Collaborative Law

What is Collaborative Law?

Collaborative law involves clients, lawyers, and other professionals who meet together to resolve the dispute out of court. 

The process occurs in an emotionally-safe environment with each client represented by a collaboratively-trained lawyer. The clients agree to work together honestly, in good faith, and to disclose all relevant information to reach a settlement that meets their needs.  

Collaboratively-settled cases generally cost less than cases that are litigated at trial as discovery, depositions, research, and the trial itself may take months and hundreds of billable hours.  

The outcome of a collaboratively-settled case takes into account the specific needs of the individuals. Parties retain their peace of mind knowing that they arrived at a settlement without the battle of litigation. Another benefit of the collaborative process is that agreements are considered confidential settlements and are not public records, giving the parties greater privacy. 

 “A clear purpose will unite you as you move forward, values will guide your behavior, and goals will focus your energy.”

- Kenneth H. Blanchard, Collaboration Begins with You: Be a Silo Buster