At IMS, we believe our people are our greatest asset. In honor of our incredible team, we are thrilled to go "beyond the bio" and share the personal stories of employees across our organization.
This month, we are proud to feature two outstanding members of the IMS medical expert witness services case management team: Barbara Day and Erica Heard, both senior case managers. Known for their organization, calm leadership, and client-first approach, Barbara and Erica play vital roles in supporting attorneys and experts through injury-related matters while exemplifying IMS’s core values—including “quality and excellence” and “honor the relationship.”
Read on to learn more about their career journeys, accomplishments, and perspectives on the evolving expert witness industry, as well as how case managers set the IMS experience apart.
Barbara Day, Senior Case Manager
Q: How did you get into this industry and find IMS?
A: My inspiration for entering the legal field came from my sister, who was a legal secretary. I enrolled in a vocational office education program in high school and began working part-time at a law firm during my junior and senior years. After graduation, I worked full-time in oil and gas, corporate law, and later in wills, probate, and estate planning, where I remained for 17 years.
I gained experience outside the legal industry, including roles as a preschool assistant director and an engineering firm manager, and then served as a legal assistant on both the plaintiff and defense sides for more than a decade. The law firm I worked for was a client of Juris Medicus (which later became a part of IMS), utilizing medical expert witness services. I had built a strong rapport with a JM case manager who encouraged me to apply, believing I would be a great fit. Having experienced their high-quality service firsthand, I saw it as a growth opportunity to expand and apply my skills, which ultimately led me to IMS.
Q: What do you like most about your specific department and/or role?
A: The people: my colleagues are truly caring, hardworking, and supportive, and they embody IMS’s core values every day. We work together with a shared goal of providing our clients with high-quality customer service throughout every case.
Q: What special strengths and unique skills do you offer clients and colleagues?
A: My diverse background in both service and management roles, combined with a strong legal foundation, allows me to think creatively and approach challenges from multiple perspectives. My strong organizational skills help ensure clients meet their deadlines in a timely and efficient manner.
Q: Would you like to share any stories, memories, or accomplishments?
A: When I was hired as a case manager on the medical expert witness services team, I was told that IMS was expanding and that there would be many growth opportunities. My teammates have been incredibly supportive from the beginning and continue to encourage me, share tips and tricks, and, most importantly, bring laughter to the workday. With their support, I gained the confidence to apply for a senior role and was recently promoted to Senior Case Manager, which I am very proud of.
Q: What has been your favorite case to work on so far?
A: Honestly, all of them. Every case, client, and expert is different, which keeps the work interesting and rewarding. I enjoy being involved throughout the entire litigation process, from onboarding the expert to case settlement.
Q: What do you think sets IMS apart from competitors or other companies?
A: We genuinely care about the service we provide, and about our clients and experts. That care is reflected in our long-standing relationships and those who continue to work with us, case after case. We strive for quality and excellence in every aspect of the process and work hard to earn, build, and honor those relationships.
Q: Do you have any predictions or comments on industry trends?
A: With AI on the rise, it will certainly make its way into our industry and help streamline certain tasks. However, I do not see it replacing the quality and personal experience of working one-on-one with clients and assisting them in identifying and collaborating with carefully selected expert witnesses for their unique cases.
Erica Heard, Senior Case Manager
Q: How did you get into this industry and find IMS?
A: After more than a decade of experience in the legal industry and working with IMS Legal Strategies as a client, I came across an opportunity to join the IMS case management team within the medical expert witness services (MEWS) division. Throughout the interview process, it became clear that the company was a perfect fit because of its culture, vision, and mission. Joining IMS has allowed me to grow professionally, ultimately leading me to my current role as Senior Case Manager.
Q: What do you like most about your specific department and/or role?
A: What I enjoy most about my senior role is the balance between managing cases and supporting the development of others. I still work closely with attorneys and medical experts, while also assisting other case managers with problem-solving and best practices. Being a resource for others, whether troubleshooting a challenge or walking someone through a new process, is incredibly rewarding. The mix of hands-on casework and leadership is something I truly value.
Q: What special strengths and unique skills do you offer clients and colleagues?
A: I bring strong organization, attention to detail, and a calm, solutions-driven mindset to every case. Within the MEWS team, I strive to be approachable and supportive. Colleagues know they can come to me with questions or challenges, and I enjoy helping them navigate solutions. For experts, I provide structure, patience, and clarity, ensuring they feel confident and prepared from the very beginning of a case.
Q: Would you like to share any stories, memories, or accomplishments?
A: One accomplishment I am particularly proud of is managing a complex multi-district litigation (MDL) case involving multiple experts. It required constant coordination, organization, and clear communication. Another meaningful milestone has been stepping into the senior case manager role. Watching my team members gain confidence, overcome challenges, and master new skills as we work through them together is incredibly fulfilling.
Q: What has been your favorite case to work on so far?
A: My favorite cases are those involving multiple experts and tight deadlines, where I can fully utilize my communication and organizational skills. I also enjoy cases where I partner with an expert for their very first experience with IMS. Seeing everything come full circle, from initial assignment to successful resolution, is especially gratifying.
Q: What do you think sets IMS apart from competitors or other companies?
A: IMS stands out because of its people and a strong blend of expertise, culture, and support. There is a deep emphasis on consistency and communication, which creates a smooth and dependable experience for attorneys. We genuinely support one another and ensure that both clients and experts feel truly cared for.
Q: Do you have any predictions or comments on industry trends?
A: I see a growing demand for expert witnesses who not only have deep subject-matter knowledge but can also communicate clearly and concisely. The ability to explain complex topics in a relatable way will be increasingly important. Additionally, expert support will continue to grow in importance—when experts are equipped from the start, the entire case process becomes smoother and more effective.
Learn More
Thank you to Barbara and Erica for sharing their stories and successes. Their dedication, leadership, and commitment to excellence exemplify the strength of the MEWS case management team and the values that define IMS.
Visit the links below to meet more team members and learn about our company culture and career opportunities.
