Welcome the Texas Technophobes

I don’t know that Terri M. Morgeson, Esq., would necessarily make that claim about the Texas Tech University School of Law Low-Income Tax Clinic. But she must be technophobic, because she’s seeking exemption from e-filing in the case of David Morales Guerrero, Docket No. 25670-13S, filed 7/18/14.

Judge Nega isn’t unduly technophobe-friendly, however. He says that Terri claims: “(1) she is the Director of the Texas Tech University School of Law; and (2) she is not registered with the Court’s electronic case management system.” Order, at p. 1.

Not quite, Judge. The Texas Tech University School of Law website lists Terri as staff, with a phone number and no picture; her name is missing from amongst the nine (count ‘em, nine) deans shown thereon. She may direct the low-income tax clinic, but that is a fact not in evidence.

In any event, no one proofreads these orders, do they? Or does what we called “cite and substance checking” in my young law school days fifty years ago. If I were ever to retire, I might apply for that position, if such exists. There is certainly a want thereof.

Howbeit, while low-income pro ses, who are assisted (my emphasis) by such pro bonos as Ms. Morgeson either directs or in which she serves, are exempt (per Tax Court Rule 26(b)(2)), the clinics and the clinicians are not, absent good cause shown.

Terri doesn’t. So now she gets a chance to do so.

Come on, Terri, win one for the Texas Technophobes.