Frequently Asked Questions
eDiscovery
eDiscovery is the digital aspect of identifying, collecting, and producing electronically stored information (ESI) in response to a request for production in a lawsuit or investigation. ESI includes but is not limited to emails, documents, presentations, databases, voicemail, audio and video files, social media, and websites. The processes and technologies around eDiscovery are often complex due to the sheer volume of electronic data produced and stored. Additionally, unlike hard-copy evidence, electronic documents are more dynamic and often contain metadata such as time-date stamps, author and recipient information, and file.
Security is one of the most important parts of eDiscovery, and there are many aspects to consider. First Legal Digital has strict standards for chain of custody, a highly secure data storage facility, up-to-date technology, reliable hiring procedures, and disaster recovery plans in case of emergency.
Transferring data between vendors for different EDRM stages is complicated, expensive, and less secure. Vendors that handle early case assessment, collection, filtering, processing, and review & production provide a bigger bang for your buck – and remove the risk associated with moving your data. First Legal offers an end to end eDiscovery solution.
eFiling
Not automatically, but we will deliver courtesy copies upon request. Prices vary by location.
We have representatives available to handle your request on court work days until midnight. Call us at 800.889.0111 or send us an email at eFiling@firstlegal.com if you need any assistance after hours. If you know in advance that your documents will not be ready until after hours, please contact our staff to make arrangements in advance. It is always best to plan ahead.
Yes we do. We can either come to your office location for a live training or we can host a virtual meeting through a remote screen share solution such as Zoom Meeting.
Yes, when we eFile on your behalf, we will bookmark your documents in accordance with local rules.
Call us at 800.889.0111 or email us at eFiling@firstlegal.com for information on how we can assist you with large documents.
We can help, although an electronic signature is not required. For the requirements, see California Rules of Court, Rule 2.257 – it outlines the information you need for signatures on documents submitted electronically.
Yes, eService is an available option as you navigate through the eFiling Portal workflow.
If you are a current customer and already have a login for First Connect, you should be able to eFile your documents directly to the Court. To access the eFiling Portal, on the order entry page, after you enter your client matter number, you will be asked to select a “Service.” Select “eFile” and your court/division then select “Direct” or “On-Behalf.” Once you select that, hit next and it will direct you to the “eFiling Platform.”
In order to get a user profile, there needs to be an account tied to that profile. If you are new and do not have an account, you can initiate registration online or email us at sales@firstlegal.com so that we can have a member of our Sales Team contact you to assist with the process.
Unlike the Federal System, attorneys are not required to establish user profiles for California Superior Courts as long as they do not intend to eFile the documents. However, if your Attorney plans to personally submit an eFiling, then a user profile is needed.
For a current list of live CA eFiling courts, visit https://www.firstlegal.com/court-information/. The list of available courts grows each month. First Legal has the capability to eFile in every available court. If you aren’t sure if a court requires eFiling, just email your documents to eFiling@firstlegal.com and we’ll handle the rest. If a document can be eFiled, we’ll process it accordingly, and if not, we’ll print the document and deliver it to the court as a standard filing (also called a PDF/Fax Filing Service).
There are a few ways you can eFile with the Superior Courts. You may eFile directly with the court using our eFiling Portal or you can upload your documents via the same portal and we’ll eFile “On Your Behalf.” Of course, you can always email your documents to us at eFiling@firstlegal.com.
The client must prepare the proof of eService. If you have questions about eService or the requirements for the proof of service, please review California Rules of Court Rule 2.251(j). This rule also references Code of Civil Procedure Section 1013(g) and 1010.6.
You can eFile on your fee waiver case through the First Connect Portal. Simply select “No” on the court fees tab. You must also have an approved or pending fee waiver order on file for the case.
We can handle your eFiling request as a third party. Simply email your documents to eFiling@firstlegal.com. We can also eFile on your behalf in Federal, Appeals, and other courts that only issue credentials to attorneys – just provide us with your attorney’s user information!
First Legal charges a flat-fee of $8.75 for Direct eFiling or $33.50 to eFile on your behalf via the court’s eFiling Portal. You are also responsible for any Advanced Fees imposed by the Court.
First Connect
First Connect is a comprehensive Online Ordering Solution and Website. This Content Management Solution, designed from the ground up, enables us to improve the general flow of information, whether you’re searching for a particular subject, looking for the most recent PDF/Fax Filing Rate Sheets, or placing your next Service of Process order. Coupled with the industry’s finest customer support team, First Connect isn’t simply a web address, it is real people working for you to ensure your complete satisfaction.
eFiling in most California courts is now available through First Connect. For a current list of live CA eFiling courts, visit https://www.firstlegal.com/court-information/. As we develop new connections with other courts, we will add these to the order selection window. If you have a filing with another court in CA, another state, or a Federal Filing, please email your documents to eFiling@firstlegal.com. You may also contact us at 800.889.0111.
If you select “Court Service” and would like to upload your documents to the order, please be sure to select “FAX/PDF Filing” as your type of service. If you select, ASAP, Rush, Regular or Special Filing, you will not get the option to upload your documents. Those are messenger service types which lets us know that you would prefer to have a messenger come to your office to pick up the documents to take to the Court to process. By selecting the “FAX/PDF Filing” service type you will receive the upload option once you select the County and Court. For “Messenger” and “Service of Process” requests, the option to upload will appear.
General
When you work with First Legal, your requests won’t get lost in a jumble of email forwarding. You’re free to connect with management at any time and you’ll find that many of your needs can be met through the use of our online client platform.
Litigation support is the act of providing consulting and other services to corporations, law firms, and insurance companies with respect to current and potential litigation matters. The specific tasks performed depend on the needs of the client and could include everything from filing documents with the courts to performing investigative work and scheduling court reporters for depositions. These are just a few of the hundreds of ways legal support service companies serve their clients.
Of course! Whether you’ve worked with other companies before and want to experience the First Legal difference or this is your first foray into litigation support, we’re happy to work with you! Sometimes the hardest part of a project is determining what steps need to be taken so the work can begin. We’ll guide you when you’re unsure and help you select the services that best suit your needs.
First Legal is proud to offer services in Court & Process, Investigations, Digital, Records, and Depositions. To learn more about our individual services, please refer to the Our Services drop-down menu for more detailed descriptions. There’s almost no end to the ways that we can strengthen your case.
We’re standing by to help you 24/7. We know that the legal system never takes a day off, so we don’t either. You can contact us by phone, email, postal service, or through the live chat feature on our website. Typically, most of our clients utilize the live chat system for a fast response when they need it most!
Records
When speed is a priority, you’ll want First Legal on your side. We will advance all necessary witness fees. We allow you to set an authorization limit with your account and we will contact you immediately if your order will incur charges greater than your limit. When your order is complete, we’ll send you a single, fully-itemized invoice.
If you need a specific organizational system, we’re happy to adhere to your guidelines. Just tell us how you would like your documents to be indexed, and we’ll take care of the rest.
Yes! We’re happy to provide your information on paper, electronically, or both.
Communication is key, so we keep you involved from start to finish with order confirmation emails. Additionally, updates on your order can be found at any time through our client portal.
Service is our number one priority, so we’ll work around the clock to get your records as quickly as possible. Retrieval time can vary based on the type of records being requested. Authorization orders are always the best option for getting your documents on a tight deadline.
First Legal can acquire almost any record that you may need. We regularly obtain medical, billing, radiological, pathological, employment, payroll, and insurance records. We’ll also work with you to secure government records such as IRS, Social Security, and Military Service records.
Remote Online Notary
The biggest advantage is convenience and flexible scheduling. Save time by virtually meeting with the notary rather than traveling to meet in person. Remote notary also adds a layer of protection against identity theft by recording the transactions and validating identification documents making it practically tamper-proof.
A remote notarization is legally binding in all states, provided it was performed in accordance with the laws of the state where the notary is registered. States that have passed remote notarization laws include Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
Remote online notarizations are accepted across the country due to a long-standing body of laws in each state that specifically provides for recognition and acceptance of out-of-state notarizations.
California law does not provide the authority for a California Notary Public to perform a remote online notarization. The personal appearance of the document signer is required before the notary public. However, California will accept a notarization performed remotely if done by a notary in a state where remote notarization is authorized. For example, Remote Online Notarization is authorized in Arizona. An Arizona notary can remotely notarize a document for a person who is physically located in California and that notarial act will be valid in California.
Virtually any document that can be notarized in person can be notarized remotely, with a few exceptions:
- Self-proving Wills and codicils.
- Non-Self Proving Wills and codicils to be used in states other than Florida or Nevada.
- Testamentary Trusts and any amendments to Trusts, and Inter-Vivos Trusts to be used in states other than Florida or Nevada.
- I-9 Forms.
- Certified true copies of birth, marriage, or death certificates, or court-issued documents.
- Documents intended for use outside the United States.
- Documents in which the notary is named or has a beneficial interest.
- Documents containing pictures of children.
Our software provider Notarize uses a patent-pending forensic analysis to verify government-issued photo IDs and passports. Take a picture of your government-issued ID, answer a few questions, and Notarize will confirm your identity in seconds.
Remote online notarization, also called webcam notarization, online notarization, or virtual notarization, is simply a notarization done using audio-visual technology versus the signer and the notary being physically in the same room.
The National Notary Association provides a video explaining the process in more detail here.
Yes, your remotely notarized documents can be electronically recorded in California. Visit https://www.firstlegal.com/live-erecording-counties/ for a current list of counties that accept eRecording.
Depositions
Scheduling & Orders
We sure can! Our reporter network is vast and reliable. No time to wait, email calendar@firstlegal.com now!
First Legal works with the best Certified Stenographic Reporters (CSR) in the nation. Our reporters include Certified Realtime Reporters (CRR), Registered Professional Reporters (RMR), Registered Merit Reporters (RMR), Registered Diplomate Reporters (RDR), and more! Looking for a specific reporter? Tell us who!
All areas! Our reporters work nationally and internationally.
Email calendar@firstlegal.com. Include your job number or the case name and date of your deposition.
All requests can come straight to calendar@firstlegal.com. Be sure to include a depo notice or case caption to cut your time in half! You can also use our portal to schedule. Want to learn more about the portal? Email us to set up your account!
Client Portal
Shoot us an email at calendar@firstlegal.com and we will set up your secure credentials for you. One-time setup for long-term convenience!
Our portal is a document repository, calendar, scheduling platform, and billing portal all in one! On the portal you can: schedule a job; make changes to a job; see and download all transcripts, exhibits, and invoices; view your calendar; upload documents to your job or case; and more. Email us to set up your account!
Nope!
Transcripts
Deposition transcripts show up direct to your inbox in 10 business days. Our reporters really know how to hustle!
We provide a wide range of file types from ascii txt files, to pdf, PTX, LEF, and more. Curious about a specific need? Email us and ask!
All our files are securely stored for at least 7 years. Curious about our security standards? Click here to read more.
Remote Proceedings
You are not the only one with this question! Download our remote depo primer HERE.
Having a technician is best practice for a remote proceeding. Murphy’s Law says something will go wrong. Having real-time tech support on standby during your proceeding will prevent technical delays and make you look super polished in front of your client.
Technically, you can. But it’s not recommended. Legal videographers know how to securely go on and off the record to ensure no off-the-record conversation is included in your video. Additionally, videographers can ensure high-quality, witness-only, time-stamped and synced videos. Lastly, don’t give opposing counsel any reason to question testimony! Having a secure and neutral third party administering your recording is the best way to ensure admissibility of your video.
Every court handles this differently. Regardless of the platform- Court Call, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Webex, etc. – sending us the court’s secure appearance information will ensure our experienced reporters log on without a hitch!
Locations
Anywhere! We offer national and international conference room & suite solutions.
It’s true that the COVID-19 pandemic has made the logistics of an in-person proceeding more difficult. But there are plenty of conference rooms and suites available that allow for safe distancing. Email us your job details and we’ll get started finding you the perfect, safe location! You can also ask us about our customized, hybrid remote and in-person meeting options.
Billing
Let us count the ways! We try to make your lives as easy as possible. Pay by check, credit card or ACH. Email us for more details!
Depends on what you’re cancelling. We will never charge you a late cancellation on an administrative service (like a remote link). But, if you are cancelling a human resource (reporter, videographer, interpreter, or technician), we ask that you help accommodate for their lost work. Generally speaking, reporters, videographers, and technicians have an afternoon the business day before cancellation window, and interpreters are 48 business hours. Email us for more details!
First Legal prides ourselves on our flexibility; we work with clients all the time to accommodate special needs and requests. Email calendar@firstlegal.com to set up your billing preferences today!
Typically, we request standard payment terms. But we work with clients all the time to accommodate special needs and requests. Email calendar@firstlegal.com to ask us about deferment plans today!
For Reporters
Whether you’ve been reporting for 30+ years, or just graduated recently (congrats!) we want to get to know you! Shoot us an email to resourcecal@firstlegal.com to introduce yourself to our Calendar team. You can include things like: certifications, CV, job preferences, rate sheets, etc. There is so much to learn about each other, let’s start the relationship as soon as possible! Want us to reach out to you? Enter your information here and we’ll reach out to you shortly!
Let us count the ways! We try to make it easy for you to focus on what you do best- reporting- which means we don’t dictate or micromanage the administrative part of your job. We know you each have your own preferences, so we stay flexible to accommodate you. We have a portal for submission. Want to use it? Email us to set up your account! Don’t want to use it? You can always send in your transcripts and exhibits by email to Production@firstlegal.com. Prefer snail mail? Send exhibits to:
First Legal Depositions, 1517 W. Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Sign up for our Reporter newsletter by sending an email to resourcecal@firstlegal.com. Once added to the list, you will learn more about being a reporter with First Legal and how to participate in fun things like our monthly Reporter Raffle!
Service of Process
We have four different service levels ranging from three days to immediate.
- 3-Day: Service will be attempted within three days upon receipt of your request and every three days thereafter.
- Next Day: Service will be attempted the following day upon receipt of your request and every other day thereafter.
- Same Day: Service will be attempted ‘Same Day’ upon receipt of your request and every day thereafter.
- Immediate: Service will be attempted immediately or with special circumstances upon receipt of your request and by arrangement thereafter.
Due to the wide variety of locations and service levels, it is best to contact your local First Legal office and request a specific quote.
Most proofs will be returned to the client within one business day of service.
The two options are by email and via our online order portal, First Connect.
No, we do not file your proof automatically, but if you request filing when you place your service of process order, we will do so.
Although there are some exceptions, our policy is:
- 3-Day: unlimited attempts
- Next Day: billed for every three attempts
- Same Day: billed 50% for each additional attempt
- Immediate: billed 50% for each additional attempt
No, we will continue to make attempts if we believe we can successfully complete service. We will, however, ask our investigators to review the assignment and consult with our client if we are not making progress. This is typically done after three attempts or anytime we identify a bad address.
Yes, we can serve on bases and reservations, but we typically must make an appointment with the base legal department or tribal police.
Yes, we have offices in some other states, and partners everywhere else. If you require services in another country, our Investigations department can assist you.
Yes, we do have some process servers who speak Spanish, and other languages. Please contact your nearest First Legal office to discuss the details and we will make whatever arrangements are necessary.
Writ
No, we handle levy service requests under Writ of Attachment and Writ of Execution via Registered Process Server.
No. Levy service requests can also be handled directly by the Sheriff in most Counties. For information on that County’s requirements go to the Sheriff’s Civil Section office website for that County.
Contact our enforcement of judgment assistant, Daniel Hoefnagel, writs@firstlegal.com, 213.250.1111, Ext. 1164. Once you explain your needs, our enforcement team will formulate a plan to achieve your desired goals.
California Code of Civil Procedure (CCP) section 488.080 applies to writs of attachment, and section 699.080 refers to writs of execution.
Contact your local First Legal office and ask for the Court Department. Our court team will deliver the documents as requested to the sheriff at the address provided. NOTE: Sheriff Instructions and e-Writ declarations CANNOT be sent via pdf. Both Sheriff Instructions and e-Writ declarations require ORIGINAL WET SIGNATURES.
Depositions
Scheduling & Orders
We sure can! Our reporter network is vast and reliable. No time to wait, email calendar@firstlegal.com now!
First Legal works with the best Certified Stenographic Reporters (CSR) in the nation. Our reporters include Certified Realtime Reporters (CRR), Registered Professional Reporters (RMR), Registered Merit Reporters (RMR), Registered Diplomate Reporters (RDR), and more! Looking for a specific reporter? Tell us who!
All areas! Our reporters work nationally and internationally.
Email calendar@firstlegal.com. Include your job number or the case name and date of your deposition.
All requests can come straight to calendar@firstlegal.com. Be sure to include a depo notice or case caption to cut your time in half! You can also use our portal to schedule. Want to learn more about the portal? Email us to set up your account!
Client Portal
Shoot us an email at calendar@firstlegal.com and we will set up your secure credentials for you. One-time setup for long-term convenience!
Our portal is a document repository, calendar, scheduling platform, and billing portal all in one! On the portal you can: schedule a job; make changes to a job; see and download all transcripts, exhibits, and invoices; view your calendar; upload documents to your job or case; and more. Email us to set up your account!
Nope!
Transcripts
Deposition transcripts show up direct to your inbox in 10 business days. Our reporters really know how to hustle!
We provide a wide range of file types from ascii txt files, to pdf, PTX, LEF, and more. Curious about a specific need? Email us and ask!
All our files are securely stored for at least 7 years. Curious about our security standards? Click here to read more.
Remote Proceedings
You are not the only one with this question! Download our remote depo primer HERE.
Having a technician is best practice for a remote proceeding. Murphy’s Law says something will go wrong. Having real-time tech support on standby during your proceeding will prevent technical delays and make you look super polished in front of your client.
Technically, you can. But it’s not recommended. Legal videographers know how to securely go on and off the record to ensure no off-the-record conversation is included in your video. Additionally, videographers can ensure high-quality, witness-only, time-stamped and synced videos. Lastly, don’t give opposing counsel any reason to question testimony! Having a secure and neutral third party administering your recording is the best way to ensure admissibility of your video.
Every court handles this differently. Regardless of the platform- Court Call, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Webex, etc. – sending us the court’s secure appearance information will ensure our experienced reporters log on without a hitch!
Locations
Anywhere! We offer national and international conference room & suite solutions.
It’s true that the COVID-19 pandemic has made the logistics of an in-person proceeding more difficult. But there are plenty of conference rooms and suites available that allow for safe distancing. Email us your job details and we’ll get started finding you the perfect, safe location! You can also ask us about our customized, hybrid remote and in-person meeting options.
Billing
Let us count the ways! We try to make your lives as easy as possible. Pay by check, credit card or ACH. Email us for more details!
Depends on what you’re cancelling. We will never charge you a late cancellation on an administrative service (like a remote link). But, if you are cancelling a human resource (reporter, videographer, interpreter, or technician), we ask that you help accommodate for their lost work. Generally speaking, reporters, videographers, and technicians have an afternoon the business day before cancellation window, and interpreters are 48 business hours. Email us for more details!
First Legal prides ourselves on our flexibility; we work with clients all the time to accommodate special needs and requests. Email calendar@firstlegal.com to set up your billing preferences today!
Typically, we request standard payment terms. But we work with clients all the time to accommodate special needs and requests. Email calendar@firstlegal.com to ask us about deferment plans today!
For Reporters
Whether you’ve been reporting for 30+ years, or just graduated recently (congrats!) we want to get to know you! Shoot us an email to resourcecal@firstlegal.com to introduce yourself to our Calendar team. You can include things like: certifications, CV, job preferences, rate sheets, etc. There is so much to learn about each other, let’s start the relationship as soon as possible! Want us to reach out to you? Enter your information here and we’ll reach out to you shortly!
Let us count the ways! We try to make it easy for you to focus on what you do best- reporting- which means we don’t dictate or micromanage the administrative part of your job. We know you each have your own preferences, so we stay flexible to accommodate you. We have a portal for submission. Want to use it? Email us to set up your account! Don’t want to use it? You can always send in your transcripts and exhibits by email to Production@firstlegal.com. Prefer snail mail? Send exhibits to:
First Legal Depositions, 1517 W. Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Sign up for our Reporter newsletter by sending an email to resourcecal@firstlegal.com. Once added to the list, you will learn more about being a reporter with First Legal and how to participate in fun things like our monthly Reporter Raffle!
eDiscovery
eDiscovery is the digital aspect of identifying, collecting, and producing electronically stored information (ESI) in response to a request for production in a lawsuit or investigation. ESI includes but is not limited to emails, documents, presentations, databases, voicemail, audio and video files, social media, and websites. The processes and technologies around eDiscovery are often complex due to the sheer volume of electronic data produced and stored. Additionally, unlike hard-copy evidence, electronic documents are more dynamic and often contain metadata such as time-date stamps, author and recipient information, and file.
Security is one of the most important parts of eDiscovery, and there are many aspects to consider. First Legal Digital has strict standards for chain of custody, a highly secure data storage facility, up-to-date technology, reliable hiring procedures, and disaster recovery plans in case of emergency.
Transferring data between vendors for different EDRM stages is complicated, expensive, and less secure. Vendors that handle early case assessment, collection, filtering, processing, and review & production provide a bigger bang for your buck – and remove the risk associated with moving your data. First Legal offers an end to end eDiscovery solution.
eFiling
Not automatically, but we will deliver courtesy copies upon request. Prices vary by location.
We have representatives available to handle your request on court work days until midnight. Call us at 800.889.0111 or send us an email at eFiling@firstlegal.com if you need any assistance after hours. If you know in advance that your documents will not be ready until after hours, please contact our staff to make arrangements in advance. It is always best to plan ahead.
Yes we do. We can either come to your office location for a live training or we can host a virtual meeting through a remote screen share solution such as Zoom Meeting.
Yes, when we eFile on your behalf, we will bookmark your documents in accordance with local rules.
Call us at 800.889.0111 or email us at eFiling@firstlegal.com for information on how we can assist you with large documents.
We can help, although an electronic signature is not required. For the requirements, see California Rules of Court, Rule 2.257 – it outlines the information you need for signatures on documents submitted electronically.
Yes, eService is an available option as you navigate through the eFiling Portal workflow.
If you are a current customer and already have a login for First Connect, you should be able to eFile your documents directly to the Court. To access the eFiling Portal, on the order entry page, after you enter your client matter number, you will be asked to select a “Service.” Select “eFile” and your court/division then select “Direct” or “On-Behalf.” Once you select that, hit next and it will direct you to the “eFiling Platform.”
In order to get a user profile, there needs to be an account tied to that profile. If you are new and do not have an account, you can initiate registration online or email us at sales@firstlegal.com so that we can have a member of our Sales Team contact you to assist with the process.
Unlike the Federal System, attorneys are not required to establish user profiles for California Superior Courts as long as they do not intend to eFile the documents. However, if your Attorney plans to personally submit an eFiling, then a user profile is needed.
For a current list of live CA eFiling courts, visit https://www.firstlegal.com/court-information/. The list of available courts grows each month. First Legal has the capability to eFile in every available court. If you aren’t sure if a court requires eFiling, just email your documents to eFiling@firstlegal.com and we’ll handle the rest. If a document can be eFiled, we’ll process it accordingly, and if not, we’ll print the document and deliver it to the court as a standard filing (also called a PDF/Fax Filing Service).
There are a few ways you can eFile with the Superior Courts. You may eFile directly with the court using our eFiling Portal or you can upload your documents via the same portal and we’ll eFile “On Your Behalf.” Of course, you can always email your documents to us at eFiling@firstlegal.com.
The client must prepare the proof of eService. If you have questions about eService or the requirements for the proof of service, please review California Rules of Court Rule 2.251(j). This rule also references Code of Civil Procedure Section 1013(g) and 1010.6.
You can eFile on your fee waiver case through the First Connect Portal. Simply select “No” on the court fees tab. You must also have an approved or pending fee waiver order on file for the case.
We can handle your eFiling request as a third party. Simply email your documents to eFiling@firstlegal.com. We can also eFile on your behalf in Federal, Appeals, and other courts that only issue credentials to attorneys – just provide us with your attorney’s user information!
First Legal charges a flat-fee of $8.75 for Direct eFiling or $33.50 to eFile on your behalf via the court’s eFiling Portal. You are also responsible for any Advanced Fees imposed by the Court.
First Connect
First Connect is a comprehensive Online Ordering Solution and Website. This Content Management Solution, designed from the ground up, enables us to improve the general flow of information, whether you’re searching for a particular subject, looking for the most recent PDF/Fax Filing Rate Sheets, or placing your next Service of Process order. Coupled with the industry’s finest customer support team, First Connect isn’t simply a web address, it is real people working for you to ensure your complete satisfaction.
eFiling in most California courts is now available through First Connect. For a current list of live CA eFiling courts, visit https://www.firstlegal.com/court-information/. As we develop new connections with other courts, we will add these to the order selection window. If you have a filing with another court in CA, another state, or a Federal Filing, please email your documents to eFiling@firstlegal.com. You may also contact us at 800.889.0111.
If you select “Court Service” and would like to upload your documents to the order, please be sure to select “FAX/PDF Filing” as your type of service. If you select, ASAP, Rush, Regular or Special Filing, you will not get the option to upload your documents. Those are messenger service types which lets us know that you would prefer to have a messenger come to your office to pick up the documents to take to the Court to process. By selecting the “FAX/PDF Filing” service type you will receive the upload option once you select the County and Court. For “Messenger” and “Service of Process” requests, the option to upload will appear.
General
When you work with First Legal, your requests won’t get lost in a jumble of email forwarding. You’re free to connect with management at any time and you’ll find that many of your needs can be met through the use of our online client platform.
Litigation support is the act of providing consulting and other services to corporations, law firms, and insurance companies with respect to current and potential litigation matters. The specific tasks performed depend on the needs of the client and could include everything from filing documents with the courts to performing investigative work and scheduling court reporters for depositions. These are just a few of the hundreds of ways legal support service companies serve their clients.
Of course! Whether you’ve worked with other companies before and want to experience the First Legal difference or this is your first foray into litigation support, we’re happy to work with you! Sometimes the hardest part of a project is determining what steps need to be taken so the work can begin. We’ll guide you when you’re unsure and help you select the services that best suit your needs.
First Legal is proud to offer services in Court & Process, Investigations, Digital, Records, and Depositions. To learn more about our individual services, please refer to the Our Services drop-down menu for more detailed descriptions. There’s almost no end to the ways that we can strengthen your case.
We’re standing by to help you 24/7. We know that the legal system never takes a day off, so we don’t either. You can contact us by phone, email, postal service, or through the live chat feature on our website. Typically, most of our clients utilize the live chat system for a fast response when they need it most!
Records
When speed is a priority, you’ll want First Legal on your side. We will advance all necessary witness fees. We allow you to set an authorization limit with your account and we will contact you immediately if your order will incur charges greater than your limit. When your order is complete, we’ll send you a single, fully-itemized invoice.
If you need a specific organizational system, we’re happy to adhere to your guidelines. Just tell us how you would like your documents to be indexed, and we’ll take care of the rest.
Yes! We’re happy to provide your information on paper, electronically, or both.
Communication is key, so we keep you involved from start to finish with order confirmation emails. Additionally, updates on your order can be found at any time through our client portal.
Service is our number one priority, so we’ll work around the clock to get your records as quickly as possible. Retrieval time can vary based on the type of records being requested. Authorization orders are always the best option for getting your documents on a tight deadline.
First Legal can acquire almost any record that you may need. We regularly obtain medical, billing, radiological, pathological, employment, payroll, and insurance records. We’ll also work with you to secure government records such as IRS, Social Security, and Military Service records.
Remote Online Notary
The biggest advantage is convenience and flexible scheduling. Save time by virtually meeting with the notary rather than traveling to meet in person. Remote notary also adds a layer of protection against identity theft by recording the transactions and validating identification documents making it practically tamper-proof.
A remote notarization is legally binding in all states, provided it was performed in accordance with the laws of the state where the notary is registered. States that have passed remote notarization laws include Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
Remote online notarizations are accepted across the country due to a long-standing body of laws in each state that specifically provides for recognition and acceptance of out-of-state notarizations.
California law does not provide the authority for a California Notary Public to perform a remote online notarization. The personal appearance of the document signer is required before the notary public. However, California will accept a notarization performed remotely if done by a notary in a state where remote notarization is authorized. For example, Remote Online Notarization is authorized in Arizona. An Arizona notary can remotely notarize a document for a person who is physically located in California and that notarial act will be valid in California.
Virtually any document that can be notarized in person can be notarized remotely, with a few exceptions:
- Self-proving Wills and codicils.
- Non-Self Proving Wills and codicils to be used in states other than Florida or Nevada.
- Testamentary Trusts and any amendments to Trusts, and Inter-Vivos Trusts to be used in states other than Florida or Nevada.
- I-9 Forms.
- Certified true copies of birth, marriage, or death certificates, or court-issued documents.
- Documents intended for use outside the United States.
- Documents in which the notary is named or has a beneficial interest.
- Documents containing pictures of children.
Our software provider Notarize uses a patent-pending forensic analysis to verify government-issued photo IDs and passports. Take a picture of your government-issued ID, answer a few questions, and Notarize will confirm your identity in seconds.
Remote online notarization, also called webcam notarization, online notarization, or virtual notarization, is simply a notarization done using audio-visual technology versus the signer and the notary being physically in the same room.
The National Notary Association provides a video explaining the process in more detail here.
Yes, your remotely notarized documents can be electronically recorded in California. Visit https://www.firstlegal.com/live-erecording-counties/ for a current list of counties that accept eRecording.
Service of Process
We have four different service levels ranging from three days to immediate.
- 3-Day: Service will be attempted within three days upon receipt of your request and every three days thereafter.
- Next Day: Service will be attempted the following day upon receipt of your request and every other day thereafter.
- Same Day: Service will be attempted ‘Same Day’ upon receipt of your request and every day thereafter.
- Immediate: Service will be attempted immediately or with special circumstances upon receipt of your request and by arrangement thereafter.
Due to the wide variety of locations and service levels, it is best to contact your local First Legal office and request a specific quote.
Most proofs will be returned to the client within one business day of service.
The two options are by email and via our online order portal, First Connect.
No, we do not file your proof automatically, but if you request filing when you place your service of process order, we will do so.
Although there are some exceptions, our policy is:
- 3-Day: unlimited attempts
- Next Day: billed for every three attempts
- Same Day: billed 50% for each additional attempt
- Immediate: billed 50% for each additional attempt
No, we will continue to make attempts if we believe we can successfully complete service. We will, however, ask our investigators to review the assignment and consult with our client if we are not making progress. This is typically done after three attempts or anytime we identify a bad address.
Yes, we can serve on bases and reservations, but we typically must make an appointment with the base legal department or tribal police.
Yes, we have offices in some other states, and partners everywhere else. If you require services in another country, our Investigations department can assist you.
Yes, we do have some process servers who speak Spanish, and other languages. Please contact your nearest First Legal office to discuss the details and we will make whatever arrangements are necessary.
Writ
No, we handle levy service requests under Writ of Attachment and Writ of Execution via Registered Process Server.
No. Levy service requests can also be handled directly by the Sheriff in most Counties. For information on that County’s requirements go to the Sheriff’s Civil Section office website for that County.
Contact our enforcement of judgment assistant, Daniel Hoefnagel, writs@firstlegal.com, 213.250.1111, Ext. 1164. Once you explain your needs, our enforcement team will formulate a plan to achieve your desired goals.
California Code of Civil Procedure (CCP) section 488.080 applies to writs of attachment, and section 699.080 refers to writs of execution.
Contact your local First Legal office and ask for the Court Department. Our court team will deliver the documents as requested to the sheriff at the address provided. NOTE: Sheriff Instructions and e-Writ declarations CANNOT be sent via pdf. Both Sheriff Instructions and e-Writ declarations require ORIGINAL WET SIGNATURES.