Michael G. Heller

I provide each client with an analysis of his or her case, including its strengths and weaknesses. Part of this analysis focuses on the strength of the other party’s case, including that party's arguments, witnesses, evidence and other factors relative to those of my client. Additionally, I require that each client actively communicate with me, and I include a clause in my retainer agreement stating my expectations regarding active communication because it is the client who is the ultimate decision maker regarding litigation, including whether to settle a dispute. In this instance, the case was set for trial, but the parties reached a settlement. The client, however, failed to sign and return the required settlement documents despite phone calls and emails over the course of days. Without signed settlement documents, the trial proceeded, but the client did not appear for the trial. Ultimately, because the client failed to communicate, failed to sign settlement paperwork, and failed to appear for the court trial, judgment was entered against the client.