The Next Chapter in Court Modernization: AI-Powered Agents

Building on Simple Beginnings: From Online Calendars to AI Court Assistants

When I started this newsletter, one of the first articles I wrote talked about my decision to replace the court's paper calendar—what I called "The Big Red Book"—with a simple online scheduling system. That $150-per-year change eliminated many inefficiencies that required attorneys to send runners to courthouses or play phone tag with my clerks. And it allowed us to implement automated reminders and staggered dockets, adopting what I've described as a "dentist's mindset" for court scheduling.

This small step produced big results: fewer failure-to-appears, fewer continuances, and lower costs for everyone involved. The lesson was simple; some of the most impactful innovations come from the most basic ideas.

Now we have an opportunity to build on that same foundation using tools that weren't available when I first took the bench in 2013. Just as online calendars represented an evolution beyond paper, artificial intelligence is the next logical step in our modernization journey.

AI-Enhanced Court Communications

Now imagine expanding our current email and text reminder systems with a link to a secure chatbot that could answer basic questions in civil cases. When a party or their attorney receives a reminder about the upcoming hearing, the message could include a link to an AI assistant with access to the clerk of court’s system. With one click, they'd be able to ask case specific questions and get the information they need without having to dig around to find the number to the clerk’s office.

A self-represented litigant in a custody dispute might ask, "What day is my hearing again?" or "Has the other party filed anything new?" A small business owner in a contract case could type, "Can you send me a link to the latest court order?" or "What was the last pleading filed by my opponent?" An attorney managing dozens of cases might also use the chatbot to quickly confirm whether his motion to continue has been ruled on yet without having to log into the clerk’s e-filing system.

These chatbots wouldn't generate new content or guess at answers. Instead, they'd only pull responses directly from the court record: docket entries, minute orders, filed pleadings, hearing notices, attorney names and numbers, etc. They wouldn't interpret law or offer legal advice, but they could surface clear, factual information that is already public but not always easy to access.

This kind of tool would save time for clerks, improve preparedness for hearings, and reduce procedural confusion that leads to delays. And because it's built on top of existing digital infrastructure, it wouldn't require courts to reinvent their systems.

Voice-Based AI Court Reminders

We could also extend these tools to voice. AI agents can now make calls that sound natural, hold a conversation, and even send follow-up information by text. Unlike robocalls, these systems can address real questions in real time.

Here's how that might sound:

"Hello, this is Jefferson Parish Court calling to remind you about your upcoming court appearance. Am I speaking with John Smith?"

"Yes, this is John."

"You have a court date scheduled for Monday at 10 a.m. in front of Judge Schlegel. Make sure you are on time. Do you have any questions?"

"Actually, yes. Can you remind me what exactly I'm charged with?"

"You are charged with misdemeanor theft. Would you like me to text the charge details to your phone?"

"Yes, please. Also, who is my lawyer again, and how do I reach her?"

"Your public defender is Sarah Jones. I've just sent her contact information to your phone. Is there anything else you need?"

"No, that's all. Thanks."

A system like this could dramatically reduce missed appearances by simply providing people the information they need, when they need it.

Iteration Over Revolution

What excites me most is how all of this builds on work we've already done. The online calendar created the digital infrastructure. The text reminder system established communication channels. Now AI can enhance both without starting over.

That's an important point for courts. Innovation doesn't require a massive overhaul or a seven-figure contract. It often succeeds best when it's incremental: small, practical steps that solve real problems. You start with something simple. Then you layer in something smarter.

And today's AI tools aren't just powerful. They're increasingly affordable and easier to implement. Many can integrate directly with existing case management systems. You don't need a new system; you just need to make better use of the one you already have.

Looking Ahead

The journey from a paper calendar to AI-powered assistance tells a broader story: one of courts becoming more efficient, more accessible, and more responsive. Each step lays the groundwork for the next.

There are still challenges to consider but ignoring the potential of these tools would be a missed opportunity. Courts that start now, even with basic steps, will be best positioned to adapt as these technologies evolve.

We once moved from paper to digital. Now we're moving from passive case files to interactive systems that help people navigate the justice process in real time.

The future isn't as far off as it used to be and the path to get there may begin with something as simple as answering the phone. Just as we retired the Big Red Book, we now have the opportunity to transform how courts communicate one conversation at a time, bringing the same innovation to justice that we've come to expect in every other aspect of modern life.

Judge Schlegel’s Bio