Practices
Warner, Smith & Harris litigators are known for achieving outstanding results on their cases, quickly and cost-effectively. We are dedicated to excellence in serving our clients' interests, and will do whatever it takes to realize that goal, whether it means settling a case early on or taking it through trial.
Litigation is the largest practice group at the firm, with over two-thirds of our lawyers active litigators. We have a depth and breadth of experience that is virtually unparalleled in the region. Collectively, our litigators have tried thousands of cases and resolved countless others through alternative dispute resolution and settlement. We have appeared before judges and juries, at the trial and appellate levels, in state and federal courts and before administrative tribunals. Our litigators have handled cases across a wide spectrum of industries and issues, with a focus on insurance, product liability, medical malpractice and other professional liability, oil and gas, employment, real estate, banking, sports law, matrimonial and commercial disputes.
Every case is unique. We tailor our strategy to each client's best interests, based on the law as well as on practical business considerations. Some cases will require aggressive litigation in state or federal court with the likelihood of a trial. Others may be more appropriate for an alternative dispute resolution procedure such as mediation or arbitration. Often, a negotiated settlement is preferable to litigation. During the course of an active case, we will refine our initial strategy as needed, adjusting to new developments and findings.
Clients benefit from our extensive litigation experience in another way – lower legal costs. We maintain an exhaustive "experience database" of legal forms, research memoranda and briefs, as well as in-depth records on expert witnesses and cases in which they have testified. Rather than reinvent the wheel for each new case, our litigators are able to tap in to the firm's collective expertise. We typically staff major cases with one senior and one junior partner, and smaller matters with a senior partner or a junior partner under a senior partner's supervision. Cases benefit from our "open-door" policy and regular department meetings, allowing our lawyers to draw on the skill and experience of others at the firm to inform and enhance their approach.
We work closely with our clients and welcome their active and informed participation in case strategy and decision-making. Clients stay informed of developments in their matters through e-mail, copies of correspondence and court papers, and formal reports where requested. Our firm is committed to the proposition that a client should never have to ask us what is happening in a particular matter. Our clients have complete case information readily available to them at all times. In keeping with this commitment, we strive to make ourselves available and respond to client inquiries as quickly as possible.
Our clients are the best evidence of the quality of our legal services. Many of our clients have stayed with our firm for upwards of half a century, trusting us to handle all of their litigation needs. The longevity of our client relationships stands as a testament to our commitment to our clients' interests.