Email Address Requirement for Texas Attorneys
By the Texas Bar Journal Staff
The Texas Supreme Court issued an order on June 14, 2016, requiring that Texas attorneys provide the State Bar with an electronic service email address. Below are answers to some common questions about the requirement.
I’m an attorney—what do I have to do to comply?
Simply go to texasbar.com/eservice and
provide the email address you would like to use as your electronic
service address. Electronic service addresses will “go live” in the
e-filing system on October 1, 2016. If you do not designate an
electronic service address by that date, your preferred email address
currently on file with the State Bar will be used as your electronic
service address.
What’s the purpose of this requirement?
The requirement will improve the e-filing system by creating a single,
official electronic service email address for each attorney in Texas.
Currently, the e-filing system is hampered by multiple accounts being
created in some attorneys’ names. The electronic service addresses will
also enable local court systems to send official notices or other
important communications to attorneys, such as in the wake of a
disaster.
I rarely or never use the e-filing system because of the
nature of my practice. Do I still have to provide an electronic service
email address?
Yes, the requirement applies to all Texas lawyers.
What if my law firm uses a “clearinghouse” email address for
e-service?
If you are with a law firm of 50 or more attorneys that uses a
“clearing-house” address or addresses for e-service or would like to
find out about setting up a clearinghouse email address for your firm of
50 or more attorneys, the State Bar can help. For assistance, please
contact our Membership Department at (800) 204-2222, ext. 1383.
Provide your electronic service email address today at texasbar.com/eservice.
If you have questions or need more information, contact (800) 204-2222, ext. 1383, or email memmail@texasbar.com.
