Personal Injury: Communication, Documentation, and Trial Success for Associates, and Paralegals

Joshua Offenhartz | Kahana & Feld LLP

Joshua Offenhartz is the Arizona Managing Partner with Kahana Feld, a Kahana Feld is a full-service law firm with offices throughout the United States. The firm has a dynamic presence throughout the country, employing more than 90 attorneys and 200 employees across 13 locations throughout the United States. Kahana Feld is quickly becoming one of America’s top law firms. The firm’s rapid growth is a testament to a culture of innovation and collaboration. KF successfully represents its clients in all types of legal matters and disputes, including multi-party, complex litigation matters involving construction defects, construction site accidents, entertainment and hospitality claims, automobile and trucking accidents, environmental claims, business law, employment law, insurance coverage and bad faith, as well as most other types of general civil litigation.

Offenhartz is a litigator and business lawyer who is a trusted advisor to companies on legal issues affecting their operations. Josh represents clients in the agriculture, construction, e-commerce, finance, medical, real estate, and culinary industries. He also serves as outside counsel for several small, medium, and growing businesses that need day-to-day legal advice for their growing companies. Josh takes pride in solving problems and loves working with entrepreneurs and business owners. He is detail-oriented and believes in providing his clients with a very thorough investigation and evaluation of their case to ensure an accurate assessment of risks and the best possible outcome. These skills combined with Josh’s private-sector experience make him an ideal attorney for businesses seeking a solutions-based attorney who can navigate the intersection of business and law.

Josh believes in giving back to the community. He is a member of a local school board’s Financial Advisory Board and a board member of the Jewish National Fund. He supports the Phoenix Art Museum as a member of the Men’s Art Council and helps others by volunteering with Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Arizona, the Saint Mary’s Food Bank, and the Wounded Warrior Project.

Outside of work Josh enjoys spending time with family. He is also a passionate sports fan, amateur cinephile, and he teaches a class for teens that promotes leadership, civic engagement, and philanthropy.

I. Effective Communication Strategies in Personal Injury Cases | 1:00pm – 1:30pm

• Communication do’s and don’ts
  • Clients
  • Medical providers
  • Expert witnesses and consultants
  • Insurance adjusters
  • Lienholders and recovery agents

II. Document Collection, Review, and Drafting Pleadings | 1:30pm – 2:00pm

• Document collection and review checklists
  • Accident reports and investigation documents
  • Witness statements and expert reports
  • Medical records, bills, and reports
  • Insurance policies and correspondence
  • Employment and income loss documentation
  • Expert reports and opinions
  • Drafting pleadings and motions (with samples)
  • Key components and examples to streamline drafting

Break | 2:00pm – 2:10pm

III. Managing Discovery and Trial Preparation | 2:10pm – 3:10pm

• Managing discovery tasks and deadlines
  • Initiating and responding to discovery requests
  • Document management and organization tips
  • Assisting with depositions
• Trial preparation: How you can add value
  • Preparing trial exhibits and demonstrative evidence
  • Drafting witness and exhibit lists
  • Preparing trial notebooks for reference during proceedings
  • Assisting with trial logistics and courtroom preparation