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27 Jun, 2013 by John
Laura represented myself and my wife as the plaintiffs throughout a difficult family business dispute. Her knowledge of law is unparalleled and her ability to think two steps ahead of the other side is uncanny; to a point that you will begin to think she is playing the game with the other guy's playbook in her hand. I cannot count the times, during advisement periods, that Laura would be discussing strategy and tell us, "If we do (this), they will do (that)"...sometimes discussing reactions from the other side that were to happen in hours or sometimes weeks from that moment and "sure enough", she was right. There may come a time in your case where you actually feel sorry for the person you are having your dispute with; you almost feel as if they are unfairly matched. That feeling is shortlived.
With that being said, Laura was adamant, considering our family involvement, that we always play "clean and fair" and "wear the white hat" throughout our entire dispute. This was not a suggestion from her to us, but, instead, was a declaration of her morals and ethics. I think she gets more satisfaction out of knowing that she played by the rules and still beat the other side.
That leads me to say this...
Not only is Laura Upchurch great at what she does, she seems to love what she does. She takes great pride in her work. For a more complete review, I wish I could give insight into how she handled herself in the face of losing, but quite frankly, we never really had that experience. Any set-back we may have experienced throughout our ordeal was always planned for and a reaction was already in the works before that negative result was even realized.
One of the best testimonials I can think of giving Laura stems from a situation that arose with a second business partner out of 3 partners involved in our business decided to join in on the lawsuit. Concerned that there may be a conflict of interest in using the same attorney as myself and my wife, the second partner chose to hire another attorney. When that second partner informed their attorney of who was representing our interests, the partner's attorney replied "...you better be glad they're on your side."
Laura is a petite lady, but I can assure you she carries a big stick and she most definitely knows how to use it when necessary. Throughout the course of our dispute, the defendants were represented by different lawyers. Those lawyers, as well as the defendant, were all males and not small in stature and although I personally witnessed numerous events where one or all attempted to "buck out their chests" and intimidate her, within seconds, either with her words or her posture, she had them all staring at their shoestrings. This lady is a force to be reckoned with.
We live almost an hour away from Laura's office, but whether it be by phone, email or lunch meetings, Laura kept us up-to-speed on every aspect of our case, from start to finish. She makes you feel as if your case is the only one she is handling, even though she is juggling numerous clients throughout the day; she is an artist is that respect. In fact, my wife and I were amazed to find out her caseload toward the middle of our ordeal, considering her responsiveness to our questions and concerns seemed to be immediate.
We had been told stories, even by other attorney's, to beware any attorney we hire and make sure they were fair and accurate on their billing. My wife handles our bills, mostly (Laura is laughing if she is reading this), and I was shocked when we went to a mediation and my wife quoted what our attorney's fees were (much lower than I thought), so that they could be calculated into our settlement. Probably the most fair billing in the industry and worth 100 times the fee!
We have since adopted Laura as our legal adviser for all current and future business ventures. She is excellent with reviewing and drafting contracts quickly.
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09 Nov, 2010 by Charles
Laura guided me through a tough guardianship battle. She knows her business. She has a wonderful personality and she's very smart plus she's got a ton of street smarts. Thank God I found her.
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12 Dec, 2017 by Michael
Represented me in a personal injury case. Filed suit. Got a good settlement from insurance company.
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16 Nov, 2012 by Clients - couple
Chad prepared our Wills and Powers of Attorney. He explained everything in simple terms and made the process go smoothly. A very nice gentleman.
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05 Nov, 2018 by Charles hill
03 May, 2023 by Anonymous
Chris, wrote up a pipeline agreement for me and his first draft of the agreement was spot on. The draft required only minor changes to complete. I will hire him for future work.
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21 Sep, 2024 by Marlaina
05 Jul, 2024 by Howard
01 Jun, 2024 by Wilson haney
08 Jun, 2023 by Arlene
We hired Andy to provide estate planning and a new will in December of 2020. We met with him and Mr. Moorman again on May 4, 2022. Paid them for research and meetings and did not hear from Andy until we arrived in his office in May 2023 to pick up all of our files and paperwork. He did not return phone calls or emails. We had hired him almost 3 years ago and we could not communicate with him at all. He was shocked when we arrived to fire him and all his services. How long does it take to draw up a will?.Does it take more than 3 years to plan an estate trust? In my opinion, he is totally incompetent. So now we begin all over with another lawyer.
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05 Nov, 2018 by Charles hill
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What a Litigation Lawyer Can Do for You
A litigation lawyer specializes in representing individuals, businesses, or organizations involved in legal disputes. Whether you're the one filing a lawsuit or you're being sued, a litigation attorney will advocate on your behalf throughout the entire legal process. Their goal is to resolve disputes, either through negotiation, settlement, or trial. Litigation lawyers can help with a wide range of disputes, including contract disagreements, real estate issues, employment disputes, personal injury claims, and more.
Litigation lawyers provide strategic legal advice and manage all aspects of your case, from filing motions to representing you in court, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you have the best chance of achieving a favorable outcome.
When Should I Hire a Litigation Lawyer?
You should consider hiring a litigation lawyer if you're involved in a legal dispute that you cannot resolve on your own. Common situations include:
- Breach of contract disputes: If a party to a contract fails to fulfill their obligations, a litigation lawyer can help you seek damages or enforce the agreement.
- Business disputes: Litigation lawyers can represent you in cases of partnership disagreements, intellectual property disputes, or business fraud.
- Employment disputes: If you're facing issues like wrongful termination, workplace discrimination, or wage disputes, a litigation lawyer can help resolve these matters through negotiation or court action.
- Personal injury claims: If you've been injured due to someone else's negligence and are seeking compensation, a litigation attorney can help you pursue your case.
- Real estate or property disputes: When there are conflicts over property ownership, boundary issues, or lease agreements, a litigation lawyer can assist in resolving the dispute.
Hiring a lawyer early in the process is beneficial, especially if a lawsuit seems imminent or you have already been served with legal documents.
What Does a Litigation Lawyer Do?
A litigation lawyer handles all aspects of your case, from the initial investigation to the trial and even the appeals process, if necessary. Their role includes:
- Case assessment and investigation: Analyzing the facts of your case and advising whether it’s worth pursuing or defending.
- Pleadings and motions: Drafting and filing documents to initiate or respond to a lawsuit, including complaints, motions to dismiss, and answers.
- Discovery: Gathering evidence, including depositions, interrogatories, and document requests, to build your case.
- Negotiations and settlement discussions: Attempting to resolve disputes through mediation, arbitration, or settlement talks before going to trial.
- Trial representation: Presenting your case in court, examining witnesses, introducing evidence, and making legal arguments before a judge or jury.
- Appeals: If necessary, filing appeals to challenge or defend the outcome of the trial.
Litigation lawyers are also skilled negotiators and often work to resolve disputes outside of court to save time, money, and stress for their clients.
How Are Litigation Lawyers Paid?
Litigation lawyers typically use a variety of fee structures depending on the type of case, the complexity of the legal matter, and the financial circumstances of the client. Common payment arrangements include:
- Hourly rates: Many litigation attorneys charge by the hour, with rates varying based on experience and geographic location.
- Flat fees: For specific, predictable legal tasks (such as filing a motion), lawyers may offer a flat fee.
- Contingency fees: In personal injury or other cases where you seek damages, a lawyer may work on a contingency basis, taking a percentage of the settlement or award if you win.
- Retainer: Some clients pay a retainer fee upfront to secure ongoing legal services. The lawyer then bills against this retainer as work is done.
The exact structure should be discussed in the initial consultation to ensure you understand how and when you'll be charged.
How Much Does a Litigation Lawyer Cost?
The cost of a litigation lawyer varies significantly depending on the nature of the dispute and the lawyer’s experience. Factors affecting the cost include:
- The complexity of the case: More complex litigation involving extensive discovery, expert witnesses, or multi-party suits typically costs more.
- Time spent: Litigation cases can be time-consuming, especially if they go to trial. The longer the case, the higher the legal fees.
- Type of fee arrangement: Hourly rates can range from $200 to over $1,000 per hour, depending on the lawyer’s reputation and location. Contingency fees generally range from 25% to 40% of the settlement or award.
- Stage of litigation: Cases that settle early in the process are often less expensive than those that proceed to trial or appeal.
It’s crucial to ask about cost estimates during your initial consultation to avoid surprises.
Top Questions to Ask a Litigation Lawyer
Before hiring a litigation lawyer, it's essential to ask key questions to ensure you're choosing the right representation:
-
What is your experience with cases like mine?
Ensure that the lawyer has experience handling your specific type of dispute, whether it's a contract issue, personal injury, or business matter. -
What are the potential outcomes of my case?
Ask for an honest assessment of your case's strengths, weaknesses, and the likelihood of success. -
What is your fee structure?
Clarify how you'll be charged, whether by the hour, a flat fee, or on a contingency basis. -
How long do you expect my case to take?
While it's hard to predict, an experienced lawyer can give you a rough estimate based on similar cases. -
How often do you settle cases versus going to trial?
Some lawyers are more inclined to settle, while others may be more experienced in the courtroom. It’s important to understand their strategy. -
What is your approach to resolving disputes?
Some lawyers prefer aggressive litigation, while others focus on settlement or mediation. Choose one whose approach aligns with your goals.
How to Check the Credibility of a Litigation Lawyer
To verify a litigation lawyer’s credibility, consider the following steps:
- Check bar association records: Ensure the lawyer is in good standing with the state bar and has no history of disciplinary actions.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Online reviews can provide insight into the lawyer’s professionalism and track record.
- Look for litigation experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they have handled cases like yours and have a record of success.
- Request references: Ask the lawyer to provide references from past clients who can speak to their effectiveness and approach.
- Research their trial experience: If your case is likely to go to trial, ensure the lawyer has a history of courtroom success.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To make your first consultation with a litigation lawyer productive, you should prepare the following:
- A clear outline of the dispute: Provide a timeline and key details about the legal issue you're facing.
- Any relevant documents: Bring contracts, emails, letters, or any other documentation that pertains to the case.
- A list of key players: Provide the names of individuals or companies involved in the dispute.
- Questions about fees and the litigation process: Make sure you understand how the lawyer plans to approach your case and how you will be charged.
- Your goals and expectations: Be clear about what outcome you're hoping for, whether it's a settlement, compensation, or another resolution.
By coming prepared, you can ensure that your initial meeting with the lawyer is both efficient and insightful, giving you a better sense of how to proceed with your case.
