Every lawyer owes a duty of competence to their client. For solo and small firm practitioners handling several complicated litigation matters, there frequently is a need to bring in competent lawyers to provide the clients with the best representation. Due to the complexity of discovery and the short attention spans of jurors, there definitely is a need to competent assistance at critical stages of litigation, including discovery, law and motion, pre-trial preparation and actual trial. But it is not enough to simply “find a body” to work with you. A successful co-counsel relationship requires clear expectations, accountability and communication. A successful co-counsel relationship greatly enhances the opportunity for the client to achieve a good result.
But co-counsel relationships are just like all other personal relationships. Some lawyers simply aren’t competent. Other lawyers aren’t diligent. Still other lawyers aren’t ethical. And other lawyers aren’t good team players. Bringing in another lawyer means you may lose control over aspects of the litigation. The wrong co-counsel can be disastrous for your case and increase your stress.
This podcast will discuss the “best of” co-counsel and the “worst-of” co-counsel to help you navigate the next time you need to bring in another lawyer to help you on a case. Or, if you are the lawyer asked to help, what do you need to know before you say “yes.”
7 Tips to Reduce Your Expert Witness Budget by Karen Goodman
