Terence Cushing

Please introduce your role and describe what you do as a Partner in your firm.

I am a Partner at a national law firm where I focus on civil litigation. My work involves managing cases from start to finish. That includes developing strategy, working with clients, and leading internal teams. I also supervise associates and coordinate with experts when needed. The goal is to move cases forward in a structured and efficient way.

How is your legal work structured in terms of team and execution?

Most work is handled in-house with a team of associates and support staff. I assign work based on experience and complexity. For certain cases, we bring in outside experts such as engineers or medical professionals. That depends on the facts of the case. The structure is flexible, but the process is consistent.

What differentiates your approach from other litigators?

I focus on clarity early in the case. Many disputes become more complicated because the issues are not defined at the start. I try to identify the core problem quickly. That helps control cost and keeps the case focused.

What types of matters do you handle most often?

I handle a mix of civil litigation. That includes product liability, commercial disputes, and personal injury matters. The common factor is complexity. These cases often involve multiple parties and detailed records.

What are the most common problems clients bring to you?

Most clients come in after a dispute has already started. Often there is confusion about what was agreed to or who was responsible for something. In many cases, the issue comes back to unclear communication.

How do you stay current in a field where information changes quickly?

I focus on patterns. Case law evolves, but many issues repeat. I review decisions and track how courts handle similar facts. That helps me anticipate how a case may develop.

Do you work with repeat clients? What drives that?

Yes. A large portion of my work comes from repeat clients. That comes from consistency. Clients value clear communication and predictable process. If they know how you work, they are more likely to come back.

How do you measure success in your work?

Success is based on outcomes and efficiency. That includes resolving cases in a reasonable timeframe and avoiding unnecessary steps. It also includes how well the client understands the process.

What kind of support do you provide during and after a case?

I stay involved throughout the case. That includes strategy, communication, and adjustments as new facts come in. After a case ends, I remain available to address follow-up questions or related issues.

How do you approach case planning and cost management?

I break each case into phases. Each phase has a defined goal. This creates structure and helps manage cost. Clients understand what is happening at each stage.

What range of cases do you typically handle, and how do you manage complexity?

The range varies. Some cases are straightforward. Others involve large amounts of data and multiple parties. I manage complexity by simplifying the issues early and assigning work in a structured way.

Have you declined cases based on fit? What drives that decision?

Yes. I look at the facts and the client’s expectations. If the expectations are not realistic, it is better to address that early. Not every case is a good fit.

What challenges have you faced in your career, and how did you address them?

Early in my career, I tried to handle too much myself. That slowed things down. Delegating work improved both efficiency and results. It also helped develop the team.

How do you approach improvement in your legal practice?

I focus on process. Small changes in how work is structured can make a large difference. That includes standardising certain tasks and improving communication.

What role does team culture play in your work?

It is important. Litigation requires coordination. If the team is not aligned, the case becomes harder to manage. Clear roles and communication make a difference.

Where do you see your practice evolving over the next 5–10 years?

Cases will continue to become more complex. That will require more structure and better use of resources. The focus will remain on clarity and efficiency.

How has your leadership style evolved over time?

I focus more on clarity now. Early on, I focused on technical detail. That still matters, but communication matters more. The team needs to understand the plan.

What trends are you paying attention to in litigation?

Cases involve more information and more stakeholders. That increases complexity. Clear organisation and communication are becoming more important.

What advice would you give to younger attorneys?

Focus on fundamentals. Learn to write clearly. Pay attention to details. Small issues often decide the outcome of a case.