Objective and practical value
The first question is whether the client seeks payment, performance, termination, protection of property or negotiating leverage. The legal claim should serve that practical objective.
Evidence map
Contracts, correspondence, payments, acceptance documents, expert material and witness information should be assessed as a single evidential picture.
The counterparty’s position
Even a well-founded claim may have limited value if a judgment cannot be enforced. Solvency, assets and the risk of dissipation therefore matter from the outset.
Negotiation or litigation
A pre-action letter and negotiations may be useful, but they should not become an end in themselves. The chosen route should move the matter towards a realistic result.
Before seeking advice
Define the desired outcome: repayment, performance, damages or termination. Collect the contract, amendments, payments, acceptance documents and correspondence in chronological order. Assess the defendant’s ability to pay and eventual enforcement separately. A strong legal argument is not the same as money actually recovered.