How to Prepare for Litigation in Arizona

The prospect of facing litigation is certainly a new experience for many, and there are typically high stakes involved. Reputations, both personal and professional, could be on the line, and there is time and resources devoted to the entire process. That is why it is important to prepare for litigation in Arizona by conducting your due diligence ahead of time, not only to preserve your time, but also to maximize your chances of a victory.

We’ve put together some simple tips to help you be efficient and still give your case the best chance for a successful result.

Engage an Attorney as Soon as Possible

It may seem counterintuitive to hire a lawyer right away. However, it is a worthwhile investment on two accounts. First, engaging an attorney right away means you’ll have “locked down” your preferred attorney of choice by the time litigation commences and will not be rushed in the process of hiring an attorney.  Second, any potentially harmful documentation will be protected by attorney-client privilege. Be sure this is a lawyer with whom you are willing to communicate regularly and work on the case with cohesively as a team.

Consider the Reputation of Your Attorneys

It is important to make sure your attorney has experience in the area of law which your dispute arises.  Furthermore, you should research the attorney before hiring them to ensure that their track record is consistent with your belief of the attorney. Of importance to note is that not every lawsuit is required to be handled in court. So, it’s worth considering whether your attorney is open to settlement, mediation or binding arbitration if the outcome will not negatively affect you or your business.

Preserve All Evidence

If you have an issue arise that could lead to litigation, start collecting evidence to strengthen your case. Evidence refers to everything from contracts to photos to electronic communications, etc., and it also includes quality witnesses and, if applicable, other parties who are involved. Establish a timeline of this evidence and present it to your attorney.

Gather Damages

Additionally, you’ll also want to gather damages that your attorney can use against the other party. These include receipts, invoices and other records of costs incurred. Your attorney will then expand on the damages during the formal discovery process, oftentimes by asking the defendant about them while he or she is under oath.

Find an Experienced Civil Litigation Attorney in Phoenix

The attorneys at MacQueen & Gottlieb have significant experience with civil litigation in Arizona. Our attorneys can assist you with any issues and help you understand your rights. If you anticipate a lawsuit, our attorneys can assist you in protecting your reputation and business. Contact us today at (602) 726-2229 to schedule an initial consultation or make an appointment online.