Readiness requires completed discovery, prepared witnesses, retained and disclosed experts, resolved evidentiary issues, and a developed trial presentation. It affects settlement leverage independent of whether trial occurs.
Preparation timing affects cost.
Alternative Names:
Trial Preparedness|Ready for Trial
Why it Matters?
Settlement value shifts measurably when the opposing side recognizes genuine readiness, which is why preparation has value independent of whether the case is tried. The cost consideration is timing, since full trial preparation months in advance is expensive if the case settles, while late preparation compromises quality. Staged preparation aligned to the settlement conference and trial dates balances both.
Frequently Confused with
Related terms
Frequently asked questions
Why does readiness matter if the case settles?
How is the timing cost managed?
