The U.S. Department of Labor has introduced a new rule requiring most legal representatives to file documents electronically and accept electronic service in cases before the Administrative Review Board (ARB), unless given an exemption for a good reason. This rule aims to streamline procedures and reduce reliance on paper documents by establishing a new set of rules for filing and service. Self-represented individuals will, however, have the option to file either electronically or conventionally. The rule is expected to make the process more efficient and aligns with practices used in federal courts.
Simple Explanation
The new rule says that most lawyers need to send papers through the computer in certain worker cases, but if you’re doing it by yourself without a lawyer, you can still use paper. This helps make things faster and uses less paper, like some big courts do.