Litigation
Litigation is the backbone of the Firm's practice. We
are aggressive advocates on behalf of our clients and are always poised to
pursue cases to trial. We are cognizant of our clients’ business
concerns throughout the litigation process and endeavor to provide dynamic representation
and sensible advice in order to serve their needs.
We utilize a triage approach to
evaluate an exit strategy at the very beginning of a case. A case usually falls into one of
three general categories:
1. Dispositive Motion.
The file can be disposed of on a motion
to dismiss, judgment on the pleadings or motion for summary judgment after essential discovery.
2. Settlement. The file may present the risk of an
adverse verdict and has settlement value. In this scenario, the file is managed to bring
the plaintiff's view of settlement value in line with the defendant's view.
3. Marked for Trial.
Some cases are marked for trial because they (a) involve novel legal claims or are
test cases; (b) have significant damages but no liability; (c) could expose the client to numerous other lawsuits and
additional liability if not litigated and won; (d) are fraudulent claims;
or (e) have facts favorable to the client where there is a strong likelihood of
success.
When clients request that we initiate and pursue a
matter through litigation, we fully evaluate the likelihood of success on the merits and
the potential for recovery so that an informed decision and a cost-benefit analysis can be
made.
Christensen & Ehret's litigation
practice includes:
Admiralty
and Maritime
Commercial
Litigation and Contract Dispute
Employment
Energy
Defense
Products
Liability
