Behind the Scenes: What a Good Lawyer Actually Does After You Hire Them

By Attorney Christopher Brainard – California Personal Injury & Business Lawyer

Hiring a lawyer can feel like a leap of faith. You’ve suffered an injury, faced a legal threat, or started a business—and now you're placing your future in someone else’s hands. But what happens after you sign the retainer? What does your lawyer actually do?

At LawBrainard, I believe in transparency. My goal is not only to win your case or protect your business—but to help you understand the strategy, effort, and detail that goes into delivering the best legal outcome possible.

Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at what a good California lawyer really does after you hire them.

1. We Investigate—Thoroughly

Whether it’s a car accident, a slip-and-fall, or a contract dispute, your lawyer becomes an investigator first.

For personal injury cases, that means:

  • Reviewing police reports

  • Securing and preserving video or photographic evidence

  • Interviewing eyewitnesses

  • Collecting medical records

  • Working with accident reconstruction experts (if needed)

For business clients:

  • Auditing existing contracts and practices

  • Identifying regulatory compliance issues

  • Analyzing corporate documents and IP risks

  • Understanding your operations inside and out

We dig deeper than what’s on the surface—because building a strong legal case starts with the facts.

2. We Shield You From the Insurance Companies and Opposing Lawyers

Once we’re on your side, you no longer have to deal with pushy adjusters, defense attorneys, or third parties. We take over all communication, which means:

  • No more harassment or manipulation

  • No accidentally saying something that harms your case

  • No pressure to accept a lowball offer

You focus on your recovery or business. We focus on protecting you.

3. We Build a Strategy Tailored to You

Every case is different. A good lawyer doesn't just follow a formula—we build a custom legal strategy based on:

  • The facts of your case

  • The available evidence

  • The personalities and tactics of the opposing parties

  • The venue, judge, and jury profile (if litigation is involved)

  • Your specific goals: settlement, trial, protection, growth

We’re not just reacting—we’re planning 3 moves ahead.

4. We Handle the Paperwork and Deadlines

Behind every successful case is a mountain of legal paperwork. We handle:

  • Filing complaints and responses

  • Drafting motions, discovery requests, and settlement demands

  • Managing court deadlines and procedural rules

  • Reviewing and negotiating contracts, agreements, and releases

A missed deadline can kill a case. A poorly worded clause can cost thousands. That’s why detail matters.

5. We Work With Experts to Strengthen Your Case

In serious matters—especially personal injury, business valuation, or employment law—expert testimony can make or break your outcome.

A good lawyer knows:

  • Which experts to hire (doctors, economists, accident reconstructionists, forensic accountants, etc.)

  • How to use their testimony strategically

  • How to challenge the other side’s experts effectively

This behind-the-scenes coordination often determines whether a case settles or wins at trial.

6. We Prepare for Trial (Even If We Don’t Go There)

Even if 90% of cases settle, preparing for trial sends a message: We’re not afraid to go the distance.

A good lawyer:

  • Gathers admissible evidence early

  • Anticipates defenses and counterarguments

  • Develops witness outlines and jury-ready narratives

  • Negotiates from a position of strength

Insurance companies and opposing counsel pay more attention—and offer more money—when they know your lawyer is ready to win in court.

7. We Keep You Informed—And Empowered

At LawBrainard, communication is a priority. We keep you updated on:

  • Progress and milestones

  • Strategic decisions

  • Settlement offers and your options

  • Risks and potential outcomes

You’re never in the dark. This is your case and your business—and we’re here to guide and empower, not dictate.

Don’t Settle for a “Paper-Pusher” Lawyer

Some firms rush to settle, delegate everything to staff, or treat clients like case files. That’s not how we operate.

At LawBrainard, I personally manage every case I take. I listen. I dig deep. I plan strategically. And I fight like hell to protect your interests—because that’s what a good lawyer really does behind the scenes.

📞 Call/Text (310) 266-4115
🌐 Visit: www.LawBrainard.com
🗓 Schedule a consultation to work with a lawyer who takes your case as seriously as you do.

Christopher Brainard is a California attorney focusing on serious injury cases, business law, and general counsel services. He represents individuals and companies throughout the state, providing high-level legal strategy and honest, responsive service.

*This article/blog is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this article does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Christopher Brainard, Esq. An attorney-client relationship can only be formed through a written and signed agreement with Christopher Brainard. If you need legal advice about your specific situation contact us for a consultation.  [Christopher Brainard, 651 N. Sepulveda Blvd., #2010, Bel Air, CA 90049. Tel: (310) 266 - 4115.  Email: christopherbrainard@gmail.com].

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