Lawyers in civil cases, even adversaries, can usually agree on at least one thing: Litigation tends to be lengthy and expensive. Their clients may also share that opinion, and they are stuck with the costs.

Members of the New York City Bar Association said in a report released on Wednesday that’s not just something to complain about: It’s undermining the fair administration of justice in New York, as those who do not have deep enough pockets to litigate a case to the bitter end may be forced to live with unfavorable results.