This involves all activities aimed at investigating and comprehending the facts of a particular matter. It includes conducting interviews with client personnel and potential witnesses, examining documents to gain insights into the case's facts (excluding document production, L320), collaborating with an investigator, and handling all relevant communications and correspondence.
This category encompasses the cognitive processes of analyzing, strategizing, and designing a case, encompassing discussions, written documents, and meetings focused on case strategy. It also involves initial legal research conducted to assess the case's merits and develop a fundamental case strategy. The majority of legal research will fall under the primary task for which it is conducted, such as research for a summary judgment motion (L240). However, when specific trial preparation commences, the appropriate code to use is L440, which covers trial strategy and planning.
This involves the process of identifying and conducting interviews with experts and consultants, whether they are testifying or non-testifying individuals. It also covers collaboration with these experts and the creation of expert reports. However, tasks related to preparing for expert depositions (L340) or trial (L420) are not included in this category.
This task is specifically limited to the creation and population of document and other databases or filing systems. It encompasses the planning, design, and overall management of this process. Any work carried out by external vendors for building litigation support databases should be categorized as an Expense.
Encompasses the process of formulating, negotiating, and modifying the budget for a particular matter.
This category includes all activities focused explicitly on achieving a settlement. It involves planning, engaging in settlement discussions, attending conferences and hearings related to settlement, and ultimately implementing a settlement agreement. Additionally, it covers efforts to pursue and participate in mediation and other non-binding Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) procedures. Furthermore, it includes tasks related to pre-litigation demand letters and the subsequent discussions that may arise from them.
This refers to time that cannot be allocated to any other specific task within a matter. Its utilization in a particular case is usually decided collaboratively by the client and the law firm in advance.
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