Los Angeles County will launch a pilot program Monday for an updated remote courtroom appearance technology in select juvenile justice courtrooms, marking a shift from its current web-based platform to Microsoft Teams.
The pilot program for LACourtConnect will begin July 28 in eight juvenile justice courtrooms across two courthouse locations: four departments at the East Los Angeles Courthouse and four at the Pomona South Courthouse. The initiative represents the court's effort to modernize virtual court proceedings for attorneys and litigants who choose to appear remotely.
Currently, attorneys and litigants appearing remotely in these courtrooms receive Webex links directly from courtrooms to access their hearings. After July 28, participants must use the LACourtConnect welcome page, select juvenile justice as their litigation type, and locate their hearing using case numbers, calendar searches, or name searches.
The East Los Angeles Courthouse will implement the system in Departments 201, 202, 203, and 204, while the Pomona South Courthouse will use it in Department 282. These courtrooms handle juvenile justice matters, which typically involve cases concerning minors in the court system.
LACourtConnect represents a technological upgrade designed to streamline the remote appearance process. The platform utilizes Microsoft Teams rather than the previous Webex system, eliminating the need for advanced registration that was required under the old system.
The new platform includes several features aimed at improving user experience. Same-day check-in allows participants to register just minutes before their hearing begins. The system leverages standard Microsoft Teams features, which court officials say provides greater platform stability and ease of use across all devices, including smartphones, tablets, and computers.
A "My Checked-In Hearings" feature enables users to manage multiple hearings from one location, addressing a common need for attorneys who may have several cases scheduled on the same day. Additionally, an "Attorney of Record" feature allows lawyers representing clients in multiple proceedings on the same day to check into additional same-day hearings upon their initial check-in.
The check-in process has been simplified compared to the previous system. Participants receive a Microsoft Teams link to join the courtroom's virtual meeting room once they complete check-in. After joining the virtual courtroom, they receive instructions to stand by until their specific matter is called by the court.
The pilot program represents part of the Los Angeles County Superior Court's broader effort to maintain and improve remote access options that became essential during the COVID-19 pandemic. Remote appearances have become a permanent fixture in many court systems nationwide, offering convenience for attorneys and litigants while potentially reducing courthouse congestion.
The focus on juvenile justice courtrooms for this initial rollout reflects the specialized nature of these proceedings. Juvenile cases often involve sensitive matters requiring careful handling, and the new system's enhanced stability and user-friendly features may benefit families and legal professionals navigating these complex cases.
Los Angeles County operates one of the largest court systems in the United States, serving a population of more than 10 million residents. The Superior Court system handles hundreds of thousands of cases annually across multiple courthouse locations throughout the county.
Court officials have indicated this pilot program is the first phase of a larger implementation plan. The court plans to share details about expanding LACourtConnect to additional courtrooms and case types in future announcements, though no specific timeline has been provided for the broader rollout.
The success of the juvenile justice pilot program will likely influence decisions about expanding the technology to other court divisions, including civil, criminal, and family law matters. Court administrators will presumably monitor usage patterns, technical performance, and user feedback during the pilot phase to inform future expansion decisions.
The implementation comes as courts nationwide continue adapting to post-pandemic expectations for flexible appearance options, balancing traditional in-person proceedings with technological solutions that can improve access to justice while maintaining courtroom efficiency and decorum.