Deborah Schuff is the President of JUNES Legal and shares her insights gained from a professional career spanning decades.
What is ‘process services’ in brief?
Wikipedia defines process service as “the procedure by which one party gives notice to another (such as the defendant), court or administrative body to exercise jurisdiction so as to force the person to respond to proceedings before the court or body or other tribunal.” The person who is to be served with court documents, called “process”, will receive notice by receiving the set.
JUNES describes the process service business as an exciting niche that we have mastered over our 50-year history.
What are the benefits of using these services for law firms? What can law firms do with these services that they couldn’t do on their own
Attorney services have existed for decades. Attorneys often use process servers, court reporters and other vendors to help their clients. Our clients have found JUNES to be a one-stop shop.
What are the legal implications of serving legal documents in a support service?
JUNES delivers legal documents all across the United States and adheres to every state’s specific rules regarding process service. In Nevada, the NRS (Nevada Revised Statutes) governs process service. We adhere to these very specific rules and do not take any liberties.
Integrity is another important aspect of process serving. We are only good as the people that we hire, and JUNES hires only licensed process servers after they have passed a background investigation with the Nevada Private Investigators Licensing Board. You can trust us to serve someone and the affidavit we sign is gold. We sign all affidavits proudly under penalty of perjury, and we will gladly send any server in court to testify about the service. This is what happens! We are proud of the fact that many of our JUNES process servers have worked with us for more than 10 years.
Our employees are the best part of our company.
What are the necessary skills for a Process Server?
Like a dog that has a bone, tenacity. Motivation to do the work. Understanding that every case is important for each plaintiff and their lawyer.
How can the use of a process server improve a firm’s cash flow and efficiency?
All of us are looking at the bottom line. JUNES is proud to not nickel and dime law firms. Before we send out the documents with the server, our office staff tries to identify the best addresses for service. The client will save money if the defendant is served correctly on the first attempt. We do not need to try multiple addresses. The attorney can then move quickly to the next step in the litigation.
JUNES holds its process servers responsible for completing all work on time. The importance of time is never underestimated.
What other services from third parties can benefit a law office’s operation?
This is an excellent question. JUNES offers many legal services including court filings and notary mobile services. We also offer copying records, binders and documents for courtroom proceedings as well as nationwide skip tracing.
Evictions are another service that was recently added. Nevada’s law has recently changed, requiring that eviction notices be posted or served by a constable or licensed server. Many property management and law firms throughout the state rely on us to help them with their monthly evictions. JUNES is used by the private sector to help with evictions.
What changes and growth have you witnessed in the legal support field during your career?
When I began JUNES downtown San Diego in 1973, I followed what was called a “walking route”. I had around 25 clients downtown. I would walk from their offices to their government buildings, collect their documents and deliver them. All documents were handwritten. Everything. Email, cell phones, fax machines and computers were not available. Finally, we got pagers and facsimile machine using thermo paper. We also had typewriters that used carbon paper. How times have changed!
It is so true. The legal and service requirements are constantly changing. “nothing remains the same” is something I’ve always said. After taking a step-back and observing how the industry has evolved, I ask myself: What would I do differently? I was 19 years old, and in my first college year, learning the importance that a firm handshake and eye contact, as well as displaying good character, were of great importance. All of it came from life experience. After 50 years, I believe I have learned a lot.
Deborah Schuff
Can you tell us about your career so far, as your company celebrates its 50 th anniversary in this year?
At the age of 18, I began serving legal documents in a field that has historically been dominated by males. My dad was an attorney and lived in La Mesa, California. I enjoyed what I did and began to help my father with other tasks he needed, including court filings. In 1973, I had over 70 clients.
Women now make up the majority of the legal process server workforce, and they are among the most respected and successful companies in the nation. I am proud to say that I am one of them. We make conscious choices every day to grow our profession. This is an important step. We also need to surround ourselves with people who are successful and can add skills to our business. This will allow us to provide the best possible customer service, and we’ll be able receive satisfaction from a job well done. We can offer flexible solutions to difficult requests. We love the difficult ones!
What is your proudest achievement to date?
I’ve always known who I was. I didn’t change because I saw other people run their businesses differently. The challenge is something I am not afraid of. The compliments were few, but I persisted. In 1976, I was interviewed for a local TV station while pregnant with my daughter, running the business, and walking a route in downtown San Diego. It was a combination of picking up and delivering from law firms and going to court twice daily, for 25 clients. I had planned to bring her along, and I did so, as well as two other children, over the next ten years. I still allow my employees to bring their children to work.
I strongly believe that career and motherhood can co-exist. I am proud to provide a positive work environment that boosts company morale, and encourages individual growth. Many of my employees came to me with no knowledge about the legal field and went on to enjoy successful careers in the courts or paralegals. I am sad to see them go but proud of having helped them on their way. Many of my former employees still reach out to say hello, and consider me their “family”, many years after they left. It’s a wonderful feeling.
I’ve always known who I was. I didn’t change because I saw other people running their businesses differently.
As a child, I learned to care for others and listen to their needs. When I didn’t know how to fix a problem, I learned to find a solution. If you treat people with respect and understanding and show them that you care, then your efforts will be rewarded. To keep a ship in good shape, it is important to have procedures and be willing to adapt new ones.
What are your future plans for Junes Legal?
The business world has changed dramatically since COVID-19. In most cases, these changes have been well received. Everyone is eager to see what this new era brings. The majority of practices are going digital. Courthouse hours are changing. Electronic filing and department drop offs are different.
JUNES stays on top of the changes and strives to be a part of an evolving legal industry. JUNES is always listening to the changing needs of our clients. Listening and adapting to their needs is how we tailor our service. I love meeting with my clients and listening to what they want. Making sure that they understand their needs is my top priority. I am a hands on owner and always available. Everyone makes promises. I want results, a firm handshake and to keep my promises.
JUNES is here to help. In this field, stress can be a factor. With deadlines that are due right now and insane demands, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But at JUNES, you don’t have to worry about the job being done. We get it done. People always ask me when I’ll retire. This keeps the blood flowing. No, I’m JUNES. Rebecca, my oldest daughter, helps me with the day-today operations. She has a great deal of insight and knowledge, and is very good at communicating. She is capable of managing an industry that is constantly changing.
Although they are now doing their own things, my other two children also worked for JUNES during this time and helped set up procedures that we still use today. My son created the software that is used by clients and staff today. My youngest daughter designed the court and runner systems, adding her personal touch to client needs. This is truly a family-run business. Even second generations are working at JUNES, grown children of previous employees who have started at the office.
We are judged by our competitors, whether we like it or dislike it. We will stand out if we are disciplined to work effectively, efficiently and with measurable outcomes. Nothing is more impressive than an organization you can rely on to do the job. Junes will continue to thrive for 50 more years if they can master good work ethics and exceed expectations. JUNES has a team of 32 employees, including many who have over 10 years of experience. We offer a unique area of expertise. Success in business is not easy. We choose to overcome every request made by every client, knowing that there are no obstacles in our path.
Deborah Schuff, President
Suite #B 630 South 10th Street, Las Vegas, Nevada 89101, USA
Tel: +1 702-579-6300
Fax: +1 702-259-6249
Deborah Schuffis a founder and president of JUNES Legal. She moved the firm from San Diego, California to Las Vegas, Nevada in 2005. Deborah Schuff is committed to the satisfaction of her clients above all. She continues to run JUNES Legal as a family owned and operated business with many generations of experience.
JUNES legalis an Las Vegas-based company, founded by Deborah Schuff as a messenger in 1973 with 70 clients. JUNES Legal has a clientele of over 3,000 clients in the US. Its staff is highly experienced and capable of providing high-quality litigation services.