Civil litigation attorneys, also called civil litigators or trial lawyers, are legal professionals who specialize in representing clients in legal disputes. Civil litigation is different from criminal cases which are prosecutions by the government for violations of criminal law. It involves disputes between individuals or businesses or organizations or government entities about legal rights, obligations or claims for damages.
Civil litigation attorneys are involved in a variety of civil cases, including:
Contract disputes: Cases that involve breaches of contract, disputes about terms and performance, or the enforcement of contractual rights.
Personal Injury Claims: These are cases arising from accidents or injuries or wrongdoings that result in injury or damage to an individual. These include car accidents, slip-and-fall incidents, medical malpractice and product liability claims.
Property Disputes: Cases that involve real estate disputes, boundary conflicts, landlord-tenant issues, eminent Domain, or claims for property damage.
Employment Disputes: Cases that involve disputes between employers or employees, such as wrongful termination, harassment, wage and hours violations, or breaches of employment contracts.
Tort Claims are civil claims involving wrongs and injuries that were caused by negligence, deliberate misconduct or strict liability. Examples include defamation or negligence, as well as assault or battery.
Business Litigation : Cases that involve disputes between business partners, shareholders or competitors. This includes disputes over intellectual property, breach of contracts or breaches, and business torts.
Probate and estate litigation: Cases that involve disputes over wills or trusts or inheritance rights. This includes will contests or trust litigation or allegations of fraud or undue influence.
Civil litigation attorneys represent their clients throughout the litigation process. This may include:
Case Evaluation: Conducting legal research and analyzing precedents and laws to determine the best possible course of action.
Pleadings & Filings: Drafting pleadings & documents for the court, such as complaints, answers, motions and discovery requests.
Discovery: Gathering evidence and facts relevant to a case through pre-trial discovery methods such as depositions and interrogatories.
Negotiation: If possible, engage in settlement negotiations to resolve the dispute without going to court.
Trial Advocacy: Representing a client in court proceedings. This includes presenting evidence, questioning witnesses, presenting legal arguments and advocating the client’s case before judges and juries.
Appellate advocacy: Representing clients if a case is appealed by a higher court. This includes preparing appellate arguments, presenting oral arguments, and advocating the client’s side on appeal.
Civil litigation lawyers must have strong analytical and communication skills as well as an in-depth understanding of the procedural and substantive laws relevant to their area of practice. They work closely to understand the goals and objectives of their clients, to provide legal guidance and advice, and to advocate vigorously on their behalf in order to achieve a positive outcome in their legal disputes.
This article was written by a Bonardi & Uzdavinis professional. Bonardi & Uzdavinis LLP, a boutique full-service law firm, provides its clients with a variety of legal representation. We practice in the areas of real estate, construction, commercial litigation, personal injury and probate. Contact us for a free case evaluation if you need a personal injury or real estate attorney in Tampa Bay. Click Here to learn more!
