It is hard to predict. The dispute resolution process depends on many factors: necessary discovery, available resources, the judge's docket, the mediator's schedule, and the parties' willingness to resolve the dispute. Some lawsuits may last years, but some can be resolved within months. To effectively resolve a dispute, it is crucial to have a well-thought-out strategy.

The amount of attorney's fees depends on many factors, such as the fee arrangement, case complexity, hourly rate, and the course of the dispute resolution. Generally, the earlier the dispute is resolved, the less the incurred attorney's fees.

It is helpful to understand fee structures. Attorneys usually charge hourly rates. An hourly rate depends on the market (particular geographic and practice area), the attorney's experience, and the complexity of the individual case.

Some attorneys also offer contingency fees when they are paid a certain percentage of the recovered sums. This arrangement is particularly convenient for plaintiffs with a good chance of winning.

Some firms offer a combination of hourly and contingency fees.

Our firm offers competitive rates and a transparent Billing Policy. Our attorneys will inform you about significant expenses and consult with you about threshold decisions that may affect the value of the case.

It is better to consult with an attorney before you respond to a demand or cease-and-desist letter. It is essential to understand your rights, defenses, remedies, and how your statements may be used against you. The attorney will explain your options and develop a strategy to resolve your dispute.

Lawsuit stages can vary depending on court rules, the nature of the dispute, and parties' resources. Generally, a trial level lawsuit can be roughly explained in four stages. Please remember that a dispute may be resolved at any stage or even before the lawsuit is filed.

1. Pleading stage. A lawsuit starts with the pleading stage when the plaintiff files a complaint, obtains summons, serves summons and the complaint on the defendant. The defendant responds to the complaint either through "answer" or other papers, such as a motion to dismiss, demurrer, motion to strike, motion to change venue, objections to jurisdiction, and the like. If the defendant does not respond on time, the plaintiff may request to enter a default and then apply for a default judgment.

2. Discovery. At this stage, parties may request documents, and send requests for admission and interrogatories. The other party has to respond and produce the requested information unless this information is privileged or protected. Parties may also subpoena information from non-parties.

After the written information is gathered, parties may start depositions. A deposition is a semi-official proceeding (without a judge, but with a court reporter) where an attorney can ask the deponent various questions. The deponent has to respond under oath unless there is a valid privilege, in which case the deponent may refuse to respond.

Depending on the case, parties may also conduct "expert discovery." They hire experts, exchange expert reports, and do depositions of the experts.

3. Motions. Throughout the lawsuit, parties may file various motions, such as motion for summary judgment, motion for judgment on the pleadings, application for attachment, motions related to admissibility of evidence at trial, motion for bifurcation, and other motions.

4. Trial and post-trial. Trials consist of each party presenting its evidence to the judge and the jury (or just the judge without jury). Attorneys may also consider motions after the trial. After the trial-level decision, depending on the grounds, the decision may be appealed.

Alternative Dispute Resolution is a way of resolving your dispute without the typical trial. Some courts facilitate ADR by asking or mandating certain types of ADR. ADR types include neutral evaluation, mediation, settlement conference, and arbitration.

Mediation is a process in which a neutral third party, the mediator, facilitates settlement discussions between parties. The mediator may suggest specific terms of settlement, but those terms are not binding unless both parties agree.

If the parties agree to mediate the dispute, the next step is to choose a mediator and schedule the mediation. Some mediators require submission of mediation briefs to help him or her understand the parties' positions better. To increase the chances of settlement in mediation, the parties are encouraged to obtain and analyze their respective claims and defenses, obtain as much information as possible, and come prepared with a clear understanding of their goals and priorities.

Arbitration is a private dispute resolution with a binding result. Arbitration is usually mandatory if the parties agree to it through an arbitration agreement. However, the right to arbitration may sometimes be waived if the other party does not timely object to it.

Advantages of arbitration:

• it is more informal and streamlined
• it may be faster than courts because there are usually no appeal proceedings
• discovery proceedings may be more limited than in courts
• case records are less available to the public, making arbitration more confidential
• it may limit the potential for a class action
• there is no jury, which in some cases may help your case

Disadvantages of arbitration:

• arbitrator's award is final and usually cannot be appealed
• discovery proceedings may be more limited
• arbitration can be expensive because of administrative and arbitrator's fees
• there is no jury option, which in some cases may affect your case negatively

Whether arbitration is better for your situation will depend on your resources, timeline, preferences for confidentiality, and other factors, which you should discuss with your attorney.

Yes. Even if the lawsuit was filed, you may still settle the dispute and include the dismissal as one of the terms of the settlement agreement. Generally, if the case is entirely settled, it is dismissed "with prejudice," which means that parties may not file the lawsuit again. Please consult with an attorney regarding the correct procedures for dismissal and the terms to include in the settlement agreement.

It depends on the location of the defendant, the underlying events, the "forum selection clause" in the contract, the residence of potential witnesses, and other factors.

Please consult with an attorney about this question because the venue may affect the governing law, the dispute resolution strategy, and the litigation expenses.

As soon as you realize there is a dispute, you should contact an attorney to understand the implications, potential claims and defenses, and your legal rights and remedies. The sooner you understand your options and develop a strategy, the more leverage you have in resolving the dispute.