Last fall, the legal community was buzzed with excitement as we discussed innovations from the Free Law Project (FLP) with its head, Michael Lissner. FLP, known for democratizing access to legal documents through its open tools and data, including CourtListener and the RECAP Suite, has made significant strides in supporting the ecosystem of legal research and public access to legal documents.

Less than a year later, FLP announces yet another groundbreaking feature that promises to significantly enhance how legal professionals and the public interact with federal court data. I had the privilege of discussing this new development with Stephanie Taube, a seasoned product manager and user researcher at FLP, who brings a wealth of experience from her previous roles and her academic tenure at the University of California, Berkeley.

**What's New with FLP?**

On June 18, Stephanie announced the launch of RECAP Search Alerts for PACER. This feature, which has been in the works for eight years, allows users to set up notifications for specific keywords within the RECAP Archive. When a new case or filing matching the keyword appears, the user receives an alert. This functionality is invaluable for anyone needing to track cases or topics without manually searching each time.

What makes this launch particularly exciting is that FLP offers five daily alerts to every user for free, a service unmatched in its generosity and potential impact on legal accessibility. "This could be a game changer for attorneys, journalists, and anyone interested in federal litigation," Stephanie explained.

**Implications for Legal Practitioners and Journalists**

As an IP litigator myself, I find the potential of this new tool immense. It extends the reach and efficacy of docket alerts, allowing legal professionals like me to monitor a broader range of cases and developments effortlessly. For example, tracking litigation finance decisions across jurisdictions becomes simpler, potentially benefiting a wide array of practices by providing timely updates on relevant court rulings.

The implications extend beyond just legal professionals. Journalists covering judicial proceedings will find this tool immensely helpful in staying ahead of developments without the prohibitive costs typically associated with such comprehensive monitoring.

**Looking Ahead**

The introduction of RECAP Search Alerts is a testament to FLP's ongoing commitment to making legal research more accessible and efficient. Stephanie's insights underscore the organization's focus on harnessing technology to serve public good—a principle that continues to drive FLP’s innovations.

Next week, I will delve deeper into our conversation with Stephanie, exploring more about how these tools are developed and what future enhancements we might expect. Meanwhile, I encourage everyone to explore the offerings of CourtListener and RECAP, and to consider how these tools might benefit your work or personal interests in the legal landscape.

Feel free to share your thoughts or questions by reaching out to me at [email protected] or via Twitter @gkroub. Whether you're a legal professional, academic, or simply a curious mind, the advancements at FLP are sure to spark interest.

**Gaston Kroub**, a founding partner at Kroub, Silbersher & Kolmykov PLLC and Markman Advisors LLC, specializes in intellectual property litigation and counseling. Follow him for more updates and insights into the world of IP law and beyond.