Litigation Series: Top 10 Issues to Consider When You Are Sued: Series Introduction

In an age of increasingly complex commercial litigation, plaintiffs' attorneys are adept at exploiting any delay in an opponents' response to newly-filed lawsuits. By the time lawsuits are filed, most plaintiffs' attorneys have planned a strategy for the desired course of the litigation, with its possible twists and turns, all the way through trial. Companies can effectively defend themselves by carefully planning a thorough response strategy for new lawsuits.

Establishing effective policies and procedures for litigation-critical issues such as electronic document controls, document freeze procedures, early litigation risk assessment, case planning and budgeting, responses to media inquiries, and protection of valuable intellectual property from disclosure in litigation can greatly reduce dislocation caused by commercial litigation. Knowing the best way to respond quickly to a complex lawsuit can mean the difference between a timely, successful resolution and a long, drawn-out, costly litigation matter.

Over the next ten months, Perkins Coie litigators will produce a series of Client Updates entitled, "Top 10 Issues to Consider When You Are Sued." This series is part of the firm's ongoing commitment to updating clients about critical legal developments that affect their day-to-day operations, as well as providing practical, business-oriented advice on responding effectively to litigation. Topics will include:

1. Document freezes
2. Insurance coverage
3. Dealing with the media during litigation
4. Early and effective litigation risk assessment, case strategy planning, and budgeting
5. Jurisdictional options
6. Intellectual property protection
7. Public disclosure obligations
8. Accounting and reserves
9. Responding to requests for emergency relief
10. Electronic discovery

We hope this series provides you practical and useful information to help address today's complex legal environment.