It is the responsibility of every attorney to endeavor, without exception, to litigate in a cost-effective manner. In this day of burgeoning legal costs and economic distress, however, that responsibility is heightened, and litigators should be even more cognizant of litigation expenses and the need to give considerable thought on if and how such expenses should be incurred.
A failure to engage in such critical analysis may not only impact the course and outcome of a litigation in a manner unfavorable to your client, but it could also undermine client relationships. Clients are appreciative of an attorney if he or she litigates in a cost-effective manner. Clients, understandably, do not typically separate their satisfaction over a litigation outcome from their perception of the reasonableness of litigation expenses.
