2 answers
Tabias
Student
Laurinburg, North Carolina
10
Questions
Asked
674 views
With a regular lawyer how many cases are lost a year?
just a thought #lawyer
Login to comment
2 answers
Glenn Rowley
Attorney
36
Answers
Dardenne Prairie, Missouri
Updated
Glenn’s Answer
Tabias,
Camille's answer is a good one. I would add that a litigator's "win" rate depends on how one defines a "win." Most civil litigation cases (and for that matter, most criminal cases) never go to trial. Instead, after each side has had an opportunity to discover all the relevant facts and understand the strengths and weaknesses of their case, the parties usually come to some agreement (in criminal cases, a plea deal; in civil cases, a settlement) that avoids a trial. So, if one defines a "win" as an all out victory in court, there are very few "wins" for any lawyer. Outcomes at most trials result in something short of an all-out win for one side, or an all-out loss for the other side. But, If one defines a "win" as an outcome that is beneficial to one's client, then many cases result in "wins," sometimes for both sides.
Warmest regards,
Glenn
Camille's answer is a good one. I would add that a litigator's "win" rate depends on how one defines a "win." Most civil litigation cases (and for that matter, most criminal cases) never go to trial. Instead, after each side has had an opportunity to discover all the relevant facts and understand the strengths and weaknesses of their case, the parties usually come to some agreement (in criminal cases, a plea deal; in civil cases, a settlement) that avoids a trial. So, if one defines a "win" as an all out victory in court, there are very few "wins" for any lawyer. Outcomes at most trials result in something short of an all-out win for one side, or an all-out loss for the other side. But, If one defines a "win" as an outcome that is beneficial to one's client, then many cases result in "wins," sometimes for both sides.
Warmest regards,
Glenn
Camille Edwards Bennehoff
Tax Attorney
38
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Camille’s Answer
Hello:
That is a very hard question to answer. There are SO many kinds of lawyers, and some of them never go to court. Even if you litigate cases in court, it still depends on the type of law, the kind of clients you represent, etc.
For example, a public defender (works for the government) who represents criminal clients probably loses many cases because of how our criminal justice system is. But if you represent rich clients in non-criminal cases you probably have a better win rate.
Why are you asking the question? Are you interested in becoming a lawyer or just curious?