Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni’s legal dispute is poised to intensify before any settlement discussions take place, according to legal analyst Gregory Doll. Doll, who has no direct involvement in the case, anticipates that tensions will escalate further as the proceedings unfold. “It’s already contentious, and I expect it to become even more so,” he told PEOPLE.
Both parties are in for a difficult road ahead, with Doll highlighting the financial and emotional burden that accompanies high-profile litigation. He described the process as “highly demanding,” noting that even with top-tier legal representation, the costs—both monetary and psychological—will be substantial. The lawsuit originated from grave accusations made by Lively, who alleges that Baldoni harassed her and then retaliated when she spoke out.
In response, Baldoni filed a countersuit, claiming Lively defamed him and manipulated the public narrative surrounding their 2024 film It Ends With Us. He also initiated a separate $250 million lawsuit against The New York Times for publishing Lively’s allegations. With both sides firmly committed to their claims, this legal confrontation shows no signs of a swift resolution.
Pre-Trial Proceedings Set in Motion
Judge Lewis Liman, overseeing the case, has scheduled a pre-trial conference for February 12 to address procedural groundwork. This session will establish key logistics such as discovery schedules, witness depositions, and prospective trial dates. Legal analyst Doll explained that these meetings are essential for structuring a trial’s timeline and scope.
During the conference, both legal teams will outline their respective strategies and discuss the type of evidence they intend to request from each other. “This is where they set expectations for the trial schedule—how many witnesses will testify, what documents will be exchanged,” Doll noted.
A scheduling order issued post-conference will officially set these parameters, ensuring both parties understand the legal roadmap ahead. Given the complexity of the claims, this phase is expected to be meticulous, with both sides gearing up for an exhaustive discovery process.
Discovery Phase Likely to Heighten Friction
The discovery phase, during which evidence is collected and witnesses testify under oath, often marks a critical turning point in legal disputes. Doll predicts this phase will amplify hostilities between Lively and Baldoni as previously unknown details come to light. “Once new information surfaces—things they weren’t privy to before—emotions flare, and tempers rise,” he explained.
This stage will involve a deep dive into communications, contracts, and other pertinent materials that could bolster or weaken each party’s stance. Both Lively and Baldoni will seek to uncover evidence that strengthens their respective arguments while identifying vulnerabilities in the opposing side’s claims. Given the severity of the accusations—including harassment, defamation, and retaliation—the stakes are particularly high.
Discovery often accelerates case progress by exposing critical information, but it can also prolong legal battles, making settlements more elusive. In this instance, the discovery process is expected to be especially contentious, with each party aggressively working to gain an upper hand.
Settlement Likely Post-Discovery
Despite the current animosity, Doll predicts the case will likely settle before reaching trial. He referenced legal studies indicating that approximately 92 percent of civil cases conclude in settlement rather than courtroom verdicts. “Could this be among the rare exceptions? It’s possible,” he said. “But statistically, settlement is the more likely outcome.”
A settlement would enable both parties to sidestep the uncertainties and intense scrutiny of a public trial while reaching a mutually agreeable resolution. For Lively and Baldoni, resolving the case out of court could also help safeguard their professional reputations and future opportunities. However, the likelihood of settlement will largely hinge on how the discovery phase unfolds and the perceived strength of each side’s case.
High-profile lawsuits often see litigants weighing the financial, reputational, and emotional costs of prolonged litigation against the benefits of closure. While tensions remain high now, pragmatic considerations—such as legal expenses, media exposure, and career impact—may ultimately drive both sides toward a resolution outside the courtroom.
Wider Impact of the Case
This lawsuit has already drawn substantial public interest, not just because of the high-profile figures involved but also due to the broader implications regarding power dynamics in Hollywood. The case sheds light on critical issues such as workplace harassment, retaliation, and the evolving discourse around accountability in the entertainment industry.
As proceedings unfold, the outcome could influence how similar cases involving public figures are handled moving forward, potentially setting legal precedents for future disputes. Both Lively and Baldoni have sizable followings, meaning the resolution of this case—whether through trial or settlement—could have lasting effects on their careers and public perception.
For now, both parties remain entrenched in legal maneuvering, preparing for a costly and emotionally taxing legal journey. Whatever the eventual outcome, this case is poised to leave a lasting imprint on both the individuals involved and the industry at large.
