Attorneys Sarah Sawyer and Russell Berger of Offit Kurman discuss how litigation strategy depends not only on cost and risk but also on how long it takes to reach court and trial. Using Maryland as an example, they compare the faster district court process that can reach trial in roughly four to six months and typically under a year, versus circuit court jury trials with full discovery that generally take at least a year. They note that time affects leverage and helps explain why most civil disputes settle. Timelines can vary by state, county, case volume, COVID-era disruptions, and factors like AI and pro se litigants. 

00:00 Litigation Timelines Intro

01:01 Court Forum Factors

01:38 Maryland Court Speed

02:20 Time Value and Settlements

02:48 Venue and Backlogs

03:58 Speed Versus Recovery

04:22 Arbitration for Faster Results

05:00 Wrap Up and Next Time

• (00:00) - Litigation Timelines Intro