Why Do Lawyers Fear the Request for Adjournment? The Dirty Little Legal Secret
Why Do Lawyers Fear the Request for Adjournment? The Dirty Little Legal Secret
Lawyers live with pressure and looming deadlines daily. Yet one simple motion unsettles many in the profession.
Why Do Lawyers Fear the Request for Adjournment? The Dirty Little Legal Secret is a delay tactic used strategically. Courts grant these continuances often. Research shows judges recognize this pattern and view frequent requests skeptically.
Essentially, the move resets the timeline and disrupts carefully built trial schedules. Clients notice these delays and worry about costs. Studies indicate opposing counsel see repeated requests as gamesmanship, not genuine need.
This tactic signals hesitation or weak preparation. Use it sparingly to preserve credibility.
H3: What Continuances Really Signal to Courts and Clients Regulators track patterns of delay across dockets. Judges balance fairness with efficiency when ruling on these motions.
H3: Quick Takeaway for Practitioners Handle adjournment requests transparently and align them with realistic trial readiness.
H3: FAQ
Q: Is requesting a continuance considered unethical? Courts accept valid reasons for delay. Abuse of this tool can trigger sanctions or distrust.
Q: How can clients respond to repeated delays? Discuss strategy early and set clear milestones in engagement agreements.
