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Frequently Asked Questions

What do Your Pittsburgh and Western PA Lawyers Do? 

Our attorneys serve as local counsel on a regular basis for out-of-state clients and lawyers.  In fact, we handle all kinds of civil litigation disputes.  For example, we litigate commercial disputes, contract law, injuries, and more.   As such, you can rely upon our experience in federal court and the Court of Common Pleas to easily navigate the local rules.  With this, we evaluate all issues, such as whether your claims may (or must) be filed electronically online. Plus, we utilize technology to make the process seamless and cost effective.

When is Local Counsel Needed?

You may need a civil litigation attorney in Western PA (or in Pittsburgh state or federal court) to serve as local counsel.  For example --

• • • First, let's say your company (or you individually) have a dispute (contract, business dispute or accident/injury) that took place in Western Pennsylvania such that PA is the only place where venue or jurisdiction will exist.  For example, the company you are suing lack certain minimum contacts with your home state (outside of PA), making PA the only state having personal jurisdiction over the Defendant,

    • Or, your disputes concerns a contract containing a “choice of forum clause,” requiring that suit be brought in Western PA court (state or federal) or in AAA arbitration in Western PA,

    • Your corporation -- or you individually -- find itself sued in Western Pennsylvania (including Pittsburgh) and you need to enter a prompt defense,

    • You're an attorney not admitted in Pennsylvania and need to be admitted pro hac vice to handle a Pennsylvania case, or 

    • You prefer to avoid the travel costs and pitfalls of appearing in a foreign jurisdiction alone.

When Shopping For Local Counsel, What Traits Are Important?

Your attorney based in Western PA or Pittsburgh should certain traits.

• • • First, he or she should be knowledgeable about local rules in county, state, and/or federal court, and be experienced locally handling depositions, motions, and trial. Secondly, be experienced in the above forums.

    • Secondly, your Pittsburgh attorney must understand the subject matter of the case and serve as a valued “extra-pair-of-eyes” for added perspective on key issues.

    • Third, your Pittsburgh lawyer should respect the relationship between client and primary counsel (who remains outside of PA).

    • Reply to email and phone calls promptly and follows-up on matters in the case to act well in advance of deadlines.

    • Lastly, he should communicate well, such that you, being out-of-state, will not feel distant from the case, even though you are far away, geographically.

Does The Attorney’s Reputation Matter?

Yes.

AVVO peer review site ranks our attorneys as “Excellent."

Lawyer Todd Elliott (click here) | Featured Attorney Litigation

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