Any North Carolina business that enjoys success and longevity should expect to be involved in some manner of litigation at some point in its life cycle. We live in a litigious society. And while efforts can be made to try to avoid the complexities and minimize the costs that tend to go with legal battles, it’s wise to be prepared for the worst.
Whether the issue is one involving a shareholder or partner dispute, a breach of contract claim or any of the other possible business conflicts, you will want to be confident that the legal counsel you engage has the experience to press for the best possible outcome for you.
Climate can be a key factor in obtaining positive results. We’re not talking just about the weather here, though North Carolina can lay claim to some of the finest. There is also the general business climate to consider. And the legal environment is important in that respect.
As it happens, North Carolina ranks well in those areas as well, according to a survey of experienced business attorneys and executives.
The poll is the latest in a run of regular checks preformed by the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform. The institute surveyed a group of just over 1,200 individuals across the country to rank states on such things as how the courts handle class action and mass consolidation suits, determine damages, the state’s ability to deal with complex evidence, the competency of judges and fairness of juries.
This year, North Carolina comes in at No. 7. In the previous poll, North Carolina ranked 13.
The head of the North Carolina Chamber credits state lawmakers for the boost. He says it’s legislative commitment to improving the state’s overall business climate through fiscal and legal reforms has been crucial.
As we’ve noted, litigation can be costly and time consuming. A legal climate seen as being fair can’t guarantee a positive outcome when litigation is required. But it’s clear that fairness is important to decision makers, as it should be.