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MoBar Net: A Valuable Tool
Case preparation has always been driven by the need for information. That information is often found outside the office law books and in diverse locations. To gather information, attorneys used phone calls, personal visits, and letters to sources. None of these methods gave instantaneous results, and all depended on others to interpret the request and respond correctly. Now, automation has moved many records from paper to an electronic medium, which presents new opportunities for retrieving records.
MoBar Net capitalizes on this change by offering a pathway to these electronic information sources. Remote information literally moves to the attorney's desktop. In addition to giving fast and direct access, the software's design lets attorneys readily find the precise information required. And the client billing feature can automatically assign the electronic research to specific clients. One key to a successful legal practice is having a tool to efficiently gather information. MoBar Net is that tool.
History
MoBar Net had its genesis in the General Practice Committee of The Missouri Bar. Several years ago, members of this committee recognized the need for attorneys to make information technology an integral part of their practice. The Bar's Board of Governors supported this initiative through an evaluation of the feasibility of offering its members an electronic information service. The ensuing evaluation resulted in The Bar's approval of the concept and the decision to engage REJIS (Regional Justice Information Service) to provide technical support for this service now called MoBar Net. MoBar Net has been operational since 1993.
Easy to Use
The MoBar Net software was designed to simplify access to an array of services and to minimize the need for formal training. It can be used through an Internet connection and the software is installed from the Internet. A common method of retrieving information makes it possible to quickly learn the software.
Services are available seven days a week, from 1:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. A User Guide is available on-line from the Internet (www.mobarnet.org). For problem resolution, Help Desk telephone support is available from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Periodically staff offers training classes in the use of the service. Often classes qualify for CLE credit.
Internet Requirements
Below are the recommended requirements for accessing MoBar Net through the Internet. Verify that your computer meets these requirements.
System Requirements:
- Computer with a Pentium ® -class processor
- One of the following operating systems:
- - Windows XP
- - Windows Vista
- - Windows 7
- Microsoft TCP/IP installed. (Confirm by viewing Start > Settings > Control Panel > Network > Protocols or Configuration.)
- 30 MB free hard disk space for Citrix Web Client which is downloaded from the web site
- RAM (varies by operating system):
- - 128 MB for Windows XP
- - 1 GB for Windows Vista
- - 1 GB for Windows 7 (32 bit OS)
- - 2 GB for Windows 7 (64 bit OS)
Web Browser Requirements: (128 bit)
- Internet Explorer version 6.0 or above
- Firefox
- Safari
Other operating systems (e.g. MacIntosh) and browsers may be used to access MoBar Net; however, REJIS may be limited in resolving problems encountered using other than the recommended operating systems and browsers.
Fees and Billing Options
The fee structure for MoBar Net consists of two elements: a monthly flat fee (based on usage) and data charges for some records. A full description of the fees is contained in the "Price List for MoBar Net Services."
Subscribers may choose from two billing options. They may authorize REJIS to bill services to their VISA or MasterCard, or have REJIS bill them monthly for services used during the month. Failure to remit payment promptly may result in discontinuation of service.
Sign-up Procedures
To become a subscriber please complete all of the Service Agreement, which includes the Addendum and Request for IDs sheet.
| Mail the completed forms to: |
or fax to |
MoBar Net
REJIS Commission
4255 West Pine Blvd
St. Louis, MO 63108 |
Sue Baker
314-535-1729
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