When it comes to resolving legal disputes, attorneys at the Quinn Law Group take a customized approach based on each client's goals, objectives, and specific needs. Two common legal methods are litigation and negotiation. In this article, we will explore the key differences between an attorney who litigates and one who negotiates, as well as the unique benefits each approach offers.
Litigation: Advocacy in the Courtroom
Litigation takes place in the state or federal court system (attorneys must be admitted to practice in each specific court they file a case in). Litigation is what people commonly think of when hiring an attorney and filing a lawsuit.
Attorneys who specialize in litigation are known as litigators or trial attorneys. They represent their client's interests in a formal courtroom setting, presenting evidence, arguments, and legal theories before a judge or jury. Litigation is often necessary when disputes cannot be resolved through negotiation or alternative dispute resolution methods. Quinn Law Group litigation attorneys file cases in Maryland, the District of Columbia, Washington state, and federal courts.
Benefits of Hiring a Litigation Attorney:
Thorough Investigation: Litigators are skilled at conducting extensive investigations to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build a strong case for trial. This ensures a comprehensive understanding of the legal and factual aspects of the dispute.
Zealous Advocacy: In the courtroom, litigators passionately advocate for their clients, presenting their cases persuasively and countering opposing arguments. They are adept at cross-examination, arguing legal points, and delivering compelling opening and closing statements.
Precedent-setting Decisions: Litigation can lead to important legal precedents that shape future cases. For example, in Spearman v. Annapolis, the Quinn Law Group argued a case that led to the court setting a legal precedent that now applies to future employment cases.
Negotiation: Finding Common Ground with Help from an Employment Attorney
Negotiation, on the other hand, focuses on reaching a mutually acceptable resolution outside the courtroom. Quinn Law Group attorneys specializing in negotiation possess excellent communication, problem-solving, and negotiation skills. They aim to achieve favorable outcomes for clients by engaging in discussions and bargaining with opposing parties.
Benefits of Negotiation:
Confidentiality and Privacy: Negotiation allows parties to maintain confidentiality and privacy. This can be particularly advantageous for sensitive or high-profile matters where avoiding public exposure is desired.
Cost-effectiveness: Compared to litigation, negotiation can be a more cost-effective method of dispute resolution. It avoids the expenses associated with court fees, extensive discovery processes, and lengthy trials. Because it is more cost-effective for our clients to negotiate, Quinn Law Group attorneys will typically start with this process.
Preserving Relationships: Negotiation promotes cooperation and fosters the preservation of relationships between parties. For example, as employment attorneys, we represent many federal employees. Through the negotiation process, it is often possible for employees to maintain their employment status while still achieving their goals.
Control over Outcomes: Negotiation gives parties greater control over the outcome of the dispute. Parties can actively participate in crafting an agreement that addresses their specific needs and interests.
Choosing the Right Approach with Help from an Attorney
Selecting the appropriate approach, whether litigation or negotiation, depends on various factors, such as the nature of the dispute, urgency, desired outcome, and client preferences. "Our job is to listen to our clients, hear their concerns, and help them to identify what their desired outcome is," said Don Quinn, Managing Partner. "We then create a legal strategy to help them achieve that goal. Fortunately, we have attorneys who specialize in negotiation and working through the EEO, EEOC, and MCCR process, and those like myself who thrive in the courtroom and litigation process. This ensures that clients can remain with our firm and don't need to seek secondary counsel if their case goes to court, which can be the case in firms that don't handle litigation."
Ultimately, the choice between litigation and negotiation should align with the specific circumstances and goals of each case. Book a free consultation with an attorney to discuss your case and learn more about your legal options.