Monitor federal court dockets for new entries and trigger alerts

Steps

1. Identify target cases by case number and court code; store them in a monitoring list with last_checked_docket_entry_number.
2. Poll CourtListener's docket entries endpoint for each monitored case: GET /api/rest/v3/docket-entries/?docket__id={id}&entry_number__gt={last_seen} to retrieve only new entries.
3. Alternatively, subscribe to CourtListener's RECAP alerts feature (for public documents) or implement your own PACER polling on a schedule appropriate to case urgency (hourly for active trials, daily for inactive matters).
4. Parse each new docket entry for event type keywords (e.g., 'motion for summary judgment', 'scheduling order', 'trial date') and match against a watch list of event types relevant to your workflow.
5. Dispatch structured alerts (case name, court, entry number, entry date, description, document link) to legal team members via email, Slack, or your case management system.
6. Escalate entries requiring legal response (motions with deadlines, court orders) to the assigned attorney immediately; log all alerts and acknowledgments for audit purposes.