If you have ever been unable to answer a question about another department, you have experienced a common dilemma. Although we are all members of one big Court family, the system provides such an extensive array of services that we often don't know much about our co-workers' duties and responsibilities. Therefore, it is often difficult to understand how the system works or to advise the public on polices or procedures outside our own areas.

The first step in addressing this issue was taken in December, when the Office of Civil Administration and the Office of the Prothonotary held a joint seminar entitled, "Motion Practice and Procedures." Faculty included judges, managers, and supervisors. The 40+ participants were staff from the Civil branch of the Trial Division and the Office of the Prothonotary.

During the two-session seminar, the faculty discussed in detail the Court's processing of various types of motions, from pre-trial motions to post-trial motions. Participants were also given a demonstration on how the Banner case management computer system dockets the motions and monitors the cases as they move through the Court of Common Pleas. Each participant left with a Motion Practice and Procedure Manual, which will be revised and updated regularly.

Initial response to both the seminar and manual was positive. Civil Case Managers immediately began using their manuals during interactions with the public and attorneys.

The Motion Practice and Procedures Workshop Seminar is the first of a series of legal administration workshops. Although future workshops will focus on different Court departments, the purpose of each workshop will be to help employees understand the importance of their individual contributions to "the big picture," to increase employee knowledge of the Court system, and to improve customer service.