1. Risk/Reward: Is what you will gain from litigation worth the cost it will take?
2. Case Strength: An experienced litigation lawyer can analyze the evidence and assess your chances of winning.
3. Options: Have other options like mediation or settlement been exhausted?
4. Privacy: Are you willing to have details of your dispute go public?
5. Judgment: Even if you win, can you collect? The opposition may often lack the necessary assets to pay you even if you win the decision.
6. Appeals:  If either side believes the pre-trial or trial process was flawed, several appellate rights are often available to correct the problem or require a new trial.

Our litigation lawyers serve you or your organization through skilled advocacy, practical advice, knowledge of the law, and, most importantly, your business or personal goals.

Stages of Civil Litigation

The process begins with an investigation to determine if grounds exist supporting a lawsuit. So, a litigation lawyer reviews witness statements and other evidence before filing a lawsuit. Once filed, civil litigation progresses through these steps:

1. Pleading: The plaintiff files the suit, and the defendant files a plea with the court.
2. Discovery: Information is accumulated regarding the case, including interrogatories, depositions, statements from expert witnesses, etc. During discovery, parties can request a litigation hold to preserve potentially relevant information when litigation is pending or reasonably anticipated.
3. Pre-trial: At pre-trial, both litigation attorneys strategize with their clients, file motions on finalizing evidence, and prepare any witnesses for testimony.
4. Settlement negotiation: As mentioned, 90-95% of cases end with a settlement. Doing so avoids the time and costs of a civil trial. Settlement often comes in monetary compensation and can happen anytime during the process. To settle, the parties may agree to alternative dispute resolution, mediation, or arbitration.
5. Trial: The case proceeds to trial if a settlement cannot be reached. There, the litigation lawyers present their arguments before a judge and, usually, a jury. However, parties can opt for a "bench trial," where a judge decides the dispute instead of a jury.
6. Appeal. Following a trial and verdict, the losing party can appeal the case. That happens if evidence indicates that the decision rendered during the trial was erroneous. Consequently, the litigation attorney for the appealing party will reexamine the evidence and determine which issues to push on appeal.

Find the Right Litigation Lawyer for Your Specific Concern

There are a lot of considerations surrounding litigation. And as mentioned, there are forms of litigation covering an array of disputes. So, first, get the right litigation lawyer for your specific issue. If your dispute revolves around a breach of contract, a litigator versed in contract disputes will serve you better than one versed in real estate concerns.

Our Bucks County and Montgomery County litigation lawyers can help you with any number of concerns. Their goal is to serve you or your organization through skilled advocacy, practical advice, knowledge of the law, and, most importantly, your business or personal goals.

We'll put that track to work on your behalf and get you the desired results. Whether it involves a lawsuit or settlement, give us a call. We have law offices in Doylestown and Norristown, PA.