Case Opening Review
Ideal for cases already in litigation where claims require careful re examination against the documentary record.
A Diagnostic Review Designed to Identify the Right Problem
When a case involves complex financial records, loan servicing history, or trust administration, progress often depends on whether the underlying problem has been correctly identified at the outset.
The Case Opening Review is a diagnostic, preliminary assessment designed to determine whether there is a document-supported factual basis for consumer claims and, if so, which issues are capable of being developed and sustained throughout the litigation process.
This review is particularly valuable in matters where claims have already been asserted but require careful re-examination against the documentary record.
For example, this review is often requested after discovery produces records—such as servicing histories, financial statements, or investment reports—that materially alter the factual landscape of a case.
Purpose of the Case Opening Review
The purpose of the Case Opening Review is to ensure that time, resources, and strategy are focused on issues the record can actually support, rather than on assumptions, incomplete narratives, or theories that cannot be sustained through discovery or motion practice.
This process is intended to help clients and counsel avoid pursuing the wrong problem—and to instead ground the case in facts that matter.
What the Review Involves
During a Case Opening Review, I conduct a targeted examination of the materials most relevant
to understanding what occurred and what can be proven, which may include:
- Review of key loan, servicing, trust, or financial documents
- Research of applicable public land records and ownership history
- Preliminary investigation into loan transfers, servicing conduct, or securitization issues, where relevant
- Identification of material inconsistencies, omissions, or accounting anomalies
- Assessment of whether the record supports viable claims that can be developed further
The focus of this review is diagnostic—not exhaustive. It is designed to identify the factual foundation upon which sound claims may rest.
When the Numbers Don’t Add Up, Dig Deeper.
Let’s Solve the Right Problem.
Who’s Looking Out for Your Interest?
Discussion of Findings
Once the review is complete, I will discuss my findings with you—and with your attorney, if applicable. This discussion addresses:
- What the documents and records show
- What the records do not support
- Which issues appear capable of further development
- Which issues are unlikely to be productive if pursued
Where appropriate, I will make recommendations regarding next analytical steps and explain how additional expert services, if any, may assist going forward.
Deliverables
A Case Opening Review does not include a written report. Instead, you will receive:
- A recorded video or teleconference in which I walk through my findings and recommendations
- Access to the underlying research and raw data gathered during the review
The recording allows you to revisit the discussion, share it with counsel, and consider next steps without relying on memory or informal notes.
What This Review Is — and Is Not
The Case Opening Review is an objective screening and diagnostic process. It is not a full forensic analysis and not a legal opinion.
In some cases, the most valuable outcome is confirmation that no further action is warranted. This review is designed to provide that clarity before greater time and expense are incurred.
Who This Service Is For
-
Homeowners seeking clarity before initiating or defending litigation
-
Trust beneficiaries evaluating potential fiduciary or accounting concerns
-
Attorneys assessing whether expert analysis will materially advance a case
-
Clients who want to understand whether the facts support continued pursuit of a claim
Fee
The fee for a Case Opening Review is $1,075, which covers approximately two hours of professional time, including document review, research, and the recorded consultation.
Why This Step Matters
Cases often falter not because wrongdoing did not occur—but because the wrong issue was pursued, or because the factual basis for a claim was never clearly identified.
The Case Opening Review is designed to prevent that outcome by ensuring that the case begins—and proceeds—with the right problem clearly in view.