Client of the Quarter

Milberg LLP

Congratulations to Milberg LLP for being selected as the Needles Client of the Quarter! This large New York based firm first began a relationship with Needles in 2002, but it was not until recently that they have really embraced Needles and implemented it fully into their Mass Tort Department. The Needles Training Department was particularly proud of the way this firm tackled the challenging task of reworking the current usage of the program to better fit their needs. Assigning a "Needles Manager" really helped the firm to organize and delegate, and going through a Needles Clean Sweep helped them to take advantage of Needles in a much more efficient manner. We recently spoke to Olivia Baldari, Paralegal Manager and Needles Manager at Milberg, about the many challenges and solutions the firm faced:

How did a Needles Clean Sweep help your firm to stay efficient with the program and your workload?

Early last year the department was going through some changes and we began to analyze our operation. There had been some turnover and the staff that remained, myself included, was asked to now manage the Needles database. We realized that we were not nearly utilizing Needles to its fullest potential. Up until that point, we were using Excel charts in addition to Needles for reporting, analyzing, and obtaining statistical information for our client data. Through our sessions with our Needles trainer, it became apparent we had to update and re-map our database in order to make it work effectively. The Clean Sweep has finally given us the ability to run accurate client reports through Needles. Without proper mapping, our data was not being pulled correctly and therefore client information wasn't being accounted for through the database...our updated Needles system has solved this issue and allowed us one system to handle all information.

Can you tell us a little about the process you use to import leads into Needles?

We have created a database, similar to an advanced excel spreadsheet, that will import our leads directly into the Needles intake screen, as opposed to entering in all the leads manually. We are currently in the process of rolling this out, but it will streamline the entire leads process!

What features of Needles does the firm most utilize?

With our new importing process, we will be taking full advantage of the intake feature, but for now we rely heavily on the reports. We utilize the reporting feature for just about anything we need to know. It is a tremendous application.

Do you have staff on hand who can write reports? How has that helped your firm?

The two Mass Tort Case Managers are now fully versed in report writing. They have really excelled in this area and have done an outstanding job in learning the advanced aspects of report writing. Having report writers on staff is very helpful. Not only can they quickly create reports, but they have gained better knowledge and understanding of the database and its endless capabilities.

We recently began to train the entire staff, not only are they doing great, but they are very excited about having the ability to extrapolate the data they need, when they need it, without relying on anyone else to do it for them.

Is there anything else you want to add about Needles, your trainer, your firm, etc?

I really have to commend our trainer, Sherryl Coleman. In the past year, she has become a part of the Milberg family. Sherryl possesses amazing teaching ability, and the utmost patience. She really took the time to learn about the culture and objectives of our firm and helped tailor the database to our needs.

Congratulations again to Milberg LLP, and keep up the great work!