Attorneys often feel they should measure their success by the number of cases they win. However, all too often, there is a win at all costs attitude. Don’t get me wrong. I think winning is  great. Win is what we should do, but how do you define win?

Winning is getting a great result for your client, and that is often achieved through mediation rather than litigation. A great result for the client means getting an  agreement that contains provisions that a court is powerless to order. The client walks away happy because the agreement addresses her true concerns.

A great result for the client means spending less money. Mediation expenses are cheaper than litigation costs. All clients want to save money.

A great result for the clients means a speedy outcome.  Mediation produces a quicker result than litigation, allowing the client to move on with her life with a problem solved. Peace of mind is priceless.

Winning is important, but make sure you define “win” in the best interest of your client.

Featured in the Clara Ford Foundation Start Your Week With a Quilt© newsletter this week is a quilt called Win is What We Do. It is the last signature quilt I made for the office before I retired as Fulton County Attorney in 2007. It is part of my priceless, personal collection of quilts.

Win is What We Do, 78 x 90 inches, by O.V. Brantley, 2007.