Firm Description
Sutterfield & Webb, LLC is a firm of dedicated and efficient lawyers practicing in the fields of insurance, marine and land transportation, environmental law, complex litigation, property insurance, product liability, professional liability, governmental entities and general civil litigation. The firm represents clients with interests throughout the Gulf South Region, and includes lawyers licensed to practice in Louisiana, Alabama, Texas, and Washington, D.C., as well as the federal courts of other states.
Our firm is also a member of The Harmonie Group, which along with its sister organization, Canadian Litigation Counsel, provides international access to legal services around the world. The Harmonie Group is comprised of independent law firms that are invitation-only, prequalified and vetted. Its member firms and their attorneys, solicitors and barristers defend lawsuits for corporations, insurance carriers, captive insurance companies, risk retention groups, purchasing groups, government entities and third party administrators. Firms also provide conflict and dispute resolution and skilled mediation and arbitration defense services. Their international expertise coupled with local experience and knowledge of plaintiffs’ lawyers, the judiciary, legal rules, procedures and precedents, are critical in today’s environment to cope with complex high-stakes litigation. With over 5,000 member firm lawyers, practicing throughout the US, Canada, Europe, Asia and South America, clients can engage lawyers with the specialized experience they need – defending clients anytime, anywhere. For an up-to-date list of firms and the areas and countries served, please see the Chambers and Partners link to law firm networks:
Firm Philosophy
We believe the practice of law is a profession, not a trade, which demands an undertaking based on fidelity as well as competence. Although there are material considerations, we believe that the accumulation of wealth and the building of law firm dynasties are not the measure of success as a lawyer. Our lawyers are carefully screened to confirm they will not only do quality work, but will share our attitude that the respect of our clients and our peers is more valuable than being listed among the largest firms.
In order to retain this respect, we recognize we must perform quality work at a reasonable price. We understand our clients have a right to demand quality and excellence which goes beyond the standard of providing competent representation, and even beyond responding to their needs and protecting them from their adversaries. The standard we strive to meet means working with our clients to create and carry out strategies for the client’s success, not merely our own. It means more than just understanding the law — it also means understanding our clients’ needs and how best to help them fulfill these needs.
As counsel to defendants in civil litigation, we recognize we must understand the financial pressures on our clients which not only influence the fees they are willing to pay for legal services, but also their litigation management style. We recognize that as much as we like to try cases and win, our greatest contribution is to help our clients manage their businesses to show a profit, whether involving trials or otherwise. We do this by not only helping them resist non-meritorious claims, but by providing timely and accurate information upon which our clients can rely in conducting business. By doing so, we are part of our clients’ teams and share their successes.
Billing Philosophy
In addition to hourly billing, we offer flat fee and expense arrangements, value billing, and other alternatives to the traditional hourly fee structure. We believe this provides our clients optimal flexibility and control over the costs of litigation. We also believe clients want and deserve “no gimmick” billing. For that reason we do not tack on internal charges for copies; telephone; fax; postage; basic computerized research and the like; such expenses being included within our rates. Out of pocket charges are billed without mark-up or “handling fees.”
Technology
The firm has a state-of-the art computer network employing the latest software. We have the capability of configuring alternative means of access to engage in real-time and direct electronic communications for reporting and billing purposes with our partnering clients. We upgrade our software as needed to keep pace with our clients’ needs and expectations. We have a computer link with the other law firm members of the Harmonie Group for the rapid exchange of information helpful to our clients.