SETTLEMENT COUNSEL:

"Although related to Collaborative Law in the separation of litigation and settlement roles for lawyers, the [Settlement Counsel] model differs in that it allows for the simultaneous advancement of litigation and negotiation on parallel tracks.  Retained and paid separately from litigators-and often working closely with clients, Settlement Counsel negotiate directly with the other side to resolve the file, while litigation counsel navigate a separate litigation process.  Roles and information management are clarified contractually at the outset."

[Keets, M. (2017). Settlement Counsel: An Innovative Strategy for the Management and Resolution of Commercial Litigation Files. Canadian Bar Review, 95, 357-381.]

I have years of experience representing defendants in personal injury, property damage and insurance coverage litigation.  I have successfully advocated the interests of clients at scores of mediations, pretrials and settlement conferences.  My approach has always been been collaborative, based on thorough understanding of all relevant evidence and law in advance of negotiations.  It is increasingly recognized that adversarial litigation and alternative dispute resolution require different skillsets.  If this approach interests you, and litigation counsel approve, contact me to discuss how I can help.