Last February, I reviewed PacerPro, which I described as a better way to search federal court records than PACER. This free search tool provides an interface to PACER, while actually improving on the service with features such as real-time universal search, aggregated search results and one-click downloads of entire dockets.

In the last week, there have been some notable developments regarding PacerPro. Most notably, PacerPro announced a major new release that adds two significant features:

  • Scheduled updates. Users can now opt to automatically update cases and choose the frequency of the updates — daily, every other day, weekly or monthly.
  • Email alerts. Set up email alerts to notify you of changes to a case docket.

Also, PacerPro announced that it will begin offering paid premium accounts starting in October. While the basic service will remain free, free subscribers will be limited to four batch downloads per month and four concurrent automatic case updates.

Paid subscribers will be allowed unlimited batch downloads, unlimited case follows and unlimited automatic case updates. The cost will be $25 a month per user, with enterprise pricing available and discounts for firms that sign up before Oct. 15. (More information is available from sales@pacerpro.com.)

These announcements happened to coincide with the ABA Journal’s annual listing of its newest Legal Rebels, which included PacerPro’s founder, Gavin McGrane. McGrane is a San Francisco lawyer who founded PacerPro due to his own frustration with using the antiquated PACER system.

Joining PacerPro’s Advisory Board

Finally, I am please to announce that I have joined PacerPro’s advisory board. Going forward, I will be providing the company advice and assistance on further developing its product, building strategic alliances, and expanding its user base.

While I have served on other product advisory boards in a purely external capacity to provide user feedback, this is the first time I have ever joined a product advisory board in a paid capacity. I did so after many conversations with McGrane and after meeting with him and members of his team. I was impressed with what they have developed and with their future plans.

To see a PDF brochure describing PacerPro’s major features, follow this link. As I said, the service is free, so if you have not already done so, give it a try. (You do need PACER credentials and will incur standard PACER charges.)

Photo of Bob Ambrogi Bob Ambrogi

Bob is a lawyer, veteran legal journalist, and award-winning blogger and podcaster. In 2011, he was named to the inaugural Fastcase 50, honoring “the law’s smartest, most courageous innovators, techies, visionaries and leaders.” Earlier in his career, he was editor-in-chief of several legal publications, including The National Law Journal, and editorial director of ALM’s Litigation Services Division.