Second-Opinion Review

On the edge of litigation or deep in a long fight? Get an independent, flat-fee assessment of where you stand.

What I offer

Litigation decisions are hard to make from inside the file. You may be too close to it, too focused on the latest development, or unfamiliar with the process.

I've worked on large, multi-party files with long procedural histories and on small, fast-moving disputes with high personal stakes — some taken to trial, others resolved well short of it. What I offer is an independent view from someone with no stake in the outcome beyond getting the analysis right.

I welcome consultations on any area of civil litigation, with particular depth in public law: actions with or against government, where the procedural and regulatory hurdles are often technical.

How it works

Scope the review

A fixed-fee meeting to understand the dispute, the parties, the history so far, and your goals. The fee is credited toward the engagement if you go ahead.

Documents and research

You send the relevant documents, following my guidance. I review them and research the issues.

Written advice

A memo setting out your position, its strengths and weaknesses, and clear, practical recommendations.

Debrief

We meet to walk through the memo and answer your questions. Any further work can be discussed then.

Clients are seeking advice on…

  • "We have received a settlement offer — is it a good one?"

    An assessment of the offer against the likely range of outcomes if the matter were to proceed, providing an informed basis for negotiation or acceptance.

  • "What is this going to cost?"

    A staged budget forecast setting out the anticipated cost of proceeding to trial, to mediation, or to an earlier resolution, to support financial planning and decision-making.

  • "Our litigation counsel has advised X, is that a good idea?"

    An independent review of the strategy or advice currently being provided by counsel of record.

  • "We are preparing for mediation, how should we approach it?"

    Strategic preparation for a settlement conference or mediation, including a realistic assessment of likely outcomes and a negotiation strategy.

  • "We have just been sued/we have been wronged, is it worth fighting?"

    An initial analysis of cost/benefit of advancing or defending a claim in the court system and evaluation of alternative options.

Fees

A flat fee rather than hourly billing, so you know the cost before we start.

The exact fee is confirmed after the scoping meeting.