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Litigation

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At Rinke Noonan our attorneys have extensive experience in handling a wide variety of issues involving business litigation. Litigation can include virtually any area of law.

Our lawyers regularly represent individuals and businesses regarding contracts, employment matters, partnership and shareholder concerns, consumer disputes, payment disputes, residential and commercial construction matters, land use disputes, environmental issues, problems with governmental entities, and real estate matters. We represent clients in both state and federal courts, both at the trial level and on appeal. In addition, our attorneys are experienced in other dispute resolution methods, such as mediation and arbitration.

Our business litigation attorneys work hand in hand with the transactional attorneys to bring legal and technical perspectives to case presentations. We have litigated cases for business clients throughout Minnesota and our attorneys are licensed to practice in all levels of state and federal courts in Minnesota, Wisconsin, South Dakota, and North Dakota.

Beyond the courtroom, our attorneys are extensively involved with alternative dispute resolution forums, such as mediation and arbitration. The civil litigation attorneys at Rinke Noonan regularly act as arbitrators and mediators in business matters.

What Should I Do If I Think I May Be Involved in a Lawsuit?
How Does a Lawsuit Work?

Most lawsuits follow the same general procedure, which is governed by many different Court rules. For a detailed explanation of what can be expected in a “typical” lawsuit, please see Anatomy of a Lawsuit. Depending on the complexity of your case, lawsuits can be resolved in varying amounts of time. Your case will be resolved faster if you reach a settlement as opposed to being tried to a jury. The complexity of your case will also determine the length of time it takes to resolve. Most cases that are tried to jury take approximately two years, start to finish.

What Is the Client’s Role During a Lawsuit?

You will make nearly all important decisions on your case. Clients generally make the following decisions, after getting needed advice from our attorneys: Starting a lawsuit versus negotiating informally with the other side; whether to settle the case and acceptable settlement terms; and spending money on expert witnesses and investigation materials. Nearly every litigation decision has a consequence both financially and legally. Clients generally make these decisions after receiving the advice of our attorneys, which is based on past experience and legal analysis.

What Will it Cost to Prosecute or Defend a Lawsuit?

This question cannot be easily answered. Litigation matters are difficult to estimate for fees and costs. Numerous factors influence cost. Our lawyers typically work on an hourly basis, with the client paying for the time attorneys or paralegals spend working on your case. Attorney rates generally are reflective of the level of knowledge and experience of a particular lawyer. Another influencing factor is the attitude of the other side. Sometimes, a collaborative effort can be made to find a solution to a problem, which generally results in a quick case resolution at a lower cost. However, in the event the parties are unwilling to compromise on anything, the litigation generally takes much more time and will increase its cost. Depending on the type of case, additional expenses may be incurred for investigative materials or retention of expert witnesses. If your case requires the use of an expert, expert fees will add to the cost of the litigation. Clients generally have input on how much money is spent on litigation, with the understanding that the decision to do or not to something in your case will have some sort of impact, whether positive or negative.

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