Find the right attorney

One of the top ways to reduce your litigation costs is to know your attorney and have your game plan spelled out in advance.

If you are free to choose your counsel, do so with an eye toward costs, advises Richard Lenkov, a partner with Chicago-based Bryce, Downey & Lenkov LLC.

"Look for a firm that is conscious of litigation costs, not just billable rate but overall cost of the case from start to finish," Lenkov suggested. Ask for the average number of months a file is open and the average money spent per case, he said.

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You don't want surprises from your attorney, so ask what the projected outcome is, how long it will take to get there, and how expensive it will be.

"Don't be afraid to ask 'Why are we pursuing this strategy,'" Lenkov said. "And, 'Is it is the most cost-effective means of resolving the case?'"

November 11, 2010

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