When disputes between business partners, individuals, and other parties cannot be resolved, they often end in litigation. Filing a lawsuit opens the door to seeking judicial relief and potentially encouraging settlement negotiations. It also requires extensive understanding of not only the relevant laws and regulations but the various court rules that guide the litigation. On the other hand, when parties engage in alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods such as mediation, they must be mindful of the unique rules which govern this process as well.
Those who have pending or active court cases in Worcester, Westborough, and other parts of Massachusetts, or wish to resolve such issues outside of the courts, would be well-served by retaining local counsel. A locally based attorney will know the relevant rules of filing and resolving lawsuits and what it takes to advocate effectively for your rights and interests. Seder & Chandler’s local counsel is ready to represent you.
Why Do I Need Local Counsel For Litigation?
Litigation encompasses a vast array of civil lawsuits that are filed in the context of business relationships, family conflicts, land use disputes, and much more. While federal statutes sometimes impact these lawsuits, most of the subject matter is rooted in state laws and regulations. If you have a case in Massachusetts involving another person or an entity like a business or governing agency, you will need someone with extensive experience navigating the legal landscape.
However, local counsel should not just have an understanding of state laws. If a lawsuit is filed, it will be governed by a set of state-specific guidelines known as the Rules of Civil Procedure. These rules control nearly every aspect of the lawsuit from start to finish, and failure to follow them could jeopardize your case. One subset of the rules concerns what is known as discovery, the formal process by which parties to a lawsuit request and exchange relevant information and documents. Without a firm grasp of the rules of discovery, you will not be able to obtain the evidence you need to make your best possible argument in court. You may also fail to respond adequately to requests that you receive, possibly incurring sanctions.
With respect to evidence, the courts in Massachusetts use rules to determine what is relevant and admissible in a court of law. If you do not know the rules and how they might apply to your case, you may fail to have vital evidence admitted in court. Conversely, the opposing party may succeed in having something admitted that should have been kept out. Seasoned local counsel should have a thorough understanding of all applicable rules of evidence.
Lastly, various courts, tribunals, and boards have their own special rules which litigants must follow. These rules relate to court procedures, discovery, and much more. Not knowing these requirements may subject a party to court discipline and risk the outcome of their legal matter. A local attorney is best suited to know and apply these rules in your case.
Courts and Forums In Which We Work
Our firm represents litigation clients in various courts and forums including:
- Massachusetts Superior Courts
- Massachusetts District Courts
- Massachusetts Probate Courts
- Massachusetts Appeals Court
- Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court
- Federal District Court
- Federal Courts of Appeal
- U.S. Bankruptcy Court
- U.S. Tax Court
- Administrative hearings
- Regulatory proceeds
Why Do I Need Local Counsel For ADR?
Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) is a term that describes various ways to settle cases apart from the court system. Some of the most common methods are mediation, arbitration, and informal negotiations. Even if a lawsuit has been filed, the case may settle by way of ADR. This approach offers numerous advantages over traditional litigation such as saving money and time, allowing the parties to craft creative solutions, and maintaining and repairing relationships that would be threatened by a court judgment.
Local counsel can assist by representing you during ADR procedures. With knowledgeable legal representation, you can better understand the benefits of settling your case outside of court versus the risks of a trial. Your lawyer can also explain the legal consequences of agreeing to a settlement so you know your and the other party’s rights and duties. There are also certain rules that govern ADR processes, such as mediation, and a skilled Massachusetts-based attorney is the right person to ensure these are followed. Finally, having an attorney with local knowledge will help you select the right mediator, arbitrator, or other neutral third party for your case.
Types of Litigation and ADR Cases We Handle
If you have a legal issue that is either in actual or pending litigation, or you have a dispute that could be resolved using ADR, we can assist. Our local counsel represents clients with matters in Worcester, Westborough, and other parts of Massachusetts by applying our experience and skill to achieve the most optimal results. Some of the areas in which we have successfully represented clients include:
- Banking and Finance
- Bankruptcy & Creditor’s Rights
- Business and Corporate Law
- Estates & Trusts
- Family Law
- Intellectual Property Law
- Labor & Employment Law
- Private Equity & Venture Capital
- Real Estate & Land Use
- Tax Law
Contact Our Local Counsel: Litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
Retaining an attorney simply makes sense if you are faced with litigation or ADR. Retaining Massachusetts-based legal representation is the best step to take if your matter involves state or local matters. Contact our team to learn more about our local counsel services.