"Maria Miller has been my [COO] and right hand for over six years…She has been a fantastic partner in all aspects of the litigation…. I cannot imagine have gone through this litigation without her help."

Steve Urbanczyk, Williams & Connolly

"[S]he was far better than I had even hoped."

Larry Macon, Akin Gump

"She brings flawless organization to the behind-the-scenes organization; anticipates the needs of every member of the team and sustains the team's morale."

Lane Heard, Williams & Connolly

"She never stops thinking about our case and how to make our jobs easier."

Calvin Litsey, Faegre & Benson

Do what you love, let me do the rest

You did not go to law school because of your love for budgeting, developing procedures or bill collecting. The little details can add up to a big distraction from what you love—and what you do best—to ultimately impact the end result. The growing complexity of litigation operations means that the process is not getting any simpler. For more than 20 years, I've worked as the right hand to top trial attorneys streamlining processes and eliminating distractions. I anticipate needs, solve problems and clear the way for you to focus on winning.

A better approach

Your initial reaction might be to think that your firm is large and already does this. On some level they do. I am proposing a different approach to handling operations, which on larger cases will make a significant difference to you, your client and your team. All of my clients are very successful trial attorneys who work for top firms. When managing a large litigation, they found a particular need for my services. You will be able to tell from their testimonials, they were glad they did.

Here are a few examples of where I can help:

Operations

  • Increase operational efficiencies in the litigation process, develop workflow processes, protocols and communication structures
  • Associate costs, timing and optimal staffing for projects by continually analyzing fees, workloads and deadlines. Routinely follow up on project status and ensure that they are done at the correct level of detail by the most optimal individual at the most appropriate resource level
  • Centralize operational management for the case shifting individual priorities and demands to team priorities reducing internal tensions, strains on support staff. Ensure that team members are always working on your highest priorities as they shift

Money matters

  • Help you achieve flat fee goals; assist with budgeting & forecasting
  • Monthly review and analysis of proformas; correct coding
  • Provide a bullet point summary of the month's activity to aid in-house in their approval process

Trial

  • Manage the trial site and projects, shielding you from operational and trial site distractions
  • Maximize the benefits of mock trials by simplifying graphics, openings, closings, directs and crosses to ensure that your case continually resonates with your strongest key points
  • Provide a full trial site service which gets you in the best hotels, fully equipped state of the art trial sites, catered meals, etc. Negotiate the best hotel contracts at the lowest non-commissionable rates with the lowest attrition and cancellation charges significantly reducing costs while providing a morale boosting trial experience

Good for your client. Good for you.

Clients are increasingly concerned about the rising cost of litigation. By increasing operational efficiencies, you will be proactively providing the most value for their litigation dollars. The results are quantifiable and impressive. You will be addressing their financial concerns without sacrificing the quality of the litigation. This is another important way to distinguish you from competitors.

Available anywhere

I consult on cases across the country, wherever you need me, for as long as you need me.  During the work-up of a case, I commute from Dallas as needed to work hands on at the law firm.  My commuting expenses are included in my hourly rate.  During trial, I work from the trial site, with the trial team. 

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