Benefits of a Joint Representation
Most of the time when parties are represented in litigation, they are represented by one law firm. It often makes sense for only one firm to represent a client because this cuts down on the number of people with whom a client needs to communicate and this can reduce costs associated with a legal matter. However, with some larger and more complicated matters, it often makes sense to engage multiple law firms, and there are a number of benefits of a joint representation.
More Resources
One of the most important benefits of a joint representation is that this arrangement helps ensure that more resources are devoted to a matter. There is an old expression that “two heads are better than one” and this saying applies to joint representations. Multiple law firms can have different perspectives on legal matters, and this can benefit a representation. In addition, using multiple law firms increases the number of attorneys and support staff that can be devoted to a case. Some lawsuits such as class actions, complex personal injury matters, and other cases require many hours of work in order to best handle the matter. The additional resources of multiple law firms may help handle the workload of more substantial matters and ensure that clients get the best representation possible.
Different Expertise
Another one of the benefits of a joint representation is that this may combine multiple firms that have different expertise. Although many law firms are able to handle many litigation tasks, some firms specialize in different stages of the litigation process. For instance, some law firms are experts at trial work and other law firms are especially good at handling appeals. Establishing a joint representation can ensure that a matter gets the best attention possible through all stages of the litigation process.
In addition, law firms may also have different expertise about the legal matters involved in a lawsuit. Many litigation matters involve different areas of the law. However, law firms may only have experience with a select number of legal issues involving the litigation. Establishing a joint representation ensures that all of the legal issues involved in a lawsuit are properly handled.
Different Jurisdictions
A different situation when there are benefits of a joint representation is when litigation involves legal matters in different jurisdictions. Some larger cases might involve litigation that needs to take place in different states, and perhaps different countries. For instance, even if a lawsuit is filed and won in one jurisdiction, that judgment may need to be domesticated in another jurisdiction because the defendant may only have assets in that other jurisdiction.
In other instances, it might be necessary to initiate different legal actions in multiple jurisdictions to uncover documents needed to prosecute a claim. In different situations, matters may be removed to a different jurisdiction for the convenience of the parties, and the lawyers who initiated the litigation may need to keep working on the matter in a different place. Law firms are ordinarily only allowed to practice law in certain states since the attorneys at that firm are only licensed to practice in a select number of jurisdictions. As such, if they need to pursue legal options in different jurisdictions, they may need to team up with a different law firm.
Effect on the Other Side
One of the implicit benefits of a joint representation is that it may show strength to the other side of a lawsuit. If a party to litigation is large and they are able to hire a big firm to handle a matter, they may think that they are in a better position if they face off against an adversary represented by a small firm. Indeed, they may think that larger law firms have more resources that can provide them an advantage in litigation. However, if a litigant sees that another party is represented by multiple law firms, they may have different perceptions about the case. Indeed, they may feel that they do not have an advantage when it comes to resources, and that the party with multiple firms may have advantages. This may impact their settlement evaluations, since they might believe they will have trouble facing off against multiple firms.
Client Engagement
Another one of the important benefits of a joint representation is that this may enable a client to continue using a firm with which they are most comfortable. Sometimes, clients wish to use one law firm to handle all of their legal issues, and this law firm engages other law firms to handle work that cannot be done by the main law firm. This enables a client to continue interacting with the same lawyers but allows the clients to retain attorneys who may be more expert at certain specialized fields. In addition, the main law firm may have a good understanding of the client’s needs that can be helpful when the specialized firm needs information in order to carry out their representation.
The Rothman Law Firm has substantial experience working with other law firms on a variety of legal matters. If you are looking for an experienced New York and New Jersey attorney to be part of a joint representation or handle another legal issue, please feel free to contact The Rothman Law Firm to request a free consultation.