The civil judicial process involves attorney and client. The client can be the plaintiff or the defendant. Fees for retaining a lawyer in New York State average $600-900. The initial fee is simply to agree on using services of your attorney. In other words, your case may and most commonly will require more money. Included in this price are court fees, document preparation, travel, research, and time. Keep in mind that the attorney who agrees to take the case will most likely be responsible for numerous other cases. Due to case loads, this attorney will have limited time to personally call each client and provide most current updates on the details of the case. Work hours for attorneys are often spent doing research, prepping for cases, or in court. Many clients complain that they do not feel well informed about the proceedings of their case. This dilemma is not one that can easily be fixed. Often attorneys can diffuse the problem before it has escalated to the need for court interference. Here's a useful tip: The court system is best used to refute federal, government, or city laws or rules that are deemed unjust.
On the other hand, the difference with mediation is that the disputing parties are fully involved in the process of their case. Not only are they involved in the procedure but they are likewise involved in the decision, and/or solution. There are no long wait periods in between court dates, there is no lost time spent trying to reach attorneys on the phone, and there is no surprise when the judgment is announced. Given the complicated court procedure, there appears to be less to lose when using mediation vs. courts. Which one would you choose for common conflict resolutions?
