Let’s face it: Relationships between plaintiff and defendant lawyers who practice personal injury law are not especially warm and cuddly. This is not because of the personalities of the attorneys, but because their goals and strategies are diametrically opposite. Expecting plaintiff and defense lawyers to work and play together well is as realistic as expecting offensive linemen and defensive tackles in football to do so. These lawyers will not meet together, hold hands, and sing, “Kumbaya.”
Plaintiffs’ lawyers typically seek to resolve cases for the largest amount of money, whereas defense lawyers want to resolve cases with plaintiffs receiving the least amount of money or, better yet, no money. Plaintiffs’ lawyers are paid based upon percentage of the recovery in the lawsuit, whereas defense lawyers are paid on an hourly basis.
