The resolutions of disputes occur mainly in two basic ways, settlement or trial. A settlement occurs when the parties can reach an agreement as to the amount of money to be paid to resolve the dispute. Trial occurs when the parties cannot reach agreement. At trial the outcome is decided by Judge or Jury. Although most cases do end up settling, the agreement is based on what the parties think that the Judge or Jury would do based upon the evidence that would be produced at trial.

The evidence to be produced at trial is of four types, physical evidence, demonstrative evidence, factual witness testimony and expert witness opinion testimony. The better the evidence, the better the chance of a favorable outcome.

The resources of a law firm come into play by understanding what evidence is important, gathering that evidence, analyzing all evidence pro and con, knowing how to present pro evidence and knowing how to attack the con.

It is the attorney's level of knowledge which enables the understanding of what evidence is important. Knowing what is important dictates what is gathered. It is the attorney's knowledge and experience that enables the analysis of the evidence pro and con. It is the attorney's knowledge and experience and skill which enables the persuasive presentation of pro evidence and the effective cross-examination of the con evidence.