Madison County, IL – With a launch date of October 2015, PohlmanUSA Court Reporting and Litigation Services will operate its newest web tool, MyDocFileServe™, in Madison County, IL.

PohlmanUSA’s newest web tool, MyDocFileServe™, was built using the familiar design and expertise of the PohlmanUSA web development team, to compliment the current PohlmanUSA suite of web applications, MyCase™, Trial Calendar™, MyDocServe™ (serving St. Clair County, IL), and MyRecordsRetrieval™. MyDocFileServe™ was developed as a unique and easy to use online web application allowing law firms to more efficiently file, serve, search and download case documents electronically in Madison County asbestos cases. MyDocFileServe™ integrates directly with the court and manages parties’ case notifications in a convenient and searchable online inbox.  You can now quickly find  motions set for hearing at upcoming motion docket dates via our online Madison County Docket calendaring tool, and our optimized system controls save law firms time and money by reducing the quantity of rejected pleadings while streamlining the electronic filing and serving process.

With MyDocFileServe™ you can quickly search, select and download multiple documents simultaneously by using our convenient Bulk Download feature.  MyDocFileServe™ combines a fresh, user-friendly design with time-saving searches for maximum efficiency.  This web application offers an efficient and cost-effective way to file and serve pleadings online.  Beginning October 2015, to receive service from the Maune, Raichle, Hartley, French & Mudd (MRHFM) law firm in Madison County, IL you must be registered with MyDocFileServe™. To learn more or to schedule training for your firm please contact [email protected] or your firm’s trusted PohlmanUSA Account Executive at (877) 421-0099.

PohlmanUSA Court Reporting & Litigation Services offers full-service court reporting and litigation services and is recognized nationwide as the leading provider of technology-driven court reporting and litigation services. For 25 years, PohlmanUSA has specialized in complex multiparty litigation by creating innovative products and customized solutions for clients. Every team member at PohlmanUSA is committed to delivering exceptional customer service and anticipating clients’ needs. Whether you need a talented court reporter or videographer for a deposition in an asbestos case, MDL, or general litigation matter we have an experienced professionals nationwide.  We’re always listening. ®

For more information, contact Carrie Titus, Director of Sales and Marketing at (314)678-5803.

With only 3 months, or about 60 business days left in the year, it is time to evaluate, plan and prepare to make the most of what time you have left in the year. During this hectic time many questions and concerns start running through our heads:  Where to start? Where did I/ we fail as a company? What can we improve upon? And most commonly – how am I going to get it all done? These concerns do not have to be as daunting as they seem, but preparation and prioritization will be needed. Here are some tips on how to stay focused on what can still be completed this year while getting ready for next year.

• Take time to evaluate your 2015 plan. Consider what can still be accomplished, and what is no longer a priority for the year.
• Review and discuss successes and failures (areas for improvement) through Q3.
• Consider what new services, project initiatives, tools, or key hires are needed before or during Q1.
• Focus on what both your company and you personally do best , and put that at the top of your to-do list.
• Review any technology updates that are needed or that would improve your company’s efficiencies.
• Re-negotiate rates with vendors and consider ordering office supplies in bulk for the coming year.
• Make sure your management team and staff know your thoughts about year-end priorities and set urgency and timelines for these initiatives.
• Close any deals that can be closed.
• Review and coordinate your calendar vacation schedules for any key members of your team who may be needed to complete or sign-off on year-end projects, or bonuses.
• If you have not already, start your plan for next year including: scheduling planning sessions, marketing initiatives, completing annual budgets, and drafting financial forecasts.
• Plan education and engagement sessions for your team before the year is over.
• Schedule down time. These last few weeks are busy professionally and personally for most people. Without scheduled time to take a breath, you will not perform at your best level or be ready to start the next year with the necessary enthusiasm and engagement.
• Take time to celebrate what you and your team have accomplished in the year.
• Keep an eye on the finish line and adjust accordingly. December 31^st will come quickly.

Summer has come and gone again. Now is the time of year that kids (and many parents) dread…Back to school. While the routine of the school year has its benefits the transition from long summer days, late bedtimes and no schedule can be difficult and outright terrifying for some. When you include the long lines school shopping and added traffic on the roads there is no wonder why fall can be so stressful for kids and parents. Whether your child is starting their first year of school or going back for their 4^th I wanted to share some of my tips that might be helpful. One thing is true- summer will be here again before we know it.

• Have a schedule posted so kids can clearly see all chore and homework expectations, as well as nightly practices or activities. This can also include morning and bedtime routines to keep the parts of the day that get rushed a little calmer.
• Start the school year bedtime routine, including lights out time, a week before school. This will help get kids back in the flow of school and decrease fits (yours and theirs) the night before school.
• Discuss with the child how they will be getting to and from school every day and run through the routine.
• Find out what friends are in the class before the first day, plan play dates if possible before school starts.
• Discuss any concerns or special needs ahead of the time with the teacher and/ or school counselor.
• Listen to your child, share your own school stories, confront any nerves, & express excitement yourself.
• Label everything – bags, lunch boxes, water bottles, jackets, notebooks, etc.
• Exchange numbers with other parents in the class for those homework assignments your child forgot, car pool emergencies, birthday party invitations that never went in the mail (and more).
• Pack school bags at least two days before the start of school, just in case you are missing anything you will still have time to get it.
• Wash and put all laundry away so that perfect first day outfit is clean and in the closet.
• Pick out clothes, including socks, shoes and accessories and set them aside the night before.
• Pack lunch and any non-perishable snacks the night before- keep them easy, less stress on you and your kids can help!
• Prepare to spend up to 20% more time getting to work just dealing with the added traffic of school buses and high school kids on the road.
• Plan fast and easy but nutritious breakfasts that are high in protein.
• Remember to put hand sanitizer in each school bag, for those dirty hand emergencies.
• Remember it is more important to spend time with the kids than to be the ”perfect” parents. No parent is “perfect” in their kid’s eyes.

Good luck making it till May!

While spending time at the Annual Convention for the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA), I had the opportunity to hear different perspectives on a wide range of topics & meet some amazing paralegals from across the nation (and some from outside the US). There were multiple educational sections available to attend. Some of the seminar topics included: Government Liability, EDiscovery, ADR, Immigration, Corporate, Soft Skills, Medical Malpractice, Mentoring & Networking, Organizational Tips, and Twitter Tips. All of the presentations included meaningful and important information but there were some I found more universally applicable and I thought were worth sharing.

The presentation on 6 Important soft skills made us reflect on how we react and present ourselves and consider how each of our soft skills can be furthering, or hindering our own careers. The 6 soft skills discussed were:

• Communication
• Critical Thinking
• Teamwork
• Time management
• Adaptability
• Conflict resolution

One important point that was addressed during the presentation was that while experience gets you the job, your soft skills keeps you the job.

Later in the conference we had the inadvertent opportunity to see how we each reacted when an unexpected occurrence, in this case a bomb threat to our hotel, transpired. During such an event the organization as a whole as well as many of the members and staff of the hotel showed how important communication, critical thinking, teamwork, time management, and adaptability are. Whether you are faced with an emergency situation, rush assignment, prioritizing projects assigned by different partners or a job interview having solid soft skills can help you keep your composure.

The seminar on organizational skills was also relevant to anyone who works in a law firm, or who may want ideas for improving time management to achieve better-quality work-life balance. The review of technology available as well as other organizational tips can assist any of us improve our sense of structure and time available for important tasks. Several of the software reviewed were: Time, Tripit, Instapaper, and 1 Password. Also during this presentation, the use of a dream board was discussed as an important tool in getting you to focus on your goals and develop a plan to implement them.

In addition to the knowledge gained, and of course CLE credit received, the opportunity to network with such a broad base of legal professionals is an opportunity that does not come along often. The chance to converse and hear that others have similar concerns and issues & to discuss ways to address these serves a greater purpose.

Thank you to everyone who made it a memorable experience.

Independence Day, commonly called the 4^th of July, is a national holiday observing the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, which declared the United States free from the control of Great Britain. Today we are celebrating Independence Day, 239 years after the Declaration of Independence was signed. While this holiday is often associated with: parades, fireworks, barbecues, and concerts, there are also political speeches, presentations by color guards, performances by military drum corps, readings of the Declaration of Independence, flag raising ceremonies, and more. While history surrounds the day, how often do we truly think about the significance of July 4^th, 1776, and the impact it has on our nation today? When asking some of the employees at PohlmanUSA: “What does Independence Day mean to you?”  The answers were heartfelt and inspiring.  If you need a reminder what Independence Day is about, read what it means to some of us at PohlmanUSA.

“Independence Day is a time to gather with friends and family to celebrate this wonderful country. It’s always bittersweet to celebrate such a holiday. Of course you have the delicious BBQ and the stunning fireworks, but it’s also a time to reflect on those who make it possible for us to enjoy such things.  With my dad, grandpa and multiple uncles having all served in the Armed Forces, we gather to honor them and to remember their service. We also remember the countless others, including my cousin, who are still fighting and those who have unfortunately lost their lives while protecting this country. Without their bravery and commitment, we would not be able to celebrate such freedoms.”  Danielle Yates, Litigation Support Technology Sr. Customer Service Rep. 

“Independence Day brings back memories of spending time with family and neighbors, enjoying homemade ice cream and holding out my hand out as far as I can to avoid the pop of a sparkler. As an adult, I see Independence Day a little differently. I’ve come to recognize what it truly means. As I walk to the park this July 4^th, kids in tow, to enjoy a snow cone and see one of St. Louis’ amazing fireworks display, I will appreciate my freedom a little more and be thankful for the sacrifices made by our service men and women, present and past. It is because of them we can relish in freedom and create beautiful memories.” Diane Scott, Account Executive

“Independence means being able to stand up for what you believe in. So often we take this privilege for granted. We forget that there are countless places in the world where it’s illegal to speak out against unjust governments, laws, and practices. The freedom (and responsibility) of being able to stand up and call for change is an incredible example of American independence, and is a large part of what makes us American. “ Megan Niedringhaus, Administrative Coordinator

“Just returning from a trip to Washington DC, Independence Day to me means celebrating the sacrifice & triumph that our forefathers achieved in breaking away from British rule. “ Colette Hitpas, Controller

“Independence Day to me means family time, BBQ’s, pool, cold beer, warm weather & fireworks. It’s a true example of the many freedoms we are allowed as Americans, every day.  The holiday makes me feel gracious for the world we live in, as it’s hard to imagine not having such liberties. AMERICA!” Lydia Pohlman Figueroa, Senior Account Executive

“Independence Day means spending time with friends and celebrating our freedom. “ Meghan Levinson, Scheduling Assistant Manager

“A day to remember how fortunate we are to live in a free country and to be thankful for all the people that have made this happen in the past and for the people in this country who watch out for our future.” Diane Ridens, Outsource Scheduling Coordinator

“To me Independence Day means celebrating our independence from Great Britain.” Matt Schnorf, CLVS, Videographer

“Independence Day is a day to salute those who have fought and sacrificed their own lives for our freedom.  Freedom for us means we have the right to speak our minds freely, choose our own religion and bear arms if we want to.  These are freedoms many other people in the world are not afforded.  I’m proud to be an American and I’m grateful every day for the freedoms I have because I am an American. “ Michelle C. Hill, Scheduling, Video & Trial Services Manager

“My oldest child was born on the 4^th of July so the fireworks and parades have somewhat a different meaning to me.  In addition to celebrating her birth (and she does still think the fireworks are for her), we have the opportunity to spend time as a family and reflect on how privileged  we are to have the freedoms that being citizens of the United States brings with it. Freedom, Liberty and a place we can dream big- that is why I am proud to call the United States of America home!” Carrie Titus, Esq., Director of Sales and Marketing