Conflict Check & Scope
Every engagement begins with a conflict check, followed by a conversation about the questions that need to be answered, applicable deadlines, and the expected deliverables — a written report, a rebuttal to opposing expert testimony, deposition preparation, or trial testimony.
Evidence & Access
Counsel provides available registrar and registry records, correspondence, discovery materials, and any prior expert work already in the file. Hartzer identifies what additional artifacts likely exist — passive DNS history, archived content, registrar logs — and how to request them, including through subpoena or registrar disclosure processes where relevant.
Analysis & Draft Report
Ownership, technical, and use analyses are performed following the methodology described on the Methodology page, and a draft report is delivered for counsel’s review. Feedback at this stage ensures the final work product directly addresses the issues that matter to the case and will be useful to the trier of fact.
Final Report & Testimony
Opinions are finalized, demonstratives are prepared, and deposition and trial testimony are provided as needed. Hartzer remains available through resolution of the matter for follow-up questions or rebuttal work.
Retainer & Fee Structure
Fee arrangements are discussed and agreed upon during the scoping conversation and typically involve an initial retainer against an hourly rate, scaled to the complexity of the matter and the deliverables required. Specific rates are provided directly to retaining counsel.