May 11, 2022 – Verrill Partner Andrew B. Nevas has been appointed Co-Chair of the Connecticut Bar Association’s (“CBA”) Pandemic Recovery and the Future of Court Technology Task Force. Verrill Partner Calvin K. Woo also been appointed as a member of the Task Force.

The CBA created the Task Force in response to the unprecedented change in the ways that court proceedings are conducted in Connecticut brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition to virtual court proceedings, the implementation of other technological changes, such as text messaging and other digital communication tools, virtual and artificial intelligence assistance for completion of basic court forms, may present opportunities for a more efficient, accessible, and “user-friendly” court experience. The Task Force will be mindful of access to justice and the “digital divide” and be sensitive to situations in which court proceedings and interactions are best conducted in-person and using traditional methods. As proceedings shift back to physical court houses, the Task Force will also consider the technological facilities and capacity available within those facilities, to promote enhanced use of technology.

The Task Force will consider and make recommendations to the Connecticut Judicial Branch on the short and long-term future use of technology in Connecticut court proceedings. In developing these recommendations, the Task Force will consider the perspectives and interests of attorneys, litigants, and the public in the proper administration of justice. The recommendations will be tailored to the relevant considerations presented by different substantive practice areas, particularly those proceedings in which there are significant numbers of self-represented litigants. After proper study and approval by the CBA, the Task Force, which held its first meeting in late April 2022, will convey its recommendations to the Connecticut Judicial Branch in a written report.