Trials and arbitration
When a dispute will not settle, the same two lawyers who ran it take it to a decision.
Most cases settle, and they settle better when the other side believes you will try it. We prepare every case as if it will reach a courtroom, from the first deposition on, so that the trial stage is a price you already know rather than a surprise.
We try cases to judges, to juries and to arbitration panels. If your contract has an arbitration clause, the stages are the same; the arbitrator's own fees are separate and the rules set who pays them.
Sample matters
How some trials and hearings ended
Verdict for our client
Defect claim against a framing subcontractor, for the subcontractor
Three-day jury trial
Decision, $128,000
Unpaid change orders on a medical office build-out, for the general contractor
Arbitration before a single arbitrator
Settled, $210,000
Buyout of a minority owner in a family distributor, for the minority owner
Settled on the second day of trial
Sample matters, for illustration. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome; every case turns on its own facts, its law and its court.
Questions people ask before a trial
Will I have to testify?
Usually, if you are a party or the person who knows the facts. We prepare you in several sessions, on video and then in person before trial.
Can the trial be held by video?
Some courts allow parts of a trial or a hearing by video; most jury trials are in person. Arbitration is more often remote. We tell you which applies at the assessment.
What if the trial runs longer than planned?
The trial fee covers a set number of days. Each further day has its own flat fee, written into the engagement letter.
Is your case heading for trial?
If another firm has handled it so far, send the docket and the trial date. We tell you whether we can step in and what the trial stage would cost.