A settled case is a good case.

Not every case can be settled; some must be tried in court, and that is simply a fact of life. However, most cases can—and should—be settled. Even the most experienced trial lawyers will admit this when they’re honest. Every case presents its own set of problems, challenges, and complications. When settlement is possible, especially through mediation, it provides an opportunity to address the issues in the case and reach a resolution that takes into account the risks on both sides, ultimately leading to a settlement.

With that said, there are some cases that are destined for a courtroom. Sometimes the stakes are so high or the nature of the disagreements between the parties so irreconcilable that there is only one answer: a trial. And I’d be lying if there is not a sense of satisfaction in taking a righteous cause to the courtroom. I’ve been there, but as the trial lawyer, I didn’t pay the price—my client did. Clients always pay the price. Win or lose, trials exact a heavy toll on a client when there are principles so important that parties must go for broke, as it were.

However, I have come to believe that a settled case almost always yields the better outcome for the litigants. And that outcome isn’t always measured by money. Settlements can provide a sense of closure and certainty for all parties involved, even when the case seems at the outset one of those that "will never settle." A negotiated settlement offers something a trial doesn't: control over the outcome in the hands of the litigants, rather than abandoning control to a jury.

When it comes to resources, settled cases save time and money, avoiding the lengthy, often costly trial process. The unpredictability of a jury’s decision can create significant anxiety for both plaintiffs and defendants, making settlement an appealing option. Moreover, settlements can foster a spirit of cooperation and compromise, allowing parties to maintain relationships that the adversarial nature of litigation might irreparably damage. In many instances, the emotional toll of a trial can be considerable, and settling a case can alleviate some of that stress, providing a more amicable resolution.

In conclusion, while some cases inevitably require a trial to achieve justice, it is often the settled cases that yield the most significant benefit for all involved, illustrating the value of negotiation and compromise in the legal process.