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Practice Tip: Use a Settlement Chart
Settling cases can
involve information and instructions scattered throughout a file. To be
able to quickly discuss settlement with opposing counsel, without
thumbing through notes, letters, faxes and e-mails, consider using a
"settlement"
chart to organize your file and quickly tell you where negotiations last
stood. By entering client instructions, demands from opposing counsel
and your responses thereto, at the time they are communicated, you can
maintain an up-to-the-minute record of settlement efforts for your
client. This chart may be maintained in a separate file with supporting
notes or communications. The form below is structured for a defense
attorney, but can be modified for plaintiffs'
attorneys or to otherwise suit the particulars of your practice.
Settlement Chart *
Clem Client, ATS Paul Plaintiff
File No. 2004-023
|
Date |
Demand (w or v) |
Authority |
Offer |
Comments |
|
Feb. 2, 2004 |
$100,000 (w) |
|
|
|
|
Feb. 12, 2004 |
|
$50,000 (w) |
|
|
|
Feb. 13, 2004 |
|
|
$40,000 (v) |
Rejected |
|
Mar. 15, 2004 |
$80,000 (v) |
|
|
|
|
Mar. 27, 2004 |
|
|
$50,000(w) |
|
|
Apr. 2, 2004 |
$75,000 (w) |
|
|
|
|
May 1, 2004 |
|
$60,000 (w) |
|
Final Authority |
|
May 2, 2004 |
|
|
$55,000 (w) |
|
|
May 5, 2005 |
$60,000 (v) |
|
|
|
|
May 6, 2004 |
|
|
$60,000 (w) |
Settled |
|
