Peter Johnson, staff member of the Pennsylvania Superior Court. Courtesy photo Peter Johnson, staff member of the Pennsylvania Superior Court. Courtesy photo

Peter Johnson, Superior Court of Pennsylvania

As Legal Systems Coordinator for the Superior Court of Pennsylvania, attorney Johnson is responsible for overseeing all the technical needs of the court, including Judges, chambers staff, and administrative staff. During his time as legal systems coordinator, the court has consistently utilized up-to-date equipment that has helped the Superior Court manage one of the country's busiest appellate dockets efficiently.

Johnson had the foresight many years ago to recognize that remote access to the office computers may one day become necessary. For several years, he built up the capacity for the court to shift to fully remote activity, soliciting feedback from emergency users so that he could continually improve the experience. Obviously, his foresight came to fruition in early 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic struck quickly. The transition to remote work was so seamless, the court did not cease operations other than to close the public counters. The court was open for business and accepted electronic or mailed filings throughout the judicial emergency.

Another crucial element was whether the Superior Court could conduct hearings during the pandemic. Although the court had to postpone its March sessions, Johnson was able to mobilize his staff to prepare for remote hearings. The first remote sessions, conducted by telephone, took place at the end of April, and then video-conference sessions took place in early May. The ability to conduct these remote sessions required not only verifying that both litigants and Judges had appropriate equipment, but also training the Judges to use the remote software on their own, ensuring the public could view the sessions without interrupting proceedings, and ensuring that the Judges could step into another forum for private deliberations with ease.