January 21st, 2010
I’m sure that many of you have already contributed in one way or another to aid in the Haiti catastrophic earthquakes. However, if you’ve not done that yet, please consider pledging your financial support. Just a $40 donation will provide a family with the basic necessities (food, bottled water, healthcare kits, et cetera) for 10 days. We take what we’ve been blessed with for granted, and this is an opportunity to share our good fortune with those in dire need.
You can donate in support of the relief effort in Haiti at www.redcross.org or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS, or mobile donors can text “Haiti” to 90999 to make a contribution.
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December 15th, 2009
Wood & Randall has always strived to stay ahead of the competition when it comes to technology. Well, we can’t ignore the new social media craze. Although some law firms are using these networks, most people are still confused about what it’s all about.
The following is a short synopsis for those interested:
Twitter: This is a free microblogging site. It’s been around for a few years, but its popularity recently has exploded. It asks a simple question: What are you doing? Twitterers can only use 140 characters to answer that question. Responses are short and to the point. Twitter has a philosophy to pay it forward. Law firms are using Twitter, and it’s a great way to communicate with a fellow reporter. It’s also a great way to give advice or to pass on helpful information. It’s probably not a place to sell a service or a product.
Facebook: Facebook is a social networking website intended to connect friends, family, and business associates. It is the largest of the networking sites. Facebook is extremely active in the reporting and attorney population. The rule of thumb on Facebook is that if you would not want it on a billboard that you should not post it on Facebook. Some suggest that you have a personal Facebook page for your family and friends and then have a separate company or firm page that would just be for clients and business associates.
LinkedIn: This site is more business oriented and is actually better than a resume. It asks a simple question: What are you working on? This site is focused on business. It should be noted that executives from every Fortune 500 company at the board level are represented on the site. LinkedIn sends out weekly updates informing your contacts what you are working on, who you have connected to, etc. It’s a great way to stay “top of mind.”
MyLegal.com: This is a professional social network exclusively for litigation support professionals. It’s the first one of its kind. This site includes forums, blogs, industry news, and it even has great articles. Members have the ability to learn about technology, share experiences, and to build relationships. Visitors to the site will also have access to interviews with noted leaders in litigation support and how-to videos.
In closing, consider using these sites to build and maintain relationships. Just assess your goals, decide which site is best for you, create your profile and connect with others. It may be very rewarding and even profitable.
Posted in Helpful Info for Reporters, Info for Attorneys, Info for Paralegals & Support Staff | No Comments »
October 22nd, 2009
Here is a link to a funny skit by Carol Burnett about a court reporter. Check it out at http://bit.ly/16TMJ2.
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October 22nd, 2009
Reporters should take advantage of a great offer by Pengad. If you are interested in joining STAR, the Society for the Technological Advancement of Reporting, Pengad will give you a $25 off coupon for your next order. Pengad has a wide variety of gizmos, tools and supplies that reporters need and/or want. For those Stenograph users, STAR is the perfect group. They provide members with three days of Case CATalyst training twice a year at a reasonable price. In addition, their quarterly newsletter is full of information and tips about the latest technology for the court reporter. For information about joining STAR, visit www.staronline.org. Need to place an order, visit Pengad at www.pengad.com.
Posted in Helpful Info for Reporters | No Comments »
October 19th, 2009
I had the pleasure of attending a wonderful reception at the Petroleum Club to celebrate 50 years of excellence for the law firm of Kronick Moskovitz Tiedemann & Girard. Susan Wood and I had a wonderful time with food, drinks, and of course the great company of our friends and clients. We thank them for inviting us and wish them many more years of success!
Posted in General Information, Info for Attorneys, Info for Paralegals & Support Staff, Uncategorized | No Comments »
October 19th, 2009
Congratulations to our friend Doug Gosling for being appointed the 5th District Representative for the Young Lawyers Association. I am sure he’ll do a great job! The Young Lawyers Section of the KCBA is a great group and Wood & Randall are proud to have had the opportunity to sponsor some of their fun events. For more info on the YLS check out their website at: http://kcbayls.wordpress.com/.
Posted in General Information, Info for Attorneys | No Comments »
October 6th, 2009
I came across a listing of the ten essential steps that a new attorney should take when preparing for a deposition. Please check it out at http://bit.ly/depo-prep.
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October 6th, 2009
Congratulations to Jennifer Thurston on her appointment to United States Magistrate Judge for the Eastern District. We are so happy for her, but of course will miss working with her in depositions.
I personally have worked with her many times over the years and always found her to be a very professional, adept attorney. The Bakersfield native has had an impressive career that spans over 14 years with the County Counsel. As she now embarks on the next phase of that career, we know she’ll do a great job and we wish her much success !
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October 1st, 2009
At Wood & Randall, we strive for our operations to be professional, organized, streamlined. We have put in place procedures with multiple checks and balances in an effort to serve our clients in the best possible way. We could not do this without having an excellent office staff. Please take a moment to meet our wonderful staff!
Desiree Ortiz, Office Manager
Office Manager, Desiree Ortiz. In addition to handling all billing and payroll responsibilities, she oversees the day-to-day operations of the office. Des has excellent organizational skills. She keeps everyone on track, on target.
Laura Wilson, Calendar Coordinator
Calendar Coordinator, Laura Wilson. Laura’s calm and friendly attitude is just what’s needed managing our busy calendar. She is great at dealing with reporter and client requests and is a skillful multitasker.
Sam Bov, Production Dept.
Production Department: Sam Bov and Vanessa Carpio. Sam and Vanessa handle the hectic job of producing transcripts, exhibits, along with our in-house video production. They are extremely detail oriented, a must for the myriad of steps required to produce top-notch transcripts.
Vanessa Carpio, Production Dept.
Ruthanne Esparza, Client Liaison
Client Liaison, Ruthanne Esparza, CSR. Retiring from deposition reporting after 20 years, Ruthanne now works serving our clients by educating them on all of our latest technology, assisting with any requests, questions, concerns and of course, showing our appreciation for our wonderful clients by visiting and dropping off goodies.
Sheri Baldwin, Collections/Receivables
Receivables/Collections, Sheri Baldwin. With an attention toward detail and a positive attitude, Sheri handles everything from client statements, follow-up calls and collection accounts. She does this with a kind and gentle touch.
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September 22nd, 2009
Did you know that if Facebook were a country that it would be the fourth largest in the world? Check this out - http://bit.ly/qCmT8.
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