The Honorable Judge Thomas Thrasher's list of ......

"Top 10 Reasons to Settle"

10. Prevent Adverse Publicity.

9. Clients Avoid Emotional Trauma.

8. Uncertainty of Jury Verdict.

7. Cannot Depend on Witness Availability or Testimony.

6. Loss of Time Involved in the Preparation and attending the Trial Itself.

5. Substantial Costs Involved.

4. Settlement is final, no appeal.

3. Avoid Risk of Adverse Judgment.

2. Money is paid now.

1. ONLY WAY TO CONTROL THE OUTCOME OF THE CASE IS FOR THE PARTIES TO SETTLE THEMSELVES INSTEAD OF LETTING 12 JURORS DO IT FOR THEM.

"Half of a good lawyer's job is to tell the client he or she is a darn fool and should stop..." (I.E. settle)

-Elihu Root

From the materials distributed at the Orange County Legal Secretaries Association, Inc. Meeting 10/05/00