Storytelling with court documents

James Bandler of Fortune magazine takes readers onto the scene as he tells the story of Dina Wein Reis, a woman accused of bilking several companies out of products totaling more than $20 million.


James says he first became aware of Wein Reis in 2008, but Madoff, AIG and other stories prevented him from writing her story right away. He started reporting this spring, he says.

“I wondered how one woman could have pulled off such a massive and complicated alleged fraud for so long,” he says.

He used court documents from civil litigation, company data obtained by authorities, wiretap transcripts and interviews with several people, excluding Wein Reis, to compile the article.

Today’s Tip: Court documents can help you piece together facts and provide details that bring your stories alive.

James says: “First read the docket sheet, and then the amended complaint. They provide a great guide to key arguments, exhibits and names of involved parties. Get to know the lawyers on both sides. They can help point you to interesting witnesses and documents.

“Transcripts are your friends, as are depositions -- if you can get your hands on them. They're often -- but not always -- entered in the public record.”