Online filing of federal civil court pleadings became mandatory today in Denver. Dozens of bicycle messengers are expected to be out of work. The court clerks provided cookies to them on Friday as a consolation. Lawyers who try to file pleadings by mail or in person may be in for an unpleasant surprise.

Court staffers in Denver expected some lawyers to keep trying to file paper lawsuits over the counter, despite the new online requirement. "The first time, they'll get a nice letter," said Deputy Court Clerk Steve Ehrlich. "The second time they'll get a letter from Judge Nottingham." Actually, it won't be that pleasant, said U.S. District Judge Edward Nottingham, who has overseen the transition to online filing. Instead, it will be an order summoning the offending lawyer to Nottingham's courtroom to explain -- at 6:30 a.m.

He's not joking, either.