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Litigation Group
Cummings & Lockwood understands that litigation may not be an end to itself, but part of a broader business strategy to resolve a dispute. While we have extensive experience trying and winning cases before juries, courts and other adjudicators, winning a trial after years of litigation is often not the best result if the transaction costs become too large or if too much of management's time is expended. Thus, a litigator's prime task should be to resolve your dispute in the most effective and efficient manner possible. This is our group's goal. How do we accomplish this goal?
We listen and learn. From the beginning we do not focus just on the actual dispute, but the needs and objectives of our clients. How does the litigation affect our client's present business, and how severe a disruption will it have on future operations?
We evaluate. The time to discuss whether an action should be tried or settled is not on the courthouse steps, but early on in the engagement. We develop a strategic plan and do appropriate research to budget and determine the best course of action for our clients. In this regard, where helpful, we prepare action plans, estimated budgets and decision tree analyses as tools to assist the client in the decision-making process.
We communicate. No estimate or action plan is worthwhile unless the lawyer and client are constantly reevaluating the plan and the client's goals. This can be achieved only by frequent reports and communications with the client. To aid in the process, we quickly identify who will be working on each case and what their responsibilities will be so that the client will know whom to contact. We are also able to customize our reports and billing statements to meet any individual client's needs.
We perform. No plan is effective unless the attorneys have the experience and abilities to implement it. Our attorneys are actively trying cases and handling mediations and arbitrations in state, federal and private forums.
We staff our matters as efficiently as possible. A typical client team will include a partner, an associate and a paralegal. Furthermore, we try to maintain the same personnel throughout a matter. Changes are made only when necessary.
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