California Attorneys Fickel and Surdis Examine Litigation Readiness Ahead of 2026 Surge

01.07.2026

Stinson LLP Partner Ashley Fickel and attorney Zoey Surdis authored an article for Los Angeles Daily Journal analyzing how rising litigation frequency and complexity are reshaping risk management for businesses across industries.

In the article, Fickel and Surdis outline how litigation is increasingly becoming an expected cost of doing business and encourage organizations to move beyond reactive defense. They outline practical strategies for identifying exposure earlier, including aligning legal resources with business priorities, and incorporating litigation considerations into decisions involving transactions, employment practices, cybersecurity and emerging technologies.

"Rising litigation frequency and complexity in 2026 make proactive planning a must for all companies," Fickel and Surdis write. "By evaluating exposure, aligning budgets with risk, embedding legal strategy into broader business planning, and focusing on preventative measure, organizations can move from reactive defense to proactive risk management."

Fickel and Surdis also emphasize the importance of cross-functional coordination and disciplined risk planning. Their article highlights the value of leveraging data analytics and predictive tools to anticipate emerging risks, designing dispute resolution frameworks to minimize cost escalations, and fostering a culture where legal strategy is integrated into daily business functions.

Fickel focuses his practice on business litigation, real estate litigation, construction litigation, consumer class action defense, and data and private cybersecurity.

Surdis' practice encompasses a wide range of practice areas, including business and commercial litigation, complex liability matters, and class actions.

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