Top Tips for Appearances

  1. BE ON TIME:
    We cannot stress enough that the number one complaint we hear from clients is that the per diem was not on time. This is especially important when the actual litigant is going to be in court waiting for you. The last thing our clients want is a call from court, from a frantic client or an agitated adversary, or worse yet, an angry judge, telling them that you are not where you are scheduled to be. Be diligent about scheduling your cases and if you are running late, or unexpectedly delayed, please call, text or message the ZRPD staff.
  2. BE PREPARED:
    The next biggest complaint we hear from clients is that the appearing attorney wasn’t prepared or entered into agreements that ignored specific instructions provided by the client in the assignment. Thoroughly read all of the instructions in an assignment and any relevant and necessary documents to prepare for each appearance. And never enter into any agreements unless specifically authorized by the client.
  3. TAKE NOTES:
    What clients want is information and details. Write down who you spoke to, the name of opposing counsel, details about arguments you made to advance the client’s interests. Any conversations you have with the hiring attorney should be included in your report. And it is really important that your report explains any outcome that deviates from the client’s assignment instructions. Anything that seems important at an appearance should be included in your report, so take notes.
  4. NEVER enter into any agreement that is not explicitly authorized in your instructions from the client. 

 

In Case of Emergency

  • In Case of Emergency (flat tires, sick kids, bad weather), immediately call or message ZRPD ONLY. (Please do NOT call the client if you are having trouble getting to your appearance - we will handle these issues, as we can sometimes reassign your matter)
  • Unexpected Events in Court? Your case is sent out for trial, an adjournment request is denied, the Judge is demanding something you can’t provide or something else unexpected is happening during a court appearance, you must call the client (never email the client directly) for clarification and then call us to give us an update. If you can’t reach the client please let us know immediately.
    Remember, never enter into any agreement not authorized directly by the client.
  • TAKE NOTES. Whatever you do, write it down. If something really goes wrong, you may need to refer back to your notes to remind yourself what happened and when. Write down the details, who you spoke to, when you called and what was said. Any conversations you have with the hiring attorney should be included in your report. 

Report Resources

Now that you've been on the ZRPD roster for some time, you're probably wondering how to get more 5-star ratings and boost coverage requests. We've compiled some links based on previous client feedback to make writing your reports a breeze.