I disagree a bit. At least in the jurisdictions I practice, those tactics that are primarily designed only to add expense to the other side violate the rules of professional conduct. I'll do what is needed to do to effectively represent my client and I'm not going to worry much about what that costs the other side, but I'm not about to make it goal to do things solely to run up the costs of the other side either.
I'm not talking about frivolous motions or pleadings. But there are things that can be resolved with a conference call and frequently are. However, I don't mind making opposing party pay their attorney to drive three hours-each way to come to a hearing. Right now I am thinking specifically plaintiff's work. They are unreasonably withholding requested discovery. The local attorneys have the Judge's cell phone number and know we can just call to resolve some of these issues. Them big shot city attorneys don't. And so they get to drive. In family law, breaking the other side - emotionally and financially - is sometimes necessary to end the litigation. Had a case where they were on the fifth motion to modify filed by opposing party in four years. So we proceeded attack with everything we could. Mental health exams, drug tests, depositions. Discovery sanctions. And we asked for and got attorney fees. There was a valid reason for everything we did. But it could have been handled without going nuclear. However, it has been two years and that party has not filed another motion to modify. They now understand that we will make it hurt.
I will also say that my favorite case was one where I and opposing counsel discussed the case and agreed that we both needed a little bit of discovery to confirm our evaluations, which took place in less than a week. The case was settled within two weeks right in line with how we valued it. It as a great experience and we both got the best possible result for our clients.
I try to never become the dick first. Only when opposing party is abusing my client in some manner. Law can be practiced cleanly and politely. Or you can roll around in the mud.
TD
** But that is also a factor of the local bar. I have one attorney I practice with that is the very definition of courtesy and class. And I have one that I tell prospective clients when he is on the other side they need to add five thousand to their expected costs in the action. He is very aggressive and I've found the way to fight that with him is to be aggressive back.