Why I Now Advise Against Suing the Powerful: Lessons from Stress, Strike-Outs, and the Court’s Obsession with Evidence.
Do not initiate legal proceedings against anyone—especially the rich, the powerful, or public authorities—unless you have an overwhelming, evidence-ready case and are prepared for years of stress that can damage your health. Stress is widely described as a leading contributor to serious illness, and litigation multiplies it in ways that are hard to reverse. Even when you are convinced of the facts and the justice of your position, your lawyer may still tell you that “there may be something we don’t know.” That warning is rarely empty.