In Memoriam: James I. Keane     

By Jamie Ann Tyo

James I. Keane, 1944 - 2005

Legal technology pioneer James I. Keane died of lung cancer June 10. Born in Cheverly, Md., on October 28, 1944, Keane followed a long family tradition of lawyers, prosecutors and judges into law, but it was technology that continued to fascinate him.

Early in his career, Keane worked on the litigation team prosecuting bribery allegations against then-Vice President Spiro T. Agnew. The document-intensive case led Keane to believe a computer system needed to be created to manage the massive amount of data. When Keane accepted a position with Aspen Systems Corp., he proceeded to create that technology.

Keane continued the quest to improve legal technology for the next 20 years as he practiced litigation computer consulting. Keane was a frequent speaker on legal technology and was active with the American Bar Association Law Practice Management Section and Litigation Section, the Maryland Bar Special Committee on Technology, the ABA’s e-lawyering task force and the ABA Techshow board, as well as with countless other projects throughout the years.

In 1999, Keane formed JusticeLink, a Dallas-based electronic court filing company that eventually became a division of LexisNexis. Most recently, he helped establish VirtualCourtHouse.com, a Web-based dispute resolution company.

Keane’s memorial service was held June 14 at the Pumphrey Funeral Home in Rockville, Md. A guestbook is available at the funeral home’s Web site where friends, family and fellow legal technologists can share their memories.

“Jim Keane was a great technologist and his professional presence will be greatly missed,” said Tom O’Connor, a consultant, speaker and writer in computer litigation support, and long-time friend of Keane’s. “People remember him not as a fine lawyer or technologist or a consultant, but as a great friend. For an Irishman, there is no more fitting tribute.”

Keane is survived by his wife, Cynthia, and a daughter, Meghan. Contributions can be made in his name to the American Lung Association of Maryland, 14435 Cherry Lane Ct., Suite 310, Laurel, MD 20707.

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