Baltimore City Circuit Court Asbestos Docket Platform Transition

The Baltimore City Circuit Court operates one of the nation's most active asbestos litigation venues, managing over 15,000 active cases and processing a complex, high-volume caseload. This project demonstrates FSX's ability to manage complex data migrations under tight timelines and restore critical court operations. With three decades of court technology experience, FSX was uniquely positioned to support the court in enhancing operational efficiency for a highly active docket.  

When the docket was moved to MDEC operated by Tyler Technologies, attorneys encountered operational issues. Tyler's system could not sustain the required CMS integration with Odyssey, forcing the court to seek an alternative solution. The court requested FSX to restore the docket to its previous platform, ensuring continuity for clerks and attorneys managing over 15,000 active cases with hundreds or thousands of participants each.  

FSX successfully migrated the legacy documents efficiently, minimizing disruption and restoring stability to this critical eFiling environment. The Baltimore City Circuit Court Asbestos Docket serves as one of the nation's most active asbestos litigation venues, requiring sophisticated workflows tailored to the unique demands of mass tort litigation. 

Challenges  

The Baltimore City Circuit Court identified several key requirements that led to their decision to transition back to FSX:  

• Enhanced Mass Tort Management: The court needed a platform capable of managing complex case consolidation and high-volume document processing for their extensive active caseload.  

• Reliable CMS Integration: The court required proven integration capabilities that could support their operational workflows without disruption.  

• Greater Customization: Court operations demanded a technology solution that could customize workflows to meet unique procedural requirements and quickly implement modifications requested by court personnel and filers.  

• Collaborative Partnership: The court sought a technology partner that could provide responsive support to address ongoing operational needs and system enhancements, with flexibility to evolve alongside changing requirements.  

Our Approach  

FSX addressed these challenges through a comprehensive transition strategy:  

• Extensive Stakeholder Collaboration: We worked closely with clerks, attorneys, and court administrators to understand current workflows and evolving needs. Detailed gap analyses identified improvement opportunities, leading to enhanced solutions that addressed the court's requirements.  

• Complete Data Integrity: A meticulous migration process ensured that all legacy documents were preserved with complete integrity during the transition from Tyler's platform back to FSX.  

• Rigorous Project Management: The project included weekly steering committee meetings to maintain alignment and address concerns proactively, building trust and demonstrating commitment to long-term success.  

• Seamless Migration Strategy: FSX's experienced team ensured continuity of service throughout the migration process, transitioning all active cases within the six-month timeline to minimize court disruption.  

• Strategic Partnership: FSX implemented a flexible, responsive support structure as a strategic consultative partner, enabling quick adaptation to evolving court needs and ongoing platform optimization.  

Results and Impact  

The successful completion of this project delivered immediate and measurable improvements:  

• Enhanced Operational Efficiency: Court personnel gained access to streamlined case processing workflows designed for their high-volume docket, resulting in improved accuracy and efficiency.  

• Improved System Reliability: FSX's platform provides the functionality and system reliability that Baltimore's high-stakes litigation environment demanded, delivering operational stability and advanced features.  

• Rebuilt Stakeholder Trust: The successful migration and ongoing platform performance demonstrated our ability to implement technology and earn trust in challenging circumstances. As noted by Jan Bowser from the Baltimore City Circuit Court, working with FSX has been "refreshing" due to the flexibility and adaptability.  

• Complete Data Integrity: The migration process, which required FSX coordination for data transfers between Tyler systems, was executed without any loss of case files or service records for attorneys or the court.  

• Seamless Operations: All Baltimore City Asbestos Docket filings are now managed exclusively on File & Serve using tools like Clerk Review, Judge Review, Case & Party Management, operating without disruption to court or filer workflows.  

• Long-term Scalability: FSX's adaptable platform architecture provides the technological foundation necessary to support the court's continued growth and evolving needs.  

About the Client  

The court serves Maryland's legal community by providing efficient, accurate case processing for asbestos-related litigation, which involves unique procedural requirements, complex case consolidation needs, and filing protocols that differentiate it from standard civil litigation.  

The court's commitment to operational excellence and stakeholder service made it essential to partner with a technology provider capable of delivering customized solutions and responsive support that could adapt to their evolving needs.  

Conclusion  

The successful transition of the Baltimore City Circuit Court Asbestos Docket demonstrates the value of choosing an experienced technology partner focused on adaptability, flexibility, and collaborative support.   

This case study illustrates FSX's ability to step in where other vendors have failed, understanding and addressing the needs of high-stakes legal proceedings. The positive feedback from court personnel and the seamless transition process validate FSX's collaborative approach and technical capabilities.  

The Baltimore City Circuit Court Asbestos Docket transition reinforces FSX's position as a trusted choice for courts requiring sophisticated, adaptable eSolutions that evolve with operational needs, delivering long-term value through enhanced efficiency, improved user experience, and responsive support that builds lasting partnerships based on trust and technical excellence.