According to Health Care Risk Management standards outlined by ASHRM and the American Hospital Association Certification Center, the selection of defense counsel should be based primarily on demonstrated expertise in the relevant area of law. Medical malpractice litigation involves complex clinical issues, evolving standards of care, expert witness coordination, and familiarity with healthcare regulations. Counsel with specialized experience in healthcare liability defense is better equipped to manage case strategy, assess exposure, and navigate jurisdiction-specific procedural rules.

Proximity to the facility may offer logistical convenience but does not ensure competency in complex medical litigation. Percentage of defense verdicts can be misleading, as case mix, settlement strategy, and jurisdictional tendencies influence outcomes. A high defense verdict rate does not necessarily reflect effective risk management or cost control. Fee schedule is an important financial consideration; however, cost alone should not override qualifications and experience.

Claims and litigation objectives emphasize effective case management, accurate evaluation of liability exposure, and protection of organizational reputation. Selecting counsel based on specialized expertise supports stronger legal defense, strategic settlement evaluation, and improved coordination with clinical experts. Therefore, area of expertise is the best reason for selecting defense counsel.