Civil litigation lawyer: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What civil litigation lawyer is

A civil litigation lawyer provides information about non criminal disputes and may represent parties in negotiations, lawsuits and trials. People and businesses look for one when a dispute over money, property or a broken agreement cannot be settled. General information only, with no results promised.

Signs you need it

  • You were served with a lawsuit and a response deadline is running
  • Someone owes you money and has not paid after repeated requests
  • A business partner, vendor or customer is breaking an agreement
  • You received a demand letter threatening a lawsuit
  • A property or contract dispute has failed to settle through direct talks
  • You want to know whether a claim is worth pursuing before spending money

What the pro does

  • Review the dispute, documents and deadlines
  • Explain, in general terms, the stages of a civil case such as the complaint, response, discovery and trial
  • Send demand letters and negotiate
  • File or answer the lawsuit by the deadline
  • Exchange documents and take or defend depositions
  • Represent you at mediation, hearings and trial

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • The amount and complexity of the dispute
  • The number of parties and claims
  • Amount of document exchange and depositions
  • Whether the case settles early or goes to trial
  • Whether experts are needed
  • Which court hears the case
  • How the lawyer bills: hourly, flat for a stage or share of a recovery in some cases

What a written quote should spell out

  • The fee arrangement, in writing
  • Stages covered: demand, filing, discovery or trial
  • Costs billed separately, such as filing fees and experts
  • How and when you will be updated
  • What happens if the case goes to appeal

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Do you handle disputes like mine, and in this court?
  • What are the main stages and deadlines in my case?
  • Is there a way to resolve this without a trial?
  • How do you decide when a claim is worth pursuing?
  • What records should I preserve?
  • How will fees be handled if the case goes longer than expected?
  • Who will work on my matter?

Red flags

  • A lawyer who promises you will win
  • Advice to destroy or hide documents
  • Pressure to sue immediately without discussing options
  • No written fee agreement
  • A lawyer who ignores a served deadline

What you can do yourself

If you are sued, note the response deadline on the papers and contact a licensed attorney right away. Keep emails, contracts, photos and payment records, and do not delete anything related to the dispute. Small claims courts may allow you to handle smaller disputes yourself.

Licenses and permits

Civil litigation lawyers must be licensed attorneys in good standing. Check the license with the state bar.

Civil litigation lawyer questions

What if I ignore a lawsuit?

A court may enter a judgment against you if you do not respond. Ask a licensed attorney immediately.

Can a lawyer promise I will win?

No. Results depend on the facts, the law and the court.

Do all disputes end in trial?

No. Many settle. A lawyer can explain the options.

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