An attorney will likely have a better idea than a layperson of what a civil case might be worth and how a judge or jury might respond to it. In some places, the venue of the trial could be important. In a conservative venue where juries are not known to give out big awards, an early settlement might be preferable. In a venue that has a history of juries being sympathetic to the plaintiffs, going to trial may be advantageous. It is helpful to have an attorney who has enough litigation experience to recognize which venue might be to their advantage or disadvantage.