Name: Michael Creath
Location: Nashville, TN
What kind of work were you doing before litigation support found you?
Information Technology for a Law Firm.
How did you get the opportunity to join the litigation support community?
A 30 minute conversation with the Lit Support Manager at the firm where I was working. As I was working on some laptops, I asked her exactly what is Litigation Technology. I was lucky enough to be speaking with someone who had a very good understanding of Litigation Technology and she was very good at her job. She mentioned their group was adding a new member. I interviewed and got the job.
When did you realize that this career would be a good fit for you?
It was a gradual process. I had worked in Information Technology for 10 years and was very comfortable in that role. The more I familiarized myself with the Litigation process, the more I enjoyed the job. As crazy as this may sound to most people in our career field, it was participating in a trial (“sitting in the hot seat”) that sealed the deal for me.
Do you prefer to be out in front and working with the clients or behind the scenes working with the technologies?
I really enjoy the challenges and the additional responsibility of working with the clients and attorneys directly. The more comfortable I become with the “Litigation Lingo” and the entire process, the more I enjoy being part of it. I still really enjoy learning and working with new technologies.
Is there an area of litigation support that had a steep learning curve for you?
Just learing what Litigation is all about and how the process moves along.
What do you consider to be one of the coolest things about working in litigation support?
Every case is different and the technology that supports it is constantly changing. It keeps you on your toes and challenges you every day.
Which types of employers have you had while working in litigation support?
- Law Firm
Litigation Support is a well-paying career. How much has your salary increased since joining the litigation support community?
$30,000 – $40,000
How many years have you been working in Litigation Support?
6
Care to share any words of encouragement or advice?
Keep a positive, can do, attitude. Don't let the challenges and the sometimes crazy process be discouraging! Rather, embrace the challenges and the respect that comes with being successful at what you do.