When you face litigation, either because you are suing someone or trying to defend yourself and your livelihood, the first legal step is hiring a business litigation attorney. For starters, Texas law considers a business a separate legal entity. Therefore, an individual whose business is the party with the claim or being sued cannot represent their business since that could be considered the unauthorized practice of law. Furthermore, even if you could represent yourself, doing so increases the odds that you might unintentionally place yourself at a disadvantage, and finding yourself in a more costly situation is significantly higher than if you had someone trained to protect your rights.
Hearing this, your reaction might be to let your lawyer take the wheel on everything. They are trained to handle what you cannot — so it is logical to get out of the way. But there are ways you can make the litigation process easier for your attorney.
Your Business Litigation Attorney Might Appreciate It If You …
Do some heavy lifting
When a client does not know all the facts, a business litigation attorney has to spend more time and money uncovering this information. To do the heavy lifting, find out from your lawyer what you need to prove in court, how you prove your case, what evidence you need, where the evidence can be found, and how to get the evidence. Then do it.
Keep excellent records
Another way to make things easier for your business litigation attorney is to provide them with a timeline of the events leading up to the circumstances that got you into this position in the first place. This timeline could be gathered through calendar entries, emails, phone records, text messages, invoices, estimates, photographs, business documents, and other information, and it is an effective way for lawyers to quickly and inexpensively educate themselves about the case.
Keep your emotions in check
Be courteous to the judge, attorney, opposing counsel, and even the opposing party. If you are asked to speak, always stick to the facts rather than pointing fingers, using hateful language, or undermining anyone in any way. With any business litigation case, it is easy to lose control of your emotions. But actions like these can paint you in an unfavorable light in the judge’s eyes and could impact how they rule.
Be honest with your business litigation attorney
Business litigation attorneys rely on what their clients tell them. When a client is not honest, the client can quickly become the biggest obstacle to efficiency and economy. To avoid this pitfall, ask yourself why you may lose your case, what your biggest concern is, and how this can impact your business moving forward.
Be open to settling out of court
Not all disputes must go to trial and be adversarial. Many times, even the most complex disagreements can be settled out of court in a way that benefits everyone involved. It is important to look at the totality of the situation and ask yourself if settling this matter in court is really worth it in the long run.
Call Nelson Law Group Today!!
Cases that seem simple or straightforward rarely are, and you need a lawyer in your corner who can offer you an honest assessment that will help you make the best choices for your case. The Nelson Law Group brings nearly two decades of experience to every case. Give our knowledgeable staff here at Nelson Law Group, PC, a call if you have any further questions regarding this or any other issue. Our staff is always available.
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