The Proto, Sachs & Brown, LLP Team

Trial Lawyers vs. Litigation Experience in Westchester County, NY

There are attorneys throughout Westchester County who say that they have "litigation" experience or that they are "litigators" - but in reality, what does that mean?

Litigation has a broad definition when it comes to court cases, whether those cases involve divorce, criminal defense, family law or civil matters. Essentially, it is defined as a "lawsuit or legal action, including all the proceedings therein." That broad definition includes filing documents, filing petitions and motions, appearing in court to conference a case, and submitting settlement documents in civil case or handling a plea deal in criminal court. It does not necessarily include actual trial work.

The truth is that any person who has simply filed a case or appeared in court could theoretically call themselves a "litigator," whether they are an attorney or representing themselves.

In contrast, there are very few people, including most practicing lawyers in Westchester County, NY who can truly call themselves "Trial Attorneys."

Unlike self-proclaimed "litigators," a real trial attorney has the added experience and knowledge of actually conducting a trial before a judge and jury. Handling a trial is the true test of an attorney's skill and depth of their legal knowledge as it requires the lawyer to advocate and fight for a client's rights, interests and freedoms in front of a jury or judge who will ultimately determine the outcome of the client's case.

It is not a skill that can be taught in school or learned from reading a book. It can only come from actually handling a trial from jury selection to opening statement to direct examination to cross examination to closing arguments to jury verdict. More importantly, it is a skill that is honed and developed over time and with repetition. Knowing how to frame a case or an issue, or how to ask the correct question at the best time, comes only from the experience of handling a trial from beginning to end.

Benefits of Having a Westchester County Trial Attorney Represent You

So, why is it beneficial to have a proven Westchester County trial attorney represent you in your divorce, criminal case, family court action or civil matter as opposed to a self-described "litigator"?

First, successful trial lawyers know that preparation is critical when it comes to developing and conducting a winning trial strategy. That preparation begins at the inception of the case. Every document, motion, court appearance, and witness, may provide important information that could mean the difference between a successful outcome and an unsuccessful one. Knowing what a judge or jury will be looking for to decide an important issue gives a trial attorney insight as to how your case should be handled even during the most preliminary stages. Reviewing cases and developing a plan using this insight often leads to favorable settlements in civil cases, such as divorces and family law matters, or plea offers in criminal cases, without the need of trial.

Second, knowledgeable trial attorneys are not intimidated by the "threat of a trial". Believe it or not, but it is a common ploy amongst lawyers and criminal prosecutors to use the threat of trial as a way to persuade people to accept terms of a settlement or agree to a criminal plea offer. When you are represented by an experienced trial attorney, the pressure or intimidation that a trial may impose is non-existent because your trial attorney knows what a trial involves and has been preparing from the beginning for that trial. Your rights, interests and freedoms remain protected and are not compromised.

The Westchester County Trial Lawyers of Proto, Sachs & Brown, LLP

The lawyers of Proto, Sachs & Brown, LLP have decades of combined experience handling trials throughout Westchester County, Putnam, Rockland, Dutchess, Orange, Bronx and New York City and maintain a proven record of trial successes throughout New York State.

However, it's not just the number of bench and jury trials that they have successfully handled, it is also the depth of that trial experience. The Westchester trial attorneys of Proto, Sachs & Brown, LLP have been called upon to represent the interests of countless individuals involved in divorce, child custody, child support, family offense and other family law matters; as well as thousands of citizens arrested and charged with misdemeanor crimes, felony crimes and traffic offenses (such as DWI).

In these cases, they have represented clients involved in "high asset" divorces involving very complicated claims for equitable distribution (the division of assets and debts), child custody, and child support winning very favorable awards and judgments for their clients.

In the criminal courts, they have pursued acquittals and defended the rights and liberty of clients charged with very serious crimes which include murder, assault, gun & weapon possession, drug possession & drug sale, larceny, burglary, theft, arson, sex crimes, DWI, white collar crimes, parole and probation violations.

Their trial work has also carried over into the civil Supreme and Federal Courts throughout New York and Connecticut. In their respective careers, they have been called upon to defend the professional integrity and practice of medical doctors, defend the design of products for national companies, and pursue the interests of individuals who have suffered claims of personal loss, all with unparalleled success.

Have a Westchester Trial Lawyer Help You

If you are engaged in a divorce, family court case, or criminal court matter, you need the assistance of the Westchester trial lawyers of Proto, Sachs & Brown, LLP to protect your rights and interests.