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The choice of venue is one of the most significant issues affecting a lawsuit. Differences in likely jury pools, jury awards, judges and court management systems dramatically affect litigation strategy and potential outcomes for the case. For instance, a case filed in a particularly plaintiff friendly jurisdiction may force a defendant to settle a case to avoid the risk of a large jury award. Similarly, a pro-defendant venue provides a defendant with significant advantages such as an increased probability of a judge granting a demurrer or motion for summary judgment or a jury returning a defense or modest verdict, which may not justify the time and expense of trial. This article discusses the basics of venue and an overview on how to determine the proper venue for lawsuits.

The contents of this publication are intended for general information only and should not be construed as legal advice or a legal opinion on specific facts and circumstances. Copyright 2024.