Year Review with PohlmanUSA

Looking back on 2015, we here at PohlmanUSA are grateful for the opportunity to work with so many clients across the nation. We are appreciative that you have trusted us as your court reporting and litigation service provider. We have been a part of numerous cases this year, including asbestos, pharmaceutical, and scientific, just to name a few. After listening to the needs of our clients, we are continuing to grow and diversify our services to evolve in an ever-changing world, just as we have for the past twenty five years.

As the year comes to a close, we reflect on the multiple new services successfully implemented in 2015. Because we are always listening to our clients, PohlmanUSA has introduced a variety of new applications. These include new web-based tools such as Trial Calendar and MyDocFileServe™, which are designed for complex, multiparty asbestos litigation. Our extensive customer service and direct client communication have also aided us in customizing features on the MyCase™, MyDocsFileServe™ and MyRecordsRetrieval™ systems. We hope that each customization provides for increased efficiency on our web-based applications. Also, in order to better service our clients that frequent the Madison County courthouse, we expanded by opening a new office at 120 North Main Street, Suite 3, in Edwardsville, IL. Below is our complete list of services going into 2016:

  • Multiparty Litigation Systems
    • MyDocFileServe™ (MDFS) –An efficient and cost effective solution to electronically file or serve documents in complex, fast-paced, and large litigations. It is designed for all parties involved in the asbestos  litigation in  Madison County, IL
      • MyDocServe™ (MDS) – Our electronic service and pleading management system provides online docket management and has been designed as an electronic document service solution and is currently used in Clair and Massac Counties, IL
    • MyRecordsRetrieval™ (MRR) – Our custom records collection, management, and online distribution service. MRR is an encrypted, HIPAA compliant, and customizable system for managing records in complex cases. Recently updated features to the MRR system allow for better day to day usage and provide for ease of billing by our clients. Services for Madison, St. Clair, and Cook Counties,  IL
    • MyCase™ – Our online case management system has been customized for information efficiency.
    • Trial Calendar – A comprehensive solution for tracking Madison County asbestos trial dockets in a single, organized, online solution.
  • Court Reporting Services
    • Nationwide Court Reporting – PohlmanUSA is experienced in organizing and attending thousands of depositions each year while ensuring our clients receive personalized service and flawless products. Our reporters are among the best in the industry with numerous certifications and  extensive backgrounds in a variety of litigation matters.
    • Trial Court Reporting – Partnering with an expansive network of more than 450 professional court reporters consisting of registered professional reporters, certified merit reporters, and certified realtime reporters, PohlmanUSA assigns multiple court reporters with the appropriate level of experience and certification for each hearing or trial.
    • Realtime Court Reporting – A Certified Realtime Reporter (CRR) uses a combination of stenographic skills, technology, and high speed writing to provide an instantaneous translation of the deposition transcript onto an attorney’s laptop or tablet screen, and adds resources during the deposition by allowing for keyword searching and annotating.
  • Videography and Technology
    • Videography – Provided nationwide, PohlmanUSA delivers accurate and well-documented videography for your court depositions to engage and better inform the jury.
    • Desktop Video Conferencing (DVC) – Dealing with increased caseloads and addressing sensitivity to litigation budgets, DVC combines video streaming, video conferencing, and electronic exhibits into one powerful package.
    • Picture in Picture (PIP) – Providing the ability to show video, documents, and other media simultaneously to maximize efficiency in media usage.
    • Litigation Services –Trial support and litigation services include trial playback, video editing, file reformatting, media duplication, and other post-production abilities.

As we approach the end of the year we also want to take this opportunity to thank all of our clients for your business in 2015. PohlmanUSA was built not only on the extensive efforts and fervent dedication of our entire team, but also on the reputation and referrals that we receive from so many of you.

Remember, we are committed to progress as a company, and to provide exceptional customer service. PohlmanUSA will continue to be on the cutting edge of court reporting and litigation services, integrating our experience and expertise with powerful new technological tools. We look forward to another successful year working with you in 2016. From us here at PohlmanUSA to all of you, happy holidays and a happy new year. And remember, we’re always listening. ®

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Litigation Technology to Consider for 2016

As technology in everyday life seems to evolve at rapid speed, technology affecting how you practice law is also changing. Although it may progress at a slower rate than your iPhone or Android is upgraded, technology affecting litigation has seen advancement in the past few years and will continue to change in 2016. If you are not aware of some of the changes, you may be putting your case at a disadvantage and possibly no longer effectively representing your clients. Some trends that you need to be aware of going into 2016 include technology available to you in court, ways that you can save your clients money by reducing time spent on tasks, and development with research and review platforms. New technology also brings new concerns,  including HIPAA requirements and hacking/data theft and keeping your client information safe.

Courtroom technology- The use of Elmo machines and poster boards are a thing of the past. Looking into 2016 expect to see more courtrooms equipped with smart podiums, flat screen televisions, and the ability for more attorneys to use technology in making their case for the jury. Included will be getting jury members attention through the use of 3D Graphics and animation. In today’s world it is rare that a case gets to trial; but when it does, the jury factor is of utmost importance. You need to make your case as easily understood, compelling, and also entertaining to a jury. Remember that jurors are now accustomed to having everything faster, brighter and louder than they were 10 years ago. The days of time consuming processing and presenting evidence by using easels and flip charts or through the passing pictures to the judge and jury are over. Lawyers are now more efficient and in better control of the evidence, and of jurors attention by utilizing technology.  Courtroom technology can be used by the attorney, paralegal or witness to draw attention to key parts of the case and emphasize specific evidence. Litigation support professionals are also now in high demand. These individuals can be hired for trial work to assist with preparation and presentation of exhibits in your case.

Communication with clients- The first thing to consider when communicating with clients is their generation. As more Gen Xers are becoming decision makers and in need of legal representation the way lawyers communicate with clients has changed. The need to respond via text and email versus the phone are major factors to today’s communicating with clients. Along with this come concerns including the need for clear statements starting in your client engagement letters about protecting client information. Also it may no longer be enough just to have a statement in the initial agreement with your client. Should a client continue communicating confidential materials electronically, reminders throughout your representation will be needed. As communication with clients may increase, and they may have expectations of immediate answers, it is important to keep your communication timely but meaningful. Setting expectations on when emails will be returned, when you will have answers, or a case update for them are key.

Use of cloud-computing- The definition of Cloud computing has evolved and today it is commonly used to refer to any real-time communication network- such as over the internet. There are public, private and hybrid clouds available for storage of information. The use of a cloud can cut costs by limiting high cost technology devices and lowering the demand for on-site server storage. One important issue with cloud computing is the problem of who is in “possession” and who owns your data. Cloud computing offers many benefits such as mobility with the option to gain access to your information from anywhere, but it also comes with concerns. One of these concerns is in the security of the cloud including possible data breach of the information in the cloud. Encryption of data stored in the cloud is the safest way to protect the information from hackers and unauthorized users and can be accomplished easily by setting up passwords, not sharing passwords, and only logging on from private Wi-Fi networks. Cloud computing not only can be cost- effective for storage of your information by reducing the need for private servers, it also has the benefit of offering virtual offices. Virtual offices allow  you to work from anywhere by utilizing mobile devices, laptops, wireless networks, and web-based technology. While this may seem to be a burden as it allows lawyers to be accountable and reachable by clients and partners 24/7, it can also have many positives including attributing to better work-life balance or modified and flexible schedules granting more time with family.

Social media- These days social media is a must in any customer based industry, and law firms are no different. Both firms and attorneys should have professional profiles on multiple social sites as different platforms may reach a different client or better yet potential client base and add to your credibility. Social media is the best way to get your message to the most people the fastest. Unfortunately you have no ability to individualize the context or content of your posting to different generations. While getting your message, story, tweet, etc. across to EVERYONE quickly is a perk of using social media it is impossible to make the information relevant and more importantly, clear, to everyone who may potentially see the post. Not only are your posts viewable but so are your comments and “likes” of other people’s posts, and they never go away. Thus, it is important to not respond to a posting without thinking through consequences of being associated with the comment by current and future clients. You can also consider hiring an outside company to run your social media, create blogs and posts on your behalf.

Website- Whether a client was referred to you or you have known them for years, the first place a potential client will go before hiring you for a case is your website. When designing a website or providing content for a webpage there are ways to make it more client friendly. As clients become more in-tuned to the changes in technology and are being pursued by more and more firms, it is important that law firms consider their client’s needs and find ways to meet them; whether that is in adding valuable information or saving costs. Several website tips are: be personable, make it about the client, be industry or practice area specific, discuss results from the client view- include what you HAVE done not what you CAN do, offer clients access to their up to date file and billing records, and keep the website up to date and relevant. You also need to decide based on the type of clients you want to attract if you need to be mobile friendly for clients or potential clients to access your site on the go.

Legal research and discovery platforms- For cases with large discovery requests or on topics that you are not as familiar do not forget to rely on experts. These “experts” can be found in way of eDiscovery consultants, research subscriptions and technology specialists. If you are not familiar with a topic or do not have enough time in the day to review the millions of pages of documents there are cost- effective solutions using technology to get you from point A to point B and meet all discovery requirements.

Getting caught behind in technological advancement is easy since there are so many upgrades and updates happening so quickly. 2016 will likely bring more developments to technology and you don’t want to be a step behind when the next big thing becomes available.

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PohlmanUSA Celebrates the 12 Days of Christmas

On the first day of Christmas, Pohlman gave to me

Reduced travel with DVC

 

On the second day of Christmas, Pohlman gave to me

Two realtime feeds

And reduced travel with DVC

 

On the third day of Christmas, Pohlman gave to me

Three rough drafts

Two realtime feeds

And reduced travel with DVC

 

On the fourth day of Christmas Pohlman gave to me

Four standing orders!

Three rough drafts

Two realtime feeds

And reduced travel with DVC

 

On the fifth day of Christmas, Pohlman gave to me

Five web-based tools

Four standing orders

Three rough drafts

Two realtime feeds

And reduced travel with DVC

 

On the sixth day of Christmas, Pohlman gave to me

Six motions e-filing

Five web-based tools

Four standing orders!

Three rough drafts

Two realtime feeds

And reduced travel with DVC

 

On the seventh day of Christmas, Pohlman gave to me

Seven discs-a-syncing

Six motions e-filing

Five web-based tools

Four standing orders!

Three rough drafts

Two realtime feeds

And reduced travel with DVC

 

On the eighth day of Christmas, Pohlman gave to me

Eight records requesting

Seven discs-a-syncing

Six motions e-filing

Five web-based tools

Four standing orders!

Three rough drafts

Two realtime feeds

And reduced travel with DVC

 

On the ninth day of Christmas, Pohlman gave to me

Nine reporters typing

Eight records requesting

Seven discs-a-syncing

Six motions e-filing

Five web-based tools

Four standing orders!

Three rough drafts

Two realtime feeds

And reduced travel with DVC

 

On the tenth day of Christmas, Pohlman gave to me

Ten depos confirming

Nine reporters typing

Eight records requesting

Seven discs-a-syncing

Six motions e-filing

Five web-based tools

Four standing orders!

Three rough drafts

Two realtime feeds

And reduced travel with DVC

 

On the eleventh day of Christmas, Pohlman gave to me

Eleven schedulers scheduling

Ten depos confirming

Nine reporters typing

Eight records requesting

Seven discs-a-syncing

Six motions e-filing

Five web-based tools

Four standing orders!

Three rough drafts

Two realtime feeds

And reduced travel with DVC

 

On the twelfth day of Christmas, Pohlman gave to me

Twelve blue pens a writing

Eleven schedulers scheduling

Ten depos confirming

Nine reporters typing

Eight records requesting

Seven discs-a-syncing

Six motions e-filing

Five web-based tools

Four standing orders!

Three rough drafts

Two realtime feeds

And reduced travel with DVC

 

Happy Holidays!

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Announcing MyDocFileServe™ through PohlmanUSA is now serving all Gori Julian and Associates cases in Madison County, IL.

We are excited to announce that effective Monday, December 14, 2015, all Gori Julian and Associates cases will be available, in addition to all MRHFM cases, for electronic filing and service through the MyDocFileServe™ (MDFS) system in Madison County, IL.

MyDocFileServe™, is an efficient and cost effective solution to electronically file or serve documents in complex, multi-party litigation. The PohlmanUSA technology team worked hand-in-hand with plaintiff firms, defense firms, and personnel from the court clerk’s office to ensure this product fulfilled the needs of all parties. MyDocFileServe™ has been built to help you file, serve, and download documents with ease.

Benefits of MyDocFileServe™

  • MyDocFileServe™ was built for asbestos litigation with input of asbestos firms.
  • Search case activity on your homepage by individual cases or site-wide activity.
  • Electronically file new cases and pleadings as well as serve documents across all parties within a single transaction.
  • Upload multiple files for eFiling or eService simultaneously.
  • Download multiple documents, including the entire previous day’s docket, at one time.
  • Manage your email notifications by use of the On-site Inbox, a firm-specific email, user-specific email, or case by case.
  • Don’t search for your file stamped copy, it will be emailed directly to the filing user.
  • Advanced searching, sorting, filtering & reporting features.
  • Our Litigation Support Technology department is available 24/7 at 877-421-0099 for technical support.
  • PohlmanUSA has 25 years of experience as a proven business partner in the asbestos litigation.
  •  Free eFile/$8.00 eServe.
  • No additional/hidden fees.

If you do not have a log-in or if you or someone in your office would like training on MDFS, or any of our web-tools or services, please contact your firm’s trusted Account Executive or a member of our Litigation Support Technology team at 877-421-0099 or [email protected]. We’re always listening. ®

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Scott Gill Joins PohlmanUSA Court Reporting as Chief Financial Officer

SAINT LOUIS – PohlmanUSA, St. Louis, Mo- based court reporting agency recognized as the leader in complex, multi-party, technology-driven court reporting in the United States, announced that Scott Gill had joined the company’s leadership team as Chief Financial Officer.

Scott brings strategic and operational experience from over 25 years in financial services and the medical technologies industry.  At PohlmanUSA Scott is responsible for all financial aspects of the company, including financial operations and the long-term financial strategies of the company.  This position reports to Deborah J. Walters, President & Chief Executive Officer.

“Scott’s impressive background in both finance and banking make him a great fit for this role,” said PohlmanUSA CEO Deborah Walters. “We welcome him to our team and look forward to benefiting from his financial management experience as the company expands its Court Reporting, technology and litigation support services”.

Prior to joining PohlmanUSA, Scott was the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Compliance Officer for ISTO Technologies, Inc., a privately held FDA-regulated medical technology company focused on innovative bone and cartilage products.  In that role, he led all financial, administrative and risk management functions for the company with direct oversight over accounting, human resources, information technology and materials management.  Prior to ISTO Technologies, Scott was a Director with the Investment Banking Group of A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc. where he worked with a number of public and private emerging growth companies on a variety of corporate finance advisory assignments with an emphasis on mergers & acquisitions.  Before joining A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc., Scott held a Senior Financial Analyst role with Anheuser-Busch, Inc. as well as a commercial banker role with Bank of America.

Scott received his MBA from J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL and his Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Tennessee.

ABOUT POHLMANUSA COURT REPORTING

Founded in 1990 and Headquartered in St. Louis, MO, with offices in Chicago and Edwardsville, IL, 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. ®

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Thanksgiving Trivia to Amaze Your Family

Thanksgiving is a day of tradition. Each Thanksgiving morning, I get the kids dressed in their Thanksgiving outfits, take the final fall picture by the pumpkins so we can compare how big they’ve gotten over the years, bake the side dish that my family assigned me, and pack up the car to begin a day of over-eating, laughter, and much needed relaxation.  But before I do any of that, I have one additional step: I take the time to mentally prepare for a long day.  I brainstorm topics of conversation that can engage family members that have little to say. I also enjoying finding ways to add knowledge or share facts with family members (and maybe make myself look a little bit smarter in the process).  This list of Thanksgiving related questions will equip me for both. Enjoy reading and I hope that you are able to benefit from knowing a little more about Thanksgiving Day.

Q1- Who wanted the national bird to be a turkey?

Q2- What year was the first Thanksgiving?

Q3- Who declared the last Thursday in November a national day of Thanksgiving?

Q4- When did Congress make Thanksgiving Day an official national holiday?

Q5- Only male turnkeys, called toms, gobble. What sound do Female turkeys make?

Q6- What famous literary writer petitioned for 40 years to have Thanksgiving made a national holiday?

Q7- What year did the United States Postal Services issue a commemorative stamp for Thanksgiving?

Q8- How large was the largest pumpkin pie ever made?

Q9- How long was the first Thanksgiving?

Q10- What are 3 towns in the US named after the turkey?

Q11- What Thanksgiving dinner “must” was the first meal that Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin ate on the moon?

Q12- What company held the first annual Thanksgiving Day parade?

Q13- What was the name of the first Macy’s Day parade? Why?

Q14- When was the first Macy’s Parade?

Q15- Why does turkey make people sleepy?

__________________________________________________________________________

A1- Benjamin Franklin

A2- 1621

A3- Abraham Lincoln

A4- 1941

A5- Cackle

A6- The author of Mary Had a Little Lamb, Sarah Josepha Hale

A7- 2001

A8- 2,020 pounds and over 12 feet long

A9- 3 days- now that is a lot of eating!

A10- Turkey, TX; Turkey Creek, LA; Turkey, NC

A11- Turkey

A12- Gimbels department store

A13- Macy’s Christmas Parade, to signify the launch of Christmas shopping

A14- 1924, 4 years after the parade started

A15- Against popular belief Turkey contains no more tryptophan than cheese or chicken and is not the cause of sleepiness on Thanksgiving

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PohlmanUSA Honors all Veterans

 

Thank you to all of the military personnel for your sacrifice while protecting our freedoms. Today we take time to express our gratitude and to honor your courage. 

 

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MyDocFileServe™ discussed in the Madison County Record: Pohlman introduces new software for asbestos case filing

By the end of the year, court reporting and litigation services company PohlmanUSA hopes that all Madison County asbestos cases will be able to be accessed through the company’s new webtool, MyDocFileServe.

As of last month, all cases filed by attorneys at Maune, Raichle, Hartley, French & Mudd in St. Louis, which agreed to be the first plaintiff firm on the system, can only be accessed through a new web server.

According to PohlmanUSA’s president Deborah Walters, the server makes filing, serving, and downloading asbestos case documents easier and cheaper.

“Our entry into the market as a new vendor lowered the price for attorneys to electronically serve pleadings to case parties, and provided a free filing option to electronically file with the court. Firms are able to pass along substantial savings to their clients,” said Walters.

The program is trademarked as MyDocFileServe, and integrates directly with the court’s Clericus Magnus filing system.

“PohlmanUSA has 25 years of experience and knowledge of the asbestos litigation and our development team, led by our Litigation Support Services Director, Alicia Hart, PMP, has worked closely with the firms involved in this litigation to build a system customized for this litigation,” said Walters.

“During initial development of the system we held focus groups with plaintiff and defense attorneys and staff. (The Maune firm) agreed to be the first plaintiff firm on the system,” said Walters. “We look forward to having additional plaintiff firms on the system before year-end.”

According to Walters, electronic filing reduces the number of lost pleadings and the number of rejected filings. It also features free bulk downloading, advanced search options, and a calendar of motion docket dates.

Electronic filing and downloading is free, and electronic service is $8 per transaction

Firms can register online at www.mydocfileserve.com, or by calling 877-421-0099. PohlmanUSA offers training via web and in person, and its office is located across from the courthouse in Edwardsville.

http://madisonrecord.com/stories/510646803-pohlman-introduces-new-software-for-asbestos-case-filing

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Don’t Get Spooked this Halloween

Afraid of a Ghastly opposing counsel encounter? They are all Cackle and no Bite with PohlmanUSA’s nationwide deposition confirmation and experienced court reporters.

Rattled by the Bones of an upcoming deposition?  Download earlier transcripts 24/7 on PohlmanUSA’s online interactive case management system, MyCase™. This complimentary service is available to any firm that has scheduled, ordered, or in any way taken part in a deposition.

What’s Brewing in your docket? Take the stress out of scheduling with PohlmanUSA’s convenient deposition scheduling, by phone, fax or online.

Terrified by those Goblins and Ghouls? PohlmanUSA ‘s skilled court reporters and staff don’t get scared.

Never be Alarmed by a Ghost when PohlmanUSA is your choice for court reporting …our court reporters have the best hands in the business… hands down!

Don’t let the Creepy opposing counsel have a hand up on you! PohlmanUSA’s MyRecordsRetrieval™ will take care of your records collection, management and online distribution needs.

Is your Broom in the shop? Use PohlmanUSA’s Desktop Video Conference (DVC) to view your next deposition without having to take to the air.

Frightened you will be stuck with a Zombie in your next deposition? Rely on PohmanUSA’s trusted, experienced court reporters and videographers. We promise, they all have a pulse!

Are you Petrified you won’t be able to find a transcript? PohlmanUSA covers depositions nationwide, keeping all of your transcripts in one online repository that is available 24/7.

Don’t get Scared away by pesky details. PohlmanUSA’s scheduling team can secure conference rooms across the country.

Are you Panicked that you forgot to schedule tomorrow’s deposition? A professional on the PohlmanUSA scheduling team is available nationwide 24/7.

Don’t get Startled by a bad customer service experience. PohlmanUSA offers 24/7 nationwide support for MyDocFileServe™, our efficient and cost-effective solution to electronically file or serve documents in Madison County, IL.

Is there a Monster in the courtroom? Let PohlmanUSA’s trial support service scare it away.

 

PohlmanUSA Court Reporting and Litigation Services is the leader in nationwide, technology–driven, court reporting, and litigation services. PohlmanUSA has offices in St. Louis, MO, Chicago, IL and Edwardsville, IL along with a strong network of experienced and reliable court reporters nationally to cover our clients’ needs no matter where they may occur. While providing superior services to clients for 25 years, PohlmanUSA has built a reputation of integrity, professionalism, and excellence. We are committed to bring innovative, cost–efficient products directly to our clients to enhance their case management and workflow productivity. Our commitment to customer service, innovation, and excellence shows as we continue to devote the time and resources necessary to provide our clients with advanced litigation support services.

Happy Halloween from the team at PohlmanUSA.

Halloween 2015

We’re always listening. ®

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