March CLE Madness 2026 Conference Photos
Category: Uncategorized
Battle of the Experts 2025 Conference Photos
Magna Legal Services’
Battle of the Experts 2025
Produced by Peter Hecht
This CLE event took place on December 10th & 11th at The W South Beach.
It featured interactive micro-panel exercises involving teams of outside counsel, in-house counsel, claims executives and audience members working together alongside real life experts. Micro panels also worked on preparing their moderators and experts for direct examination role plays, along with outside counsel moderators and experts going head-to-head in a “Battle of the Experts” in front of a judge and jury!
Article Index
Editor’s Note
The Magna Founders – A Remembrance and Oral History on Magna’s 19th Anniversary
Magna Through the Years – Photos and Client Q&A
The Silent Persuader: How Spatial Awareness Shapes Juror Trust
Jury Says
Battle of the Experts 2025 Conference Photos
Battle of the Experts 2025 Conference Photos
Save the Date! Battle of the Experts 2026
Home | MagnaFYI Spring 2026 – Founders Edition
CLE – The Power of Investigation: Navigating Cases with Investigative Services
This CLE was aired live on Thursday, December 17th, 2025.
NOTE: Watching this recording does NOT make you eligible for CLE accreditation. Be sure to sign up to attend the next Magna Virtual CLE live to get credit!
This CLE program provides attorneys and legal professionals with a strategic look at how modern investigative services can strengthen case preparation, reveal critical insights, and drive more informed decision-making. Participants will explore key investigative practice areas, including asset investigations, medical canvassing, skip tracing, traditional surveillance/sub rosa, and advanced social media intelligence techniques through ClaimScout+. Attendees will learn when and how to leverage each service, how investigative findings can influence litigation strategy, and best practices for integrating investigative workflows into case management.
By the end of the course, participants will understand the full power of targeted investigations in uncovering facts, mitigating risk, and achieving stronger outcomes for their clients.
PRESENTERS INCLUDE:
- Manson Ho, Director of Litigation Solutions, Magna Legal Services
- Spencer Brewer, Director of Business Development ‑ Investigations Specialist , Magna Legal Services
MODERATED BY:
- Ross Suter, Esq., Senior Vice President, Litigation Solutions, Magna Legal Services
CLE – Empowering Clients to Speak Their Truth: Elevating Witness Performance in Depositions
This CLE was aired live on Tuesday, October 28th, 2025.
NOTE: Watching this recording does NOT make you eligible for CLE accreditation. Be sure to sign up to attend the next Magna Virtual CLE live to get credit!
Witnesses often say they just want to “get their story out.” But depositions are rarely friendly forums. Opposing counsel isn’t interested in the client’s truth — and it can be a struggle to get your client to perform well in an environment they are likely unfamiliar with.
This presentation explores how to prepare clients to deliver confident, competent, and compassionate testimony. You’ll learn how to uncover and address emotional barriers like fear, anxiety, and anger that hinder effective communication.
Using the Socratic Method, we’ll demonstrate how strategic questioning reveals your client’s strengths and weaknesses—whether they ramble, deflect, or answer defensively. You’ll gain practical strategies to teach clients how to manage their emotions and become effective advocates for their story.
We’ll also cover:
- How to train clients to listen actively and respond thoughtfully
- Techniques to recognize flawed questions and respond with clarity
- Methods for taking control of the deposition narrative
- Techniques on how to re-frame negatives into positives
By the end, you’ll have actionable tools to empower your clients to be their own best advocates and deliver their truth with impact.
PRESENTERS INCLUDE:
- Mark Basurto, Esq., National Managing Director of Jury Consulting, Magna Legal Services
- Susan Metcalfe, Partner, Potomac Law Group, PLLC
- Scott Nunnery, Expert – Architect, Premises Liability & Safety, MC Consultants Inc.
MODERATED BY:
- Ross Suter, Esq., Senior Vice President, Litigation Solutions, Magna Legal Services
Magna Discovery Services Training
This educational session previously aired on Wednesday, October 8th, 2025.
The session focused on the following:
- Magna Language Services – On demand interpreting billed by the minute, traditional interpreters, document translation and sign language
- Magna Online Office – A complete demonstration of our searchable online transcript, exhibit and video repository featuring easy scheduling tools and access to instant invoices
- Exhibit Management – A look at handling exhibit presentation yourself and third-party solutions for complex and voluminous exhibits
PRESENTERS INCLUDE:
- Leonardo Duran, General Manager of Language Services, Magna Legal Services
- Noelle Nociti, Vice President of National Accounts, Magna Legal Services
- Joan Jackson, Vice President of Strategic Accounts, Magna Legal Services
HOSTED BY:
- Peter Hecht, Founding Partner & Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Magna Legal Services
Magna Legal Services Joins Forces with Pipkins Investigations
PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Magna Legal Services (Magna LS), an ALM award-winning leader in litigation support and consulting services, has merged with Pipkins Investigations, a prominent private investigations agency based in Houston, TX. With over 25 years of investigative experience, Pipkins has established itself as a key player in the South-Central market. The merger, effective September 5, was facilitated by Kaelan Moore, M&A Manager at Magna Legal Services.
“By joining forces, we can offer the same trusted investigative work our clients rely on, while giving them access to Magna’s vast resources and nationwide support.”
– Kevin Pipkins, founder of Pipkins Investigations
Pipkins’ founder, Kevin Pipkins, will continue to lead the Pipkins team, ensuring a seamless transition and maintaining the agency’s strong reputation. This merger unites two industry leaders, further strengthening one of the largest litigation support and consulting firms in the country. Together, the companies bring together a workforce of over 900 employees, 50 investigators, 4,000 court reporters, 2,000 interpreters and 100 litigation consultants across 30 locations nationwide. Clients of Pipkins will now have access to Magna’s full suite of services, including court reporting, document translation, interpreting, medical record retrieval, social media surveillance, visual communications, jury consulting, and nationwide investigative services.
“We are super excited to welcome Pipkins Investigations into the Magna family,” said Peter Hecht, Founding Partner and Executive Vice President of Sales at Magna Legal Services. “This merger builds on the momentum of our recent acquisition of Bosco Legal Services in California and further expands our investigative services division nationwide. With Pipkins’ strong track record and regional expertise, we are well-positioned to deliver even greater value to our clients.”
“Our partnership with Magna opens the door to incredible opportunities for both our clients and our team,” said Kevin Pipkins, founder of Pipkins Investigations. “By joining forces, we can offer the same trusted investigative work our clients rely on, while giving them access to Magna’s vast resources and nationwide support.”
Mark Williams, CEO of Magna Legal Services, expressed his enthusiasm for the merger, stating, “We look forward to taking the best practices of both of our organizations to create a better and stronger future together. We are confident this is another acquisition and partnership that will continue to create more opportunities for our clients and employees.”
To learn more about the investigative services provided by Magna Legal Services, click below:
How to Build an Unshakeable Case with Strategic Trial Presentation
This free virtual Magna LS CLE originally aired live on September 16th, 2025
This presentation discussed how you can learn to can apply strategies such as video playback, on demand exhibit displays, databases, graphics, and more from Pre-Trial to Post-Trial to build an ironclad defense or an unstoppable argument.
PANELISTS INCLUDE:
- Scott Horwitz, Esq., National Managing Director of Graphics Consulting & Trial Tech, Magna Legal Services
- Armando Aquino, Senior Trial Technology Consultant, Magna Legal Services
MODERATED BY:
- Ross Suter, Senior Vice President, Litigation Solutions, Magna Legal Services
DISCLAIMER: Watching this recording does NOT make you eligible to receive CLE credit. Stay tuned for more Magna CLE invites in the future so you can tune in live next time and receive credit!
Chopped for CHOP Champion Winning Trial Tactics and Strategies
Chopped for CHOP Champion Winning Trial Tactics and Strategies
Watch the full, uncut recording of the Chopped for CHOP Virtual Fundraiser CLE Event for the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia from Thursday, July 24th, 2025! The free program covered winning trial tactics and strategies with all 4 former Magna LS Chopped champions, along with some very special guests. We are happy to report that we successfully raised $10,000 for CHOP by the end of the event as well!
If you missed the live event but are interested in donating to our fundraiser, CLICK HERE
Panelists Include:
- Jeffrey Davis, Esq., AVP & Senior Counsel, Lincoln Financial Group
- Michael Dickert, Senior Director, Liability Claims Management, Comcast NBCUniversal
- Jerry Hamilton, Esq., Partner, Hamilton Miller
- Justice David M. Medina ( Ret.) Partner, Nelson Mullins
- Susan Metcalfe, Esq., Partner, Potomac Law Group
- Theodore Schaer, CIPP/US, Director, Zarwin Baum DeVito Kaplan Schaer Toddy
- Rachel York Colangelo, Ph.D., Strategic Director of Jury Consulting, Magna Legal Services
Magna Legal Services Merges with EveryWord to Expand National Footprint in Court Reporting and Litigation Support
PHILADELPHIA, May 8, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Magna Legal Services (Magna LS), an ALM award-winning leader in court reporting, medical record retrieval and litigation consulting, is proud to announce its merger with EveryWord, a prominent court reporting firm based in Columbia, SC. The merger, effective April 25, was facilitated by Chase Culbertson, Head of M&A at Magna Legal Services.
“After more than 15 years of building EveryWord into a trusted name in the Carolinas, this merger represents an exciting new chapter for our team and our clients.”
– David First, EveryWord Co-Founder
Founded over fifteen years ago, EveryWord has built a strong reputation as one of the leading independent court reporting firms in the Carolinas. EveryWord’s founders, David First and Cindy First, will be staying on to lead the EveryWord team that has joined Magna. Together, the companies boast a workforce of over 800 employees, 4,000 court reporters, 2,000 interpreters and 100 litigation consultants across more than 30 locations nationwide, forming one of the largest litigation support and consulting firms in the country.
“After more than 15 years of building EveryWord into a trusted name in the Carolinas, this merger represents an exciting new chapter for our team and our clients,” said David First, co-founder of EveryWord. “Magna’s national scale and cutting-edge resources will allow us to deliver even greater value—without compromising the local service and relationships our clients rely on.”
Clients of EveryWord will now have access to Magna’s full suite of services, including document translation, interpreting, medical record retrieval, social media surveillance, visual communications, jury consulting, investigative services, service of process, and nationwide court reporting services.
Peter Hecht, Founding Partner & Executive Vice President of Sales of Magna Legal Services, added, “When you find another firm that aligns with your values, work ethic, and obsession with client service, the decision to join forces is easy. EveryWord has built something special in the Carolinas, and we’re excited to combine our strengths to deliver even more firepower, flexibility, and responsiveness to clients nationwide.”
Mark Williams, CEO of Magna Legal Services, expressed his enthusiasm for the merger, stating, “The combination of EveryWord with Magna Legal Services will continue to strengthen our presence nationally, particularly in North Carolina and South Carolina. We are so enthusiastic to be joining forces with EveryWord and to further our national and global leadership together.”
To learn more about the end-to-end litigation services provided by Magna Legal Services, click below:
Magna Legal Services Acquires E-Legal, Expanding Capabilities and National Reach
PHILADELPHIA, April 28, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Magna Legal Services, a leading provider of litigation support services, is pleased to announce its acquisition of e-Legal, a premier independent service of process firm based in California. This strategic move enhances Magna’s already comprehensive suite of services and further strengthens its position as an industry leader in litigation support and consulting.
“By combining our resources and expertise, we’re able to provide even more value to our clients while continuing to innovate in a rapidly evolving legal landscape.”
– Jonathan Ackerman, Executive Vice President of Record Retrieval and Co-Founder of Magna Legal Services.
The acquisition, effective April 8, 2025, was facilitated by Chase Culbertson, Head of M&A at Magna Legal Services. E-Legal’s founders, Lisa Huey and Steve Hill, will continue in leadership roles, guiding the e-Legal team as it integrates into the Magna organization.
“We’ve always taken pride in providing high-quality service with a personal touch,” said Lisa Huey, Co-Founder of e-Legal. “Joining forces with Magna allows us to scale our impact without compromising on the values and service standards our clients rely on.”
Steve Hill, Co-Founder of e-Legal, added, “This partnership is a natural evolution for e-Legal. Magna’s national footprint and diverse capabilities create exciting new possibilities for both our clients and our team.”
With the addition of e-Legal, Magna’s workforce now exceeds 800 employees, 4,000 court reporters, 2,000 interpreters, and 100 litigation consultants across 31 locations across the U.S., positioning the combined company as one of the largest litigation support and consulting firms in the nation—both in size and scope of services. E-Legal’s clients will now have access to Magna’s full spectrum of litigation services, including court reporting, document translation, interpreting, medical record retrieval, social media surveillance, visual communications, jury consulting, and nationwide service of process.
“The synergy between Magna and e-Legal is incredibly strong,” said Jonathan Ackerman, Executive Vice President of Record Retrieval and Co-Founder of Magna Legal Services. “By combining our resources and expertise, we’re able to provide even more value to our clients while continuing to innovate in a rapidly evolving legal landscape.”
Mark Williams, CEO of Magna Legal Services, remarked, “We look forward to blending the best practices of both organizations to build a stronger, more agile future together. This acquisition represents another step forward in our commitment to delivering outstanding service and opportunity—to our clients and our people alike.”
To learn more about Magna Legal Services or to place an order for service of process, click below