Complex Civil Litigation

Justice can be blind, or vacant, like an empty seat. Perry Mason was a television character who only lost one criminal case, later reversed on appeal. Fictional indeed. But one facet was true – most cases are won or lost in pretrial preparation. In civil cases, that preparation typically involves a lot of pleadings and hearings in the Judge’s chambers where the Judge fills the empty seat, considers, and rules without a jury. This is the art of litigation.

The lawyers with the Gregory Law Firm are Litigation attorneys, also known as “litigators” or “trial lawyers”. The Gregory Law Firm represent plaintiffs in civil cases and manage all phases of the litigation process from investigation, pleadings and discovery to pre-trial, trial, settlement and appeal.

As litigation attorneys, The Gregory Law Firm undertake many diverse tasks during the course of litigation. These tasks vary based on the nature of the dispute and is inclusive in our experience level of over 35 years.

Initial Case Investigation/Assessment

The Gregory Law Firm conducts an initial case investigation to determine, in the plaintiff’s case, if enough evidence exists to file a lawsuit. The investigation process may include locating witnesses, taking witness statements, fathering documents, interviewing the client and investigating the facts leading to the dispute. The Gregory Law Firm frequently engages in pre-litigation settlement discussions to resolve the matter before a lawsuit is filed.

Pleadings

The Gregory Law Firm will draft a variety of pleadings and motions on behalf of the plaintiff. Plaintiff attorneys will draft a summons and complain to commence the lawsuit. The Gregory Law Firm also drafts a variety of motions including motions to strike, dismiss, amend or change venue, and motions for summary judgment on the pleadings.

Discovery

The discovery process involves the exchange of relevant information between the parties. The Gregory Law Firm employs a variety of discovery devices to gain information relevant to the lawsuit. These devices include interrogatories, depositions, request for production and requests for admission. The Gregory Law Firm also examines physical evidence and inspects the scene of the accident as well as collect, process and analyzes information gathered during e-discovery. The Gregory Law Firm also drafts and argues discovery-related motions including motions to compel, protective orders and summary judgment motions. The discovery process helps us gain relevant information, identify issues and formulate a case strategy.

Pre-Trial

In the weeks before trial, our legal team will wrap up discovery and prepare for trial. In the pre-trial stage, our legal team consults with and advises clients, retain expert witnesses; attend pre-trial conferences, and develop a trial strategy based on the facts and evidence. Our legal team also conducts pre-trial depositions of experts and key witnesses, prepare demonstrative to be used as trial exhibits, and draft and argue pre-trial motions.

Trial

The majority of all lawsuits filed in civil court are settled prior to trial. In cases that proceed to trial, our legal team will be busy around the clock presenting their case before the judge or preparing for the next day in court. In the trial stage of litigation, The Gregory Law Firm collaborates with experts and clients to craft a trial theme, identify strengths and weaknesses in a case; develop persuasive arguments; prepare witnesses for testimony, and draft and argue trial motions.

At trial, our legal team conducts voir dire, select a jury, and present their case in court. Our legal team presents opening and closing statements, examine and cross-examine witnesses, and craft a persuasive story for the fact-finder (judge or jury) through testimony and evidence. Our legal team also prepares jury instructions and conduct post-trial interviews of the jury.

Settlement

Most cases never reach trial but instead are settled in order to eliminate the risk and expense of trial. Our legal team may settle a case at any time during the life cycle of the ligation. At settlement, The Gregory Law Firm engages in negotiations with opposing parties; participate in mediation and settlement conferences with the parties and create settlement brochures, agreements, releases and other settlement materials.

Appeal

If The Gregory Law Firm does not obtain a favorable outcome at trial, We may appeal the case. The Gregory Law Firm will draft post-trial motions; identify and preserve issues for appeal; develop appellate strategies; father evidence for the appellate record; research procedural issues; draft appellate documents; and present oral arguments before appellate courts. If the case is particularly significant or complex, litigators may retain the assistance of attorneys who specialize in appellate practice.