When a deal falls apart — a contractor who did not finish, a customer who will not pay, a partner who breached — civil litigation is how the dispute gets resolved. Most cases settle, but settlements come from leverage: a well-documented claim, the right court and the credible threat of trial. Litigators also defend businesses and individuals who have been sued.
What a civil litigation lawyer does
- Reviews the contract and evidence and sends a demand letter
- Files or defends the lawsuit and handles discovery
- Pursues injunctions, liens, garnishment and judgment collection
- Negotiates settlement or tries the case, including in arbitration
When you need a civil litigation lawyer
- Someone owes you more than small-claims limits allow
- You were served with a lawsuit or arbitration demand
- A contractor, vendor or buyer failed to perform
- A non-compete, non-disclosure or partnership agreement is being violated
Questions to ask before you hire a civil litigation lawyer
- Does the contract have an attorney-fee or arbitration clause?
- What is a realistic budget through trial, and is the other side collectible?
- Would mediation make sense early?
- What is the statute of limitations on my claim?
Find a civil litigation lawyer near you
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