Civil litigation is the process of filing a non-criminal lawsuit against another party and typically involves seeking action or money. Civil litigation attorneys guide you through filing a claim or fighting an accusation and help you decide best how to pursue the matter.

Types of Civil Litigation

Civil litigation encompasses a broad range of everyday legal disputes. Common areas of civil litigation include:

• Employment and labor disputes
• Real estate lawsuits
• Education law disputes
• Personal injury claims
• Family law disputes
• Landlord-tenant lawsuits
• Environmental law
• Workers’ Compensation claims

A Civil Litigation Attorneys Role

Anyone considering filing or fighting a lawsuit must first understand it’s best to consult with an experienced civil litigation attorney. The process, paperwork, and steps taken throughout a case are understood best by a Smith, Welch, Webb and White attorney who can help you build your case.

An attorney who practices in this area typically specializes in certain kinds of cases and matters. A civil litigation attorney first will help you determine if you have a solid case that can be handled  in a courtroom or through other means such as Alternative Dispute Resolution.

A civil litigation attorney represents both plaintiffs and defendants as a litigator in the courtroom. Their job is to advocate for their client by gathering and presenting evidence to a judge and/or jury to get their client the best possible outcome in their case.

What to expect in your civil litigation case

It is also important to know that not every civil litigation case has to be taken to court. In fact, an agreement can be reached between the parties through an attorney’s guidance and cooperation with the opposing party.

However, if an agreement cannot be reached, the case will be taken through the process of trial. All civil litigation cases typically follow the same procedure in court.

• Investigation. Once your attorney has determined you have a valid case to pursue, they will begin to dissect the case through documentation, interviews, or other means to begin building evidence for your case.
• Pleadings. The parties involved will present initial documentation expressing their sides on the matter at hand. A plaintiff presents a “complaint, and a defendant will present an “answer”.
• Discovery. The longest stage of a case is when your attorney begins gathering more information through depositions and interrogatories. This is where witnesses, experts, or any other parties are sworn to help provide evidence through interviews or questionings.
• Pre-Trial. Attorneys representing both parties meet to present the materials from discovery. A settlement can be reached during pre-trial, but if it is not, the case then heads to trial.
• Trial. Depending on the complexity of your case, trial may include presenting before a jury. A judge determines a verdict following the arguments from both parties.