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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

JON GS,_
CORZINE
_ PO BOX 381 DAVID J. SOCOLOW
TRENTON, NEW JERSEY 0862'·0381 ComMiUitJ#wr
MEMORANDUM
June 21, 2007

To: Judges and Attorneys

From: Peter J. Calderone, Director and Chief Judge

Subject: Interactive and Typed Forms

We have completed the Lebanon Pilot Project which emphasized interactive and/or typed
forms and orders over a six (6) month period to evaluate the woe of prepared documents. This was
a necessary component of our research and review for the development of Phase IV of COURTS.

Ms. Shravani Kosnik, as coordinator of the Pilot Project, provided guidance and assistance
to ensure a successful completion of the program. The cooperation of the Lebanon judges, support
staff and attorncys was outstanding. Additionally. the assistance and time of the Technical
Advisory Committee that consists ofjudges and attorneys was essential to this program and in the
other technology initiatives of the Workers' Compensation Court.

As part of the Pilot Project. we requested and received comments and suggestions. The
majority ofthe comments were favorable and those not favorable often provided constructive advice.
It was also established that the typed fonns facilitated data entry operations in COURTS by support
staff and lessened system errors, This information from those affected by the process will be given
full consideration in the development of Phase IV.

The interactive forms are available on our website and are to be encouraged for woe
throughout the court system. Attached is the Worldlow procedures that were utilized in the Pilot
Project. Judges should facilitate the woe of typed forms when agreeable to the party attorneys and
utilize the Pilot Project workflow when useful and appropriate. In particular, and as a court policy,
parties that prepare typed forms that incorporate settled agreements are to have their cases promptly
put through on the record as soon as feasible at the start of the court day. A judge may also order
a signature stamp by contacting Executive Assistaot Gretchen McCall (609-341-2033).

If you have any questions, suggestions or comments on the use of interactive forms, please
contact Ms. Shravani Kosnik at 609-777-1926 or by e-mail atshravani.kosnik@dol.state.nj.us.

c: Court Administrator Christopher L. Leavey

Executive Assistant Gretchen McCall

New Jersey Is All EqIUJI OpportJl.nity Employer

DIVISION Of WORKERS' COMPENSATION

(609}292·mS . FAX (609) 984-2S15
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 WORKFLOW
This suggested workflow allows attorneys to settle cases and prepare printed settlement orders in
advance of coming to court with their client.
Note: Settled cases where the paperwork has been typed in advance and reviewed will be
promptly put through on the record right after the morning call. allowing the injured worker to
leave early and leaving the rest ofthe day to focus on pre-trial negotiations and testimony.

ORDER FOR SECTION 20 and ORDER APPROVING SETTLEMENT:

If a case is settled during a pre-trial conference:

I. The Judge and the parties review and agree to the terms of the settlement The Judge
will provide the fees/allowances at that point so that the petitioner attorney can prepare the Order.

2. The case will be adjourned so that the petitioner attorney can prepare the Order. It is
recommended that once the Order is drafted, the petitioner attorney should send the Order to the
respondent attorney for review.

3. "When the case is next listed, the petitioner attorney will have the petitioner present (or
by affidavit if so agreed), and bring the required number of copies of the completed Order.

4. The parties should sign all the copies of the Order. The Judge should sign the copy that
will be retained in the state file. The Judge can then either sign the other copies or stamp the other
copies with an official name stamp.

If the parties settle a case prior to a court date (over the phone):

1. The petitioner attorney should advise the Judge. prior to the next hearing date that the
Case has settled. The Judge may provide the allowances at this time.

2. The attorney should prepare the Order and keep the allowances blank, unless the Judge
has provided the allowance figures. It is recommended that once the Order is drafted, the
petitioner attorney should send the Order to the respondent attorney for review.

3. At the next hearing date. the petitioner attorney will be required to have the petitioner
present (or by affidavit ifso agreed), if permitted by the Judge. [fthe form is complete, including
the allowances, the petitioner attorney should bring the required number of copies of the
completed Order.

4. If the Judge has not provided the fees and allowances earlier, the Judge will review the
terms of the settlement and will enter in any open allowances on the Order at this time.

5. The parties should sign all the copies of the Order, The Judge should sign the copy that
will be retained in the state file. The Judge ean then either sign the other copies or stamp the other
copies with an official name stamp.
Note - if using the interactive Order Approving Settlement form, you will notice that the Case
Exhibit Listing Comes up as page 3 of this document. Please inquire with the Judge as to how this
document is to be completed and by whom.