5 Strategies to Counter the Extensive Legal Resources of Large Corporations

In the high-stakes world of corporate law, how do professionals counter the extensive legal resources of large corporations? We asked a senior corporate investigator, a strategy director, and three other experts this question. They shared the top five strategies, from leveraging class action lawsuits to adopting contingency fee arrangements.

1. Leverage Class Action Lawsuits

Class action lawsuits allow people who have similar grievances to band together. This strategy pools resources, making it economically feasible to compete with major firms. The possibility of significant damages in class actions can pressure firms to settle and change their policies, acting as a strong deterrent.

Timothy Allen, Sr. Corporate Investigator, Corporate Investigation Consulting

2. Integrate Expert Insights into Strategy

We level the playing field against corporations by working with a network of experts and specialists in various fields. This is not just about calling on experts to testify but integrating their insights directly into the core of our case strategy.

By doing this, we bring multidisciplinary expertise into the courtroom—from forensic accountants who decode complex financial irregularities to data scientists who analyze patterns in corporate behavior. This approach builds our case and presents compelling evidence that often leads juries and judges to favorable outcomes.

Alex Freeburg, Owner, Freeburg Law

3. Harness Public Opinion and Media

Use the people’s support and the media’s attention to your benefit. High-profile cases can put a lot of pressure on firms to settle rather than risk losing their reputation. Skilled public relations specialists may assist in shaping the narrative, gaining public support for your cause, and influencing corporate choices.

Tiffany Hafler, Marketing Coordinator, Oberheiden P.C.

4. Specialize, Collaborate, and Strategize

One strategy often employed when taking on big companies as legal professional is to leverage the power of specialization and collaboration. Large corporations typically have extensive legal resources, including in-house legal teams and external law firms. To counter this, legal professionals may collaborate with other law firms or experts who specialize in specific areas related to the case.

By forming a team of experts with deep knowledge in the relevant fields, lawyers can level the playing field and offer a more comprehensive and targeted approach to the case. This strategy enhances the quality of legal representation and helps manage costs effectively, allowing smaller firms or individuals to compete effectively against large corporations.

Additionally, it’s essential to exploit any potential weaknesses in the opponent’s case and engage in strategic negotiation and litigation tactics to maximize the chances of success.

Aaron Winston, Strategy Director, Express Legal Funding

5. Adopt Contingency Fee Arrangements

Contingency fee agreements can be a very effective way to level the playing field in court. This pricing structure allows consumers to retain legal specialists, incurring no upfront expenditures because attorneys are paid from the settlement or judgment.

For individuals or smaller businesses up against large corporations, this levels the playing field and ensures that access to financial resources does not decide justice.

Cindi Keller, Communications Coordinator, The Criminal Defense Firm

Takeaways

  • Pooling Resources: Class action lawsuits can be a great equalizer by allowing multiple plaintiffs to band together.
  • Expertise Matters: Integrating insights from various specialists can add significant weight to a case, making it more compelling in court.
  • Public Opinion: Never underestimate the sway of the court of public opinion, especially when backed by the media.
  • Team Up: Collaboration with experts and other legal firms offers a more comprehensive approach to challenging large corporations.
  • Contingency Fees: These arrangements enable smaller players to get the legal help they need without worrying about upfront costs.

A multi-faceted strategy is often the key to success in these challenging situations.