MOVE THE BALL. No case gets cheaper the longer its open. The fact is that
almost any case, simply because of carrying costs, gets more expensive, the
longer it remains unresolved. What this means is that the faster litigation is
concluded, by settlement, mediation, arbitration or trial, the lower the cost
of litigation should be. This requires prompt, proactive handling by your
attorneys. But, proactive doesn't mean hyperactive. We concentrate on getting
the information necessary to move the case toward resolution. Sometimes that
means simply serving a tailored set of interrogatories, obtaining key medical
records or taking a deposition. Sometimes it means extensive written discovery
and numerous depositions. But whatever is necessary, we work hard to get it
done quickly and efficiently.
IT'S ALL IN THE PLANNING. Crucial to the handling of any legal matter is the
early involvement of both the attorney and the client in a thorough review of
the matter and the establishment of a plan and budget for its proper handling.
The plan needs to be as specific as possible while at the same time being
flexible enough to allow for the inevitable change brought on by the discovery
process.
The balancing act required to handle any particular case must take into
account that it’s likely that aspects of any case will mirror an earlier case
or cases but at the same time will involve new twists and turns that will make
it unique. The goal of the litigation plan is to attempt to anticipate both
the similarities and differences of each new matter. Only then can
efficiencies be built into the litigation process.
The litigation plan not only must take into account the work that needs to be
done, it also must take into account who will do the work. Many matters can be
handled most cost-effectively by assigning the case to a single attorney who
performs virtually all of the work on that matter. You simply don't need a
"team of lawyers" on every case. At the same time, the most cost-effective way
to handle some complex matters is with more than one attorney or legal
professional. If a matter presents a significant amount of work at different
skill levels, not every aspect of the case needs to be handled by the most
experienced attorney. Some things don't even need to be handled by an attorney
at all—they're better handled by a paralegal, clerk or investigator. When
those special cases arise, we create a team approach to handle it, assigning a
senior attorney, junior attorney and paralegal to the case from the outset. In
this way, the client benefits from the right person doing the right task at
the right price.
Regardless of whether there is one or more attorneys or legal professionals
handling a matter, it is critical that the client not be required to pay for
constant reviews. Frankly, we know that's exactly the reason that many
companies have become disenchanted when their matters are handled by more than
one attorney.
THE OVERALL GOAL. In the end, all we're trying to do is make the litigation
process as quick and efficient as possible, without sacrificing quality legal
representation. With our clients' help, we think we get that done pretty well.
Since 1989, our lawyers have handled thousands of Commercial Litigation cases.
We have been entrusted with offensive and defensive litigation in the areas of
banks, bankruptcy, lender liability, oil and gas, collections,
and related cases. We routinely provide information in these areas, with no
obligation. These areas are too broad to offer a general questionnaire, but we
are happy to speak to you personally at 800-447-6443 at no cost or obligation.
Or, you may contact us now by E-mail.
If you would like to periodically receive information by E-mail from us in
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