In this article...

Watch Our Video
Contributor
Kevin O'Flaherty

A civil litigation attorney is a legal professional who represents clients in civil lawsuits. These types of lawyers handle a variety of legal disputes that can arise between individuals, businesses, or organizations. 

What Do Litigation Attorneys Do?

Litigation attorneys are responsible for managing all aspects of a lawsuit. Litigation attorneys spend time researching relevant laws and legal precedents that apply to their client's cases to ensure they have a strong understanding of the law. Litigation attorneys are also responsible for reviewing all the evidence related to a case. This could include witness statements, medical records, and other documents to analyze evidence and determine the strengths and weaknesses of their client's cases.

A litigation lawyer will also draft legal documents. Documents that need to be presented in court, like pleadings, motions, and briefs, will be handled by a litigation attorney on their client's behalf. Their ultimate job is to appear in court to argue their clients' cases before judges and juries while participating in settlement negotiations with the opposing counsel to resolve disputes outside of court. To do this, litigation attorneys typically have a strategy to manage cases that align with the goals and objectives that the client presents. Things like how they present evidence, which witnesses to call, and what legal arguments to make are all decisions a litigation attorney makes.

Overall, a litigation attorney provides legal advice to clients on all aspects of their cases. They should be able to answer to the strengths and weaknesses of the case, the potential outcomes of the case, and the best strategies to reach their clients' legal goals. . For the most up to date information on the law read our article, Illinois Civil Litigation Law Changes 2023.

What Is the Importance of Hiring a Litigation Lawyer For Legal Disputes?

As mentioned above, one of the most beneficial aspects of hiring an attorney for a legal dispute is their experience. Their deep understanding of the law and legal procedures offers advice and guidance on handling your legal dispute to ensure your case is adequately presented in court. This understanding extends to courtroom experience and experience presenting cases to judges and juries. Litigation attorneys are skilled negotiators that can help you save time and money compared to the possibility of lengthy court battles without one.

A litigation attorney should be able to determine risks in your case and advise on potential costs and damages to help decide on whether to settle or proceed to trial, saving you time and money again. There are specific resources such as legal research tools, expert witnesses, and other professionals that litigation attorneys have access to that would provide support during civil litigation. 

Attorneys can ensure that your case proceeds smoothly and without any procedural errors that could harm your case. Lastly, a litigation attorney could provide peace of mind knowing a professional is handling your case. This can alleviate some of the stress and anxiety associated with legal disputes.

What Are the Most Common Types of Cases Handled by Litigation Lawyers?

Litigation attorneys can handle a wide variety of cases. The most common types of cases handled by litigation attorneys are as follows. A type of case litigation attorneys handle is business disputes. This can be disputed with other businesses, customers, or employees for breaches of contract, partnership disputes, and employment law violations. Employment law violations can be issues revolving around discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, and wage-hour violations in the workplace. Litigation attorneys also cover contract disputes and other contract-related issues that are not breaches of contract.

Real estate disputes are also commonly handled by litigation attorneys who represent clients with issues regarding landlord-tenant disputes, property line disagreements, and property ownership disagreements.

Attorneys can represent clients in personal injury cases who have been injured due to negligence or wrongdoing of another party. This would cover cases involving car accidents, slip and fall accidents, and medical malpractice. A litigation attorney can also take on insurance claims.

What to Look for When Hiring a Litigation Lawyer for Your Case

With so many lawyers to choose from, it can be challenging to know what to look for when hiring a litigation attorney. There are some key factors to consider when deciding on an attorney for your case:

Effective Communication Skills

Communication is essential when working with a litigation lawyer. Look for a responsive lawyer who communicates clearly and concisely and is willing to take the time to explain complex legal concepts in terms that you can understand.

Experience and Knowledge

One of the most crucial factors to consider when selecting a litigation lawyer is their experience and knowledge in handling cases like yours. Look for a lawyer with a track record of success in similar cases and who is familiar with the laws and regulations that apply to your case.

Legal Strategy

Ask the litigation lawyer about their legal strategy for your case. Look for a lawyer who is willing to discuss their approach to resolving legal disputes and who can explain how they plan to achieve the best possible outcome for you.

Reputation

 Look for a litigation lawyer with a strong reputation in the legal community. Consider talking to other attorneys or clients who have worked with the lawyer and checking their disciplinary history with the state bar association.

Resources

Consider the resources that the litigation lawyer has available to them. Look for a lawyer with the necessary staff, technology, and financial resources to handle your case effectively.

Fees and Billing

Practices It's essential to understand the lawyer's fees and billing practices before hiring them. Look for a lawyer who is transparent about their fees and billing practices and provides a clear understanding of what you will be paying for and when.

Compatibility

Lastly, consider the compatibility between you and the litigation lawyer. Look for a lawyer you feel comfortable working with, who you trust to represent your best interests, and who you believe has the skills and experience to handle your case effectively.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this blog is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject matter. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. Each individual's legal needs are unique, and these materials may not be applicable to your legal situation. Always seek the advice of a competent attorney with any questions you may have regarding a legal issue. Do not disregard professional legal advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog.

FREE Litigation & Dispute ResolutionE-Book

Get my FREE E-Book

Similar Articles

Learn about Law