Firm Profile
The firm of Carter & Drylie, P.A. was formed in July, 1998. Previously, the members had practiced in the law firm of Jones, Carter & Drylie, P.A.
The firm represents personal injury claimants as well as insurers in North Central Florida and is located in the geographic heart of the area: Gainesville.
The firm of Carter & Drylie, P.A. anticipates expanding in size without sacrificing a personal relationship with clients.
Firm members are experienced trial attorneys who are well versed in meeting the needs of clients.
The firm's area of practice included the following counties in Florida:
Alachua, Citrus, Marion, Gilchrist, Dixie, Columbia, Putnam, Levy, Bradford, Suwannee and Union.
Being located in the center of North Central Florida means clients will spend less on attorney travel time. The benefit of using a local firm is apparent; round trip travel time from Jacksonville is 3 hours: round trip from Orlando is 4 hours.
Firm Philosophy
Communication:
Clients should not have to wonder about the status of a lawsuit. Clients should be consulted prior to implementing discovery or retaining experts. Clients should not experience last minute surprises because their attorneys do not keep them informed.
Economy:
Clients should avoid redundant discovery, which translates into higher costs. Attorneys should file motions for summary judgment early in a case and focus discovery in the most effective way possible. Attorneys should record time accurately and honestly.
Billing:
A law firm should provide a detailed billing statement, charge a reasonable hourly rate, provider alternative billing options and reach agreement with it's clients concerning travel costs and general costs at the inception of the representation. The firm of Carter & Drylie, P.A. is aware that litigation costs and fees are a serious concern of clients.
Professional Representation:
A law firm should provide ethical advocacy, professional demeanor and thorough case preparation.
Litigation:
The law firm of Carter & Drylie, P.A. believes that there are many benefits to providing a litigation plan early in the case. A litigation plan serves to identify issues, determine priorities, and serves as a guide for lawyer and clients alike. Summary judgment should be considered whenever practical. If a summary judgment is granted the defendant has prevailed, however, there are other "hidden benefits" to a motion for summary judgment.
Preparing a case factually and legally when filing a motion for summary judgment forces the attorney and the client to analyze and address the important issues. Filing a motion for summary judgment often requires the opposing party to reveal its strategy of the case and exposes opposing experts. Often the mere filing of a motion for summary judgment expedites settlement. Not every case is appropriate for summary judgment, but a law firm owes a duty to its clients to explore an early resolution of a case if at all possible.
Identification of issues and preparation results in an early settlement when settlement is appropriate.