Posted: 7/18/2008 8:47:31 PM EDT
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I'm thinking about working as a part time process server for some extra spending money. Has anyone else done this? Any general advice? Attorneys, do you look for anything specific? I'm living in Oxford, MS and there are is no shortage of law firms here, so I'm planning on going from door to door and asking paralegals or secretaries. Is there a better way to look for this type of work? Thanks |
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Check to see if there are any licensing requirements in your state/county/city/town. Check state laws on powers, responsibilities, etc. of a process server in your area. See if you need bonding, insurance, what your "powers" are (are you considered LE or just John Q Citizen delivering the paper)? Find a state-wide org for process servers, visit one of their meetings, see if there is any training available, etc. I can tell you from 9 years of experience that it is not a glorious or financially rewarding (maybe in big cities, but certainly not in the suburbs) job. |
| Thanks for the response, according to the MS rules of civil procedure I don't have to be licensed or LE, I'll try to find a local org like you said. I just want a little extra spending money that I can earn in my spare time, I'm a student working night shifts and I've got nothing going on during the summer. |
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Good advise from Lens. I did it for 20 years as a sideline to my PI business. It wasn't a big money maker but my attorney clients needed it. Print up some business cards and talk to every legal Secretary in town. They are the ones that make the call when something needs to be served. Don't forget to drop off a few at the local clerk of courts. Non attorney people need papers served also. One of my better clients was a Realtor who needed eviction notices served |
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In MS, I use process servers a lot. Usually down on the coast. most, if not all, of my sdt's are rush served, so, it's about 200 bucks a pop, for an hour's work. I had a guy served 48 Subpoena Duces Tecums, and needed all returns of service filled out and faxed back immediately. I don't want to remember how much he charged for that... Send me a PM when you get set up, and next time I need something in oxford served, I'll give you a call. |
sorry, should've also said that we "find" process servers from http://www.napps.org/ most of the people I use once and like, I will only use them. If i use them once, and they fuck up, they will never get used again. |
Lower prices for your service is always a plus. Make sure you meet the attorney in charge and shake his or her hand, but don't take much time to do so. Meeting the paralegals and such is helpful but they don't decide to hire or fire you, the lawyer does. Then if you get the job, make sure and get the target served quickly and without ruckus, then report back promptly. A background in LE is good or knowing the community cold is good. Hustle. Good luck. |