San Francisco partner Don Willenburg has been reappointed to a two-year term on the Court Technology Advisory Committee advising California’s Judicial Council. Willenburg, leader of the firm’s appellate practice group, was appointed by Chief Justice of California Tani Cantil-Sakauye. He was originally appointed in January 2010 for his “demonstrated experience in law and technology issues,” with the support of California Supreme Court Justice Ming Chin. Willenburg is the only private practice attorney member of the Committee (the others are judges, justices and court personnel), and so welcomes questions and input from members of the Bar on court technology issues.
The Court Technology Advisory Committee promotes, coordinates, and facilitates the application of technology to the work of the courts. The committee establishes standards to ensure technological compatibility; facilitates court technology projects; proposes rules, standards, or legislation to ensure privacy, access, and security; and assists courts in acquiring and developing useful technology systems. The committee makes recommendations to the Judicial Council for improving the administration of justice through the use of technology and for fostering cooperative endeavors to resolve technological issues with all stakeholders in the justice system. Continuing budget shortfalls make this harder, but all the more imperative.