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Client Services |
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Client Communications
Communication between clients and our
attorneys is a priority. Our attorneys guide and
evaluate clients and insureds by analyzing their
cases and then keeping them abreast of the
status of their claims to gain assistance in
making informed decisions concerning resolution,
mediation or trial. Status reports are tailored
for the individual needs of our clients. When
correspondence to the courts and opposing
counsel is complete, our clients are mailed
copies of all relevant communications for review
and comments.1
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Seminars
When requested, we are glad to develop
and present seminars on various legal topics
tailored to our clients’ needs. For example,
when an insurance company requested a seminar
and information about No-Fault Coverage and
Premises Liability for its staff, our attorneys
wrote, designed and presented seminar materials
concerning the legal topics necessary to address
its employees’ questions.
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Research Capabilities
Our firm’s libraries are on the cutting
edge of technology. They are outfitted with a
full complement of internet, CD-ROM, Westlaw,
and jury verdict research capabilities, giving
our attorneys a decisive tactical advantage over
other firms in achieving time and cost
efficiency. This information base has cut
research time significantly. What once took
hours can now be accomplished in minutes.
In addition to research and
information databases, our firm has an abundance of
current medical publications, technical texts and
journals. All facets of our library undergo regular
reviewing and updating through the attention of our
attorneys, paralegals and law clerks. |
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Computers and Document Processors
Our law offices maintain a variety of
computer systems. With our advanced computers
and servers, the firm is able to reduce costs
and improve services by delivering secure,
consistent information access to users in
different locations and to simplify the
administration of applications, internal and
external content and web services.
Our software is efficient in
providing word processing services, scheduling,
docket control, conflict of interest alerts, office
management services and law firm administration
services. We have programs to assist in storing
legal research and writing material and in preparing
legal briefs and other documents which require
periodic revisions, as well as programs to provide
access to law libraries. The software program, JURIS,
provides a detailed billing service that allows the
billing of fees and expenses to coincide with our
clients' accounting requirements.
Further computer capabilities
include communicating with clients in a secure
environment via the internet and utilizing graphic
software to adapt to paperless environments. Also,
many of our attorneys utilize laptop computers to
manage their caseloads more efficiently. |
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Paralegals and Law Clerks
Our firm employs a number of paralegals
to assist the attorneys in competently and cost
effectively representing the interests of our
clients. Each of our paralegals has earned a
college degree in paralegal studies and has many
years of hands-on experience working under the
supervision of firm attorneys. Our paralegals
draft rudimentary pleadings and discovery
requests, locate and interview witnesses,
conduct research and prepare subpoenas.
We also employ law clerks who are
completing their law school education. Law clerks
work closely and receive direct supervision from our
attorneys. Their tasks include preparing deposition
summaries, identifying witnesses, conducting legal
research, writing memoranda of law and gathering
information necessary to best represent our clients’
interests.
Services billed by our paralegals
and law clerks are at rates substantially lower than
those of our attorneys. The use of paralegals and
law clerks has proven to be cost efficient to our
clients. Close scrutiny by our attorneys of work
completed by paralegals and law clerks ensures
continued high quality. |
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Continuing Legal Education Programs
We maintain a Continuing Legal
Education Program for our attorneys and
paralegals supervised by one of the firm’s
shareholders. Through this program, videotapes
of legal and professional education seminars are
shown periodically. Each attorney also is
required to attend at least two other accredited
legal education seminars annually. This program,
together with ongoing review of current legal
journals and periodicals, ensures that our firm
members are kept aware of relevant developments
in the law and trial techniques.
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Welcome to our new web site!
We are pleased to announce the change
of our firm’s name from Bigler, Berry, Johnston, Sztykiel &
Hunt, P.C. to Berry, Johnston, Sztykiel, Hunt &
McCandless, P.C. Along with our name change comes the
opening of our Howell location, marking the beginning of
another chapter in the history of our firm.
This change does not alter our 35 year
philosophy of responsiveness to our client’s needs. Because
our management has not changed, we can continue to provide
the same high quality services that make us uniquely placed
to assist our clients in maintaining and enhancing the value
of their business operation in Michigan.
Our legal services extend to a broad
range of issues which include litigation, business services,
employment law, business contracts, municipal law as well as
our ongoing service to the insurance industry.
Our new web site serves to highlight
the depth of our commitment to serve the Michigan business
community. Please visit often.
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