Costs Cost Costs… there is no reason that the discovery process can’t be made cheaper by having the documents all parties are looking at in one repository. The process of using libraries and third-party sources to hold the paper is no longer necessary. Travel times; copy costs; scheduling can all be made simpler by using an internet connection. Paper and electronic documents can be posted to an on-line repository so that internet access and a computer is all you need to view materials. The integrity of the files is maintained and the cumulative work product of each party kept wholly separate from all other parties. FYI ASP is a data hosting service that Midwest Imaging now manages for its clients. Log-ins are created and the cost outlay for the client is done in monthly increments. If you want paper sets forwarded to an expert or printed for your own physical organization, it can also be done using Midwest’s high powered printers.

The value comes from making one set of scans, having one source maintain the Bates Numbering for the system, and ultimately identifying the trial exhibits that all parties have access to.

Please see the Cost Sharing Agreement drafted and available on the Midwest Imaging web page. It is a great solution to offer your clients.

"I DIDN'T KNOW IT COULD DO THAT!"

by Shawn Olley

Okay, you bought CTSummation, Lexis/Nexis Concordance or Trial Director… it’s sitting on your shelf… or you have installed it – and you do one thing really well. Why not expand the benefit to your investment. I love the statement when I’m training of “I didn’t know it could do that?!” Unlock the mysteries and contact Midwest Paralegal for training or presentations on your software investments. Formal CLE training is available as well as customized sessions that answer your questions in the area YOU practice. CLE credit sessions are four hours.

As stated above, Midwest now offers customized training for Summation, Concordance and Trial Director. The one on one training takes place at your office and covers the individual questions that you have relative to a case or cases. The rate is $100/hour with a minimum of two hours. Attorneys that may need very focused training on areas of specific interest to them, can get specified content based on their needs. CLE’s are not provided for these sessions, unless the classes cover the same criteria as was approved by the Board of Bar Examiners. Consulting on case set up and customizing fields can also be accomplished at this time.

Midwest can train remotely to those that may be outside the metropolitan areas and are still interested in learning more about their software. Midwest’s certified trainers can train through its on-line system with anyone that is connected to the internet. Consider it… shout it out… “I didn’t know it could do that!” If interested, please contact Shawn Olley; Dana Huck or Roland Johnson.

CHICAGO ATTORNEY SAVES A TRIP

Attorney Phillip Turner from Chicago, IL recently utilized Midwest Paralegal to obtain copies of a file from the Probation Office in Milwaukee. By contacting Midwest and handing off the assignment to a staff paralegal, Attorney Turner was able to save considerable time and expense.

“I was pleased with the prompt service I received. I would use Midwest Paralegal again,” said Turner.

JUST A REMINDER

The CCAP version for the federal government is PACER. You can connect to it through the Eastern District or Western District web page. There is a charge for printing/viewing of $0.08 per page. You can also register with the Wisconsin Department of Justice and perform a criminal record background check. The cost for each individual background check is $13.00 if you do it online. You can also mail a request to the Department of Justice at P.O. Box 2688, Madison, WI 53701-2688, along with your check for $15.00. You need to provide them with the individual’s name and date of birth, along with sex, race & social security number if known.

PROTOCOLS TAKE THE STAND

When dealing with the collection of data in relation to Litigation holds or active Litigation, your chain of custody is only as strong as your weakest link. Imagine opposing counsel starts pursuing not the facts of your case, but the way in which you assembled the data. Do you have written steps that are being implemented in real life practice? Has your senior IT person handed off the pesky process of data collection to the lowest rung of the technology ladder?

Midwest has worked with corporate legal departments in auditing established protocols, and in the absence of a system, helping to create one to be followed. Identifying the live and archival data on the many media types available can be a tedious task. What is the point of spending dollars on a collection that is so shoddy or inconsistent, that it could not withstand the weakest of challenges?

If you do not have a formalized, practiced, tested system – do not wait until sanctions are brought or embarrassments experienced, to put one in place. Midwest can assist in the creation of the collections and assist on the processing – if cases go active. Please contact Rick Stieghorst, for further information.

ARE YOU LINKED IN?

by Shawn Olley

I was recently told about Linkedin which defines itself as an online network of more than 24 million experienced professionals from around the world, representing 150 industries that helps professionals realize the value of their contacts. It works similar to the social networking service, Facebook. When you join, you create a profile that summarizes your professional accomplishments. Your profile helps you find and be found by former colleagues, clients, and partners. You can add more connections by inviting trusted contacts to join LinkedIn and connect to you.

Your network consists of your connections, your connections’ connections, and the people they know, linking you to thousands of qualified professionals. It is free to join. www.linkedin.com

Midwest Joins the Blogosphere

Inspired by Bev Butula’s recent Litigation Lunch topic (see article this page), Midwest has started up it’s very own blog. The blog will spotlight what is happening with the company and all of our ever expanding services. This new endeavor will also help us keep our ear to the ground with the happenings of the legal community.

You can visit us at midwestparalegal.blogspot.com and be sure to add us to your RSS feeds.

Shawn Olley completed the Danskin Triathlon for the second year in a row. The event includes a ½ mile swim; 12 mile bike and 3.5 mile run/walk. Her times are not posted, because it is the finishing that is the most important….. right?

Lori DiPietrantonio and Joann Stern completed a nearly five year assignment with the law firm of Crivello Carlson. Lori and Joann assisted in all areas of product liability. Congratulations for a successful – long term, assignment.

Midwest’s Madison office starts its FOURTH year. Thanks to the law firms and corporations in the Dane County area for their great support and repeat business.

Joanne Powers was named to the transition team for the MillerCoors reorganization work. Joanne has been assisting at Miller for the past four years on a full-time basis.

Midwest is named as a preferred vendor by LEXIS/NEXIS Concordance and was featured on the web page July-August.

Midwest just celebrated the fifth year of Bailey Building ownership. Is it possible that time has gone that fast?

Roland and Sarah Johnson welcomed a new baby girl into their family. Ruth was born on August 7, 2008. Congratulations Roland and Sarah!