Guide for legal professionals on Electronic Judicial Domicile (DJE)

The growing amount of data and the intricate nature of legal processes are demanding more efficient solutions to save time and resources in business operations.

The Electronic Judicial Domicile (DJE) is a digital platform created to centralize the procedural communications of all Brazilian courts in this context.

Understanding how the DJE operates and its effects on daily legal proceedings is crucial for companies with mandatory membership to properly track processes and prevent any negative consequences.

In this material, we will gain a deeper comprehension of DJE operations, the registration requirements, platform utilization, associated time limits, and the benefits it provides for businesses.

Enjoyable reading!

What is the concept of Electronic Judicial Domicile (DJE)?

The Electronic Judicial Domicile (DJE) is a digital platform created by the National Justice Council (CNJ) in Brazil to streamline procedural communications between courts and legal entities, serving as a single virtual judicial address.

The primary aim is to update and streamline the communication of information in the legal sector by replacing outdated methods like registered mail and justice officers with an entirely electronic system.

This implies improved communication efficiency, reduced costs, and enhanced process visibility.

The Electronic Judicial Domicile applies to all Brazilian courts, except for the Federal Supreme Court (STF).

Your company can receive various types of procedural communications, including citations, subpoenas, notifications, and other relevant documents related to ongoing legal proceedings in which it is involved.

Who is required to sign up at the DJE?

Adhering to the Electronic Judicial Domicile (DJE) is essential to ensure that your company receives process communications promptly and effectively. The requirement varies based on the company’s legal structure and size, as outlined in CNJ Resolution No. 455/2022.

Required.

DJE enrollment is necessary for:

  • All direct public administration entities at the Union, States, Federal District, and Municipalities levels are required to register and utilize the system.
  • Local governments, public foundations, public corporations, and mixed-economic entities are also required to comply with this obligation.
  • Large and medium-sized private companies, regardless of the industry they operate in, are required to register with DJE.

Automatic enrollment through Redesim:

Microenterprises (ME) and Small Enterprises (EPP) with a registered email in the National Network for Business Registration Simplification (Redesim) are automatically enrolled in the Electronic Judicial Domicile. To confirm if your company is already included because of Redesim registration, you can check your CNPJ on the Redesim Portal.

Registration is not required.

The DJE registration is not required but is optional for:

  • Small businesses and companies that are not registered in Redesim are advised to register to receive communications and prevent potential penalties.
  • Physical individuals can also sign up for the Electronic Judicial Domicile to receive electronic procedural communications, even though the main emphasis is on communication with legal entities.

CNJ Resolution no 455/2022 outlines the regulations and processes for setting up and running the DJE, requiring membership for the specified sectors. Refer to the resolution for specific details regarding registration requirements and deadlines.

How can one sign up for the Electronic Judicial Domicile?

Registration for the Electronic Judicial Domicile is a straightforward procedure open to both public and private legal entities.

Next, we outline the process for each scenario, including the various available access choices.

Guidelines for businesses (both public and private):

  1. Access the system by visiting the Electronic Judicial Domicile portal at: https://domicilio-eletronico.pdpj.jus.br/.
  2. Login is carried out differently for legal entities and individuals. Legal entities utilize the company’s e-CNPJ digital certificate, while individuals such as lawyers and prosecutors can log in using a digital certificate or a gov.br account (silver or gold level).
  3. After logging in, all types of legal entities must read and agree to the Adhesion Term for the Judiciary Process Communications Platform.
  4. Your company details will be automatically filled in using IRS data. Verify all information and provide any additional details required, including an email address for notifications to stay updated on new communications.
  5. After confirming company details, you must create the Account Administrator, who has full system access and can create and oversee other users.
  • To register as an Administrator, you need to provide your full name, CPF, email, phone number, and address. If you are a lawyer, you must also include your OAB and UF number.
  • After registering as an Administrator, you can create additional access profiles like Registry Manager and Preposed.

User profiles and their permissions are discussed.

The Electronic Judicial Home offers three different user profiles, each with its own set of permissions.

  • The administrator has complete system access, including the ability to add, modify, and remove users, manage account preferences, and access all company-related communications. They are also tasked with connecting subsidiaries and affiliates when necessary.
  • The Registration Manager is in charge of overseeing users with the Preposed profile, being able to register, modify, and remove them. Additionally, it can view procedural communications.
  • This profile is appropriate for individuals who monitor communications and provide expertise in processes, with access to the company’s procedural communications but without the ability to manage users or account settings.

Various methods of entry.

  • The digital certificate (e-CNPJ) is advised for businesses to enhance security and efficiency in accessing systems. Installation of the digital certificate and PJeOffice software on your device is required.
  • gov.br (silver or gold level): an option for individuals to access services without having to be physically present, by using the credentials of the gov.br platform.

What are the time limits and consequences in the DJE?

Tracking procedural deadlines is crucial for the success of any legal proceeding. The digitization of communication through the Electronic Judicial Domicile has altered the way deadlines are calculated and responses are timed, requiring increased vigilance from legal practitioners.

Failure to understand these regulations could lead to severe outcomes, including missed deadlines and process delays, which can directly affect your company’s performance. CNJ Resolution No. 569/2024 has improved the clarity and uniformity of these regulations by establishing specific deadlines.

New due dates for citations and subpoenas:

  • After receiving the court citation through DJE, your company has three business days to log in to the platform, view the document, and confirm receipt. The countdown starts on the first business day after receiving the citation. Simply accessing the platform and viewing the message counts as confirming receipt, initiating the deadline for a response.
  • Subpoenas have a ten-day duration starting from the day after the court sends the notice, including weekends and holidays in the count.

Consequences of failing to meet deadlines:

Not adhering to the specified citation deadlines could lead to a penalty of up to 5% of the case’s value. This sanction, outlined in the Civil Procedure Code, is imposed as a measure to uphold the integrity of the legal system, as failure to respond to citations in a timely manner is seen as a violation of procedural norms.

Non-compliance with the deadline for subpoenas results in automatic acknowledgment after 10 days, indicating that your company is deemed to have been informed of the subpoena, even without checking the DJE.

CNJ Resolution No 569/2024’s significance:

Resolution No. 569/2024 by the CNJ played a crucial role in standardizing deadlines and procedures related to DJE, enhancing transparency and predictability in the justice system. The resolution also specified the use of Electronic Judicial Domicile for certain communications, simplifying the platform’s utilization and communication management.

How to utilize the Electronic Judicial Domicile in daily life?

After registering, the DJE becomes a crucial tool for tracking legal proceedings. Proficiency in its daily utilization simplifies communication management and guarantees your company stays informed at all times.

Platform access and navigation:

When you visit the DJE website, you will see a user-friendly main menu that includes these choices:

  • Communication Trend;
  • Registration information;
  • Administrators.
  • Managers in charge of registration.
  • Preceding;
  • Branches.
  • Alliance.

Each choice focuses on particular characteristics, making it simple for you to move around the system.

Consulting on communications

The quest for communication lies at the core of the Electronic Judicial Residence, providing various methods to access the required information.

  • Filter communication by citations, subpoenas, or notifications.
  • Refine the search by entering keywords associated with the theme of the process.
  • Access a particular communication directly by using the process number.
  • Advanced filters allow for more accurate searches by specifying options such as parties involved (author, defendant, third party), court of origin, and judging body. Filters can also be applied for period, author name, and communication status (in course, link obtained, aware, expired, cancelled).

Preview of document and confirmation of receipt (scientific).

Click on “View details” to see all the information on the process once you find the communication you are looking for.

Clicking “Read Full Content” will display the entire document, but be aware that this action will log communication activity and notify the court that your company has accessed the document.

Actions that can be taken are accessible.

The DJE also provides other significant activities besides reviewing the entire content and offering scientific insights.

  • You can create an error certificate to demonstrate any issues with accessing the document.
  • Export information: transfer messages in CSV format to make it easier to organize and store data.

Managing subsidiaries and affiliated companies for private firms.

Parent companies have the ability to handle communications from their subsidiaries and affiliates through the “Branches” and “Affiliates” menu. These features enable you to include, modify contact details (email), and detach affiliates and subsidiaries.

Tips and best practices for effectively using Electronic Judicial Domicile.

Mastering the Electronic Judicial Domicile and using it strategically can significantly boost productivity and efficiency in your company’s legal department.

Keep in mind some suggestions and best methods to enhance platform usage and stay ahead of the game.

Registration and entry:

  • Designate a particular individual or team to oversee DJE management in order to ensure consistency in procedures and avoid overlooking critical information.
  • Register all pertinent CNPJs, including not just the primary headquarters CNPJ but also affiliates, subsidiaries, and other associated entities to facilitate centralized and accessible communication.
  • Periodically review the company and user registration data to ensure that contact information like emails and phones is accurate, as this is essential for receiving notifications and maintaining the system’s functionality.

Platform configurations:

  • Configure the system to receive email alerts for new communications as a helpful reminder, without replacing the need to access the platform to read the documents.
  • The Electronic Judicial Domicile feature enables you to personalize the column display on the communications query screen. Choose the key information you need, like communication type, subject, source court, and final date for notification, to enhance data viewing and analysis.

C. Exploration and filtering options:

  • Familiarize yourself with advanced search filters to refine your search for specific criteria like the parties’ CPF/CNPJ, dates, source court, judging body, and communication status. This will save time and help you quickly find the information you need.
  • Save your regular searches to access them quickly and easily without having to enter the same filters repeatedly.
  • Utilize the sorting function to arrange search outcomes based on date, type of communication, or other factors for easier analysis and prioritization of tasks.

Integrating company internal systems with Electronic Judicial Home APIs

Companies with numerous lawsuits or aiming to enhance communication follow-up can integrate Electronic Judicial Domicile with their internal systems using APIs.

This feature enables your company’s systems to directly access and handle communication data, like citations and subpoenas, without requiring manual access to the DJE platform.

API integration necessitates expertise in software development and should be conducted by skilled professionals.

To obtain API authorization credentials, contact CNJ at national systems@cnj.jus.br and provide the necessary information.

  • Institution’s name;
  • Institution’s CNPJ.
  • Institution’s telephone number.
  • The institution’s email address.
  • Requester’s name;
  • Requester’s CPF.
  • Telephone number of the requester.
  • Email from the requester.

Also make sure to read:

The significance of technology within legal departments

Why should legal departments invest in innovation?

Additional materials that can assist in comprehending the concept of Electronic Judicial Residence.

To assist you in utilizing DJE effectively and staying informed, we gather a list of CNJ’s key features and support resources.

It is essential to stay informed about new features and seek assistance when needed to maximize the platform’s advantages.

  • Guide to comprehending the Electronic Judicial Domicile, its operation, and benefits for your company: official DJE unveiling.
  • Detailed information regarding all features and processes of the DJE platform, including a step-by-step guide for registration, access, and utilization, can be found in the DJE User Manual.
  • FAQs about DJE provide responses to the most frequently asked questions.
  • A collection of brief instructional videos and objectives designed to help users at various points in utilizing the Electronic Judicial Domicile, such as accessing the platform, registering a company, managing users, and understanding procedural communication.
  • Accessing the Electronic Judicial Domicile.
  • Registering a company in the Electronic Judicial Domicile.
  • Representatives and attorneys are able to log in to the Electronic Judicial Domicile.
  • Managing users in the Electronic Judicial Domicile.
  • Paraphrased: The process of procedural communication at the Electronic Judicial Domicile.
  • Webinar on Electronic Judicial Domicile scheduled for December 11, 2024 will feature a comprehensive presentation on DJE and real-time expert Q&A.
  • DJE technical documentation provides details for developers looking to connect their systems with DJE using API.
  • Accessing the Electronic Judicial Residence.
  • Registering a company in the Electronic Judicial Domicile.
  • Representatives and attorneys can log in to the Electronic Judicial Domicile.
  • Managing users in the Electronic Judicial Domicile.
  • How the Electronic Judicial Domicile implements procedural communication.

Look out for these resources to stay informed and make the most of the Electronic Judicial Domicile.

Justice 4.0 and the future of procedural communication

Before ending, it is important to note that the DJE is not a standalone effort, but a crucial component of the Justice 4.0 program, a bold project designed to modernize the Brazilian judicial system using technology.

Justice 4.0, a collaboration between the CNJ and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), aims to introduce creative methods to enhance the fairness, affordability, and efficiency of the justice system, with backing from various superior courts.

The DJE serves as a vital electronic communication tool in line with this vision, marking a significant advancement in the Judiciary’s digital transformation.

Justice 4.0 includes various initiatives like artificial intelligence, self-service platforms, and the expansion of the Electronic Judicial Process (PJe) in addition to the DJE.

These combined efforts could transform the way justice is delivered in Brazil by streamlining processes, cutting expenses, and improving public access to legal services.

The DJE implementation and other Justice 4.0 projects support a positive outlook for electronic communication in legal processes. Digitalization is becoming the norm, replacing traditional electronic communication methods over time.

New features may be introduced in the DJE, including integration with other government platforms and the ability to carry out procedural acts online.

Artificial intelligence needs to have a more significant role by aiding in data analysis, automating tasks, and customizing user experiences.

The ultimate goal is for the judicial system to become more flexible, open, and interconnected, allowing parties to engage in and monitor processes, no matter where they are located. The DJE serves as the initial move towards achieving this vision.

Final thoughts – The Electronic Judicial Residence and the Future of Legal Practice

We trust that this manual has been helpful in explaining how the Electronic Judicial Domicile (DJE) operates and its significance in streamlining procedural communication within your business.

Thomson Reuters, a top provider of information and technology solutions for the legal industry, stays vigilant about industry changes to ensure you are informed and ready for future challenges.

Monitor our communication platforms to stay updated on the latest developments impacting your industry.