Frequently Asked Questions

Pre-Litigation Nerd focuses on two things. Opening file procedures to ensure your files start with a good foundation. The second focus is medical treatment for the file. Once you take my courses you should feel confident when you are working up a file. Your files should be settling for policy limit

I got into the legal world by accident. Literally, I was in an accident and an attorney hired me to translate. I worked my way up from a receptionist to running a Pre-Litigation Department at Carpenter & Zuckerman. In over 13 years I have learned a lot of ways to work up files in a timely manner and mastered client communication. It was very hard for me to learn what I know today and would love to share it with others who are passionate about PI.

Please see my work history below:

Law Office of Werner R. Meissner, APLC; 2011 to June 2016

Came into this office as Receptionist/File Clerk with no legal experience whatsoever and within a couple years was promoted to Head Legal Secretary, pretty much running Mr. Meissner's law firm, handling everything for him including calendar meetings, ordering supplies, sending faxes  retrieving emails daily, calendaring and keeping the work-flow going.  

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Pre-litigation:  Property damage, reporting claims, following up with client's medical treatment, checking on limits issues, negotiations, excess/non-excess med-pay, getting client's medical bills and records, opening and organizing files, setting up mediations. 
• Litigation:  Discovery responses, deposition scheduling, coordinating mediations, drafting complaints, service on defendants, communicating with the courts, trial prep. 
• Post-litigation:  Negotiating liens, including Medi-Cal, Medicare, Hospital liens, Healthcare liens, etc., client settlement breakdowns.       

SDLA Courier Service 2016-2017 

This company was just getting started when I was hired. The company was built from nothing and is now a quality service company. I interviewed, hired and trained all employees. I coordinated all schedules and payroll.

Ariel Law Group January 2017-May 2017

This company hired me for my personal injury knowledge as a case manager. Responsibilities included but not limited to all aspects of pre-litigation. Setting up claims, resolving client’s property damage, setting up medical appointments, getting all of the client’s medical specials and writing a demand. 

Walker Advertising May 2017-2018

This company gave me the opportunity to be a Legal Intake Specialist. My job duties consisted of training the contact center. I trained the intakes department how to screen the calls and make sure the calls were connected to the correct attorneys. 

Wilshire Law Firm October 2018 to May 2021

 I was responsible in making sure the cases are worked up to the full case value. Communication with the clients is crucial to make sure that they trust you and follow through with medical recommendations. It is also important to be familiar with medical recommendations, including but not limited to, epidural injections, medial branch blocks, radiofrequency ablation, and the different kinds of spine and extremity surgeries. I can explain the procedures to the clients in a simple manner they understand, and they move forward with the recommendations.  

Carpenter & Zuckerman -June 2021 to Present

I am currently the Pre-Litigation Manager, I oversee 1300 cases. I ensure the teams are working efficiently. The goal is to make sure the files are reaching policy limits and the clients are following doctor's recommendations. I provide continuous trainings bi-weekly for the department. I hired many people without experience and my training program has helped them excel. 

SKILLS:  Bilingual:  English/ Spanish, punctual, fast learner, great communicator, team player, friendly, very organized and I get the job done, no matter how large or small.

 Yes, my classes are conducted via Zoom, making them fully online. I've found this approach less intimidating than in-person sessions, encouraging students to ask more questions. The sessions are live and one-on-one, giving you the opportunity to ask as many questions as you'd like. 

The full course is divided into three sessions, each lasting two hours, for a total of six hours. If you choose to purchase the courses individually, they will take 1-2 hours each.

If you purchase the entire course you receive a PI Manual that outlines the entire course. You will also get an opening checklist. 

You may email, text or call me if you have questions after you take the course. 

Yes, we want to schedule at your convenience. You let us know if you would like morning, afternoon or an evening appointment and we will provide you with dates we have available.