Television and movies give Americans a somewhat misguided view of what a Chicago litigation attorney actually does. Before you find a lawyer to take a case, learn about the process your attorney will go through during your suit. Knowing what to expect from your attorney during each step of the process can help ensure that your experience is a positive one.
First, Know How To Hire A Chicago Litigation Attorney
Before you can even start a case, you need to make sure you have the right Chicago litigation attorney. You should make appointments with a number of lawyers in your area for a consultation. This first visit is usually free of charge, but some attorneys do charge a small fee for a consultation. During this visit, you’ll be asked to explain your case, as well as ask the attorney any questions about what you can expect during the trial. Beware of any attorneys who promise a specific outcome or judgment on your case. It’s highly unlikely that they’ll be able to accurately predict a judgment, but it’s not unheard of for an attorney to expect to win if your case is a strong one.
How Your Chicago Litigation Attorney Will Investigate
Once you’ve hired a Chicago litigation attorney, the next step he or she will take is to investigate. Your attorney will interview you extensively, as well as gather witness statements to learn about all the aspects of the suit. During this time, your lawyer will probably meet with the other party’s attorney to discuss a settlement amount. If both sides reach an agreement, the case will be considered closed and a trial will not take place.
How Your Chicago Litigation Attorney Will Approach Discovery
Discovery is the next step for a Chicago litigation attorney. In this stage, your attorney will be able to ask the opposing party’s legal team for any documents that are important to the case. However, there are certain documents that are protected from discovery and do not need to be turned over. These include privileged information and work product.
The Pre-Trial And Trial Periods
During the pre-trial period, your Chicago litigation attorney will find expert witnesses and work out a plan for the trial. However, if your case is civil one, a trial is unlikely to take place. Many times, the attorneys reach a settlement agreement well before the trial occurs. This does require both sides to agree on the outcome. Once this occurs, the case is considered closed.
Although a Chicago litigation attorney isn’t quite what the movies and television depict, they are still a very necessary part of the legal community. If you suspect that you have a case, it’s a great idea to meet with an experienced Chicago litigation attorney at Peck Ritchey. We will help you determine if you should pursue your lawsuit and move forward. Peck Ritchey does offer a free initial consultation, so be certain to contact us if you’re in need of our specialized services.