Electronic Bench Book

[tom]

I have seen some references on this Board to an Electronic Bench Book. Can someone explain what it is/how it works? Also, what do the ALJ's exhibit files look like (compared to what I see as a rep)? What is it like to review a case prior to hearing? What kind of summary/notes (if any) do you have from other staff members prior to the hearing? And finally - is it OK to share this information with other attorneys? Thanks in advance. 

[cougarfan]

I use the EBB and I love it. It is really just a tool to be used for hearing prep, note taking, hearing notes, and decision writing. It is cloud based so that our writers and case techs can also access, but not edit, the document. I find that it makes me more efficient both in hearing prep and hearing notes. Finally, it allows me to just move my notes around (cut and paste between sections) to do my DW instructions. It is also useful when I issue Bench Decisions to use as an outline to make sure I do not miss anything important. I don't know how widely used it is, but I have found it very useful.

I do all my own file review, as do most ALJs, and the only time I see any notes is if an AA of SA has reviewed the file for a possible OTR decision .

[JudgeRatty]

The use of the eBB varies from office to office for now. It is the wave of the future though and will eventually be used nationwide. Right now it is voluntary but I doubt that will continue to be the case in the future. Many offices are 100% on board like Richmond VA. It utilizes other programs already in place and pulls data from existing programs which is very convenient. It's a great tool but like anything new takes time to learn. Heck there are still ALJs who handwrite instructions and don't use the FIT format available so there will be some resistance to use this without a doubt. But as new ALJs learn it from the beginning and some ALJs retire eventually it will be a uniformly utilized tool.