Frequently Asked Questions

Pre-Litigation Nerd provides real-world support for personal injury professionals who want to work up cases efficiently, educate clients effectively, and hit policy limits with confidence.

Our services include:

• A paid membership that gives you direct email access to ask case-related questions, get practical advice, and connect with like-minded professionals
   
• Monthly live Zoom trainings covering pre-litigation workflows, client communication, and strategy
   
• Structured 3-part courses (each session is 2 hours) that walk you through opening files, medical follow-ups, client education, demand prep, and more
   
• Downloadable resources like checklists and guides (with more being added regularly)
   

Everything we offer is based on real experience—not theory—and built for people who are doing the actual work in PI.

I got into the legal world by accident. Literally. I was in an accident, and an attorney hired me to translate. From there, I worked my way up—starting as a receptionist and eventually leading the entire Pre-Litigation Department at Carpenter & Zuckerman. 

Over the past 14+ years, I’ve learned how to work up files efficiently and communicate with clients in a way that builds trust and drives results.

My journey wasn’t easy. Most of what I know today wasn’t taught in school—it came from real-world trial and error. That’s why I’m passionate about helping others who want to succeed in PI without spending years figuring it out the hard way.

In 2023, I launched Pre-Litigation Nerd, a company built to teach the practical side of personal injury case management through courses, live trainings, and a 

membership-based community.

Law Office of Werner R. Meissner, APLC
2011 – June 2016
Started with no legal experience as a receptionist/file clerk. Within a few years, I became Head Legal Secretary, overseeing day-to-day operations, managing Mr. Meissner's calendar, office workflow, and supporting all phases of PI cases.

SDLA Courier Service
2016 – 2017
Helped build the company from the ground up. Recruited, hired, and trained staff, coordinated logistics, and managed schedules and payroll.

Ariel Law Group
January 2017 – May 2017
Brought in for my pre-litigation knowledge. Managed all aspects of case workup including claim setup, medical coordination, and drafting demands.

Walker Advertising
May 2017 – 2018
Worked as a Legal Intake Specialist, training intake teams on how to screen calls and connect leads to the right attorneys.

Wilshire Law Firm
October 2018 – May 2021
Focused on maximizing case value through strong client communication and medical follow-through. Helped clients understand complex procedures to improve outcomes and case strength.

Carpenter & Zuckerman
June 2021 – March 2025
Served as the Pre-Litigation Manager, overseeing over 1,300 cases and leading a team of 38 people. I trained staff (many with no prior legal experience), implemented workflows, and ran bi-weekly department trainings to ensure files reached policy limits and client care stayed top-tier.

Pre-Litigation Nerd
Founder – Present
I now run my own legal education company, teaching the strategies, systems, and communication skills that actually move cases forward. Through online courses, live Zoom classes, and a growing member community, I support legal professionals in personal injury with tools that work in real life—not just on paper.

• Bilingual (English/Spanish)
   
• Legal process optimization
   
• Medical treatment strategy
   
• Client communication coaching
   
• Department management
   
• Team training and onboarding
   
• Organized, fast learner, and committed to results
   

Yes! All courses are approved for 6.0 General CLE Hours by the State Bar of California.
MCLE Provider #20745
Approval Period: February 10, 2025 – February 9, 2027

You can take the courses individually or as a full 6-hour program and receive CLE credit accordingly.

 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.