Litigation is costly. Even when extraordinary results are achieved, clients often feel a lingering sting from the expense of lost time and money. There are ways to reduce the sting. Here are six cost-saving strategies that litigation counsel can share with clients.

Know the Litigation Goals

Typically, the client’s goal is to get out of the litigation as efficiently as possible. Sometimes the client cares more about other things, such as preserving a public image, proving a point, avoiding a reputation for paying out claims, safeguarding confidential information, and sometimes getting even. If the litigation goal is retribution, advise the client that retribution is not cheap, and it makes for an unattainable goal. If a fast end is the goal, counsel should know early. Counsel may advise against weakening the client’s negotiation position (and looking guilty) by trying to negotiate a settlement too early. Whatever the goal is, an early and frank conversation about it will help counsel develop strategies to achieve it.

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