§54.8 Strategic and Practical Considerations

• Jurisdiction: Washington

§54.8 STRATEGIC AND PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS

CR 54 provides explicit guidance in connection with the entry of judgments. Review its provisions carefully at any stage of litigation when the court is rendering a decision. Analyze exactly what the court's decision is intended to accomplish and ensure that the judgment is crafted accordingly.

It is common practice for the trial court to issue an oral opinion from the bench, a memorandum opinion, or a tentative decision in a letter to counsel. Remember that these do not constitute judgments. Until they are reduced to a written judgment, signed by the judge, and filed with the clerk of court, they are subject to revision. If you are a prevailing party, it is usually in your best interest to finalize the judgment as expeditiously...