Building A Legal Strategy

In a simplistic view of the legal process, facts are determined by courts and juries, and law is applied to those facts in order to generate outcomes. Like an algebraic equation or logic puzzle, the variables are few, and answers come relatively easily. Outcomes seem predetermined, fixed in place by precedents. Viewing the law in this way, the role of lawyers is relatively minor. They research their client's case and the established laws and attempt to convince the court to reach a favorable conclusion. In disputes, litigation would rarely be necessary as the law is considered clear enough to make most outcomes foregone conclusions.

However, it is well known that in practice, the role a skilled attorney plays is great indeed. Think of high-profile "Dream Teams" who again and again manage to win cases that seem impossible. While the media portrayal of wizard-like courtroom maestros may be equally inaccurate, it is true that a truly skilled attorney can exercise considerably more control over the outcome of cases than may be evident and, perhaps more importantly, may be able to obtain equally good or even better results without resorting to litigation.

The fact is that the legal system, while simple in its core principles, is very complex when it comes to particulars. Facts matter, laws matter, but the process matters as well.

As you navigate your legal crisis, we will build a strategy that takes these issues, into account. We will advise on issues the best timing for maneuvers, what venues to pursue, and the strategies for dealing with judges and juries. The number of variables is too great to list here, and each case is different. However, as we work together, the process of crafting a thoughtful and effective strategy will become clearer to you, whether in or out of court.

During our process of developing a legal strategy, we will review existing relevant facts, selected documents and attorney work product, as well as conducting an in-depth interview with you. This, and the scope of our involvement in your matter, will determine the final fee. The various aspects of determining your fee include:

• detailed situation review and assumptions about general strategies;
• amount and complexity of existing materials;
• time sensitivity or urgency;
• time budgeted to ongoing monitoring progress, if desired; and
• requirements for experts, technical reviews, etc.

The process requires interaction, open and honest communication, as well as the evaluation of issues that may not seem immediately relevant. The outcome of cases can depend on seemingly insignificant details. Your crisis may have a simple strategy and easily achieved outcome, or it may require intense study, creative thought and aggressive representation. Just remember that by developing a thorough legal strategy to deal with your crisis, you will at least be able to rest assured that your options have been clearly examined and the course you take is one of the best available, weighing seemingly all advantages and disadvantages.