A civil litigation attorney, also known as a civil litigator or trial lawyer, is a legal professional who specializes in representing clients in civil legal disputes. Unlike criminal cases, which involve violations of criminal laws and are prosecuted by the government, civil litigation involves disputes between individuals, businesses, organizations, or government entities over legal rights, obligations, or claims for damages.
Civil litigation attorneys handle a wide range of civil matters, including:
Contract Disputes: Cases involving breaches of contracts, disputes over terms or performance, or enforcement of contractual rights.
Personal Injury Claims: Cases arising from accidents, injuries, or wrongful acts resulting in harm or damages to individuals. This includes car accidents, slip and fall incidents, medical malpractice, and product liability claims.
Property Disputes: Cases involving real estate disputes, boundary disputes, landlord-tenant disputes, eminent domain, or property damage claims.
Employment Disputes: Cases involving disputes between employers and employees, including wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, wage and hour violations, or breach of employment contracts.
Tort Claims: Cases involving civil wrongs or injuries caused by negligence, intentional misconduct, or strict liability, such as defamation, negligence, assault, or battery.
Business Litigation: Cases involving disputes between businesses, partners, shareholders, or competitors, including breach of business contracts, shareholder disputes, intellectual property disputes, or business torts.
Probate and Estate Litigation: Cases involving disputes over wills, trusts, estates, or inheritance rights, including will contests, trust litigation, or claims of undue influence or fraud.
Civil litigation attorneys are responsible for representing their clients’ interests throughout the litigation process, which may include:
Case Evaluation: Assessing the merits of the client’s case, conducting legal research, and analyzing applicable laws and precedents to determine the best course of action.
Pleadings and Filings: Drafting and filing legal pleadings and documents, including complaints, answers, motions, and discovery requests, with the court.
Discovery: Conducting pre-trial discovery, including depositions, interrogatories, requests for production of documents, and other fact-finding methods to gather evidence and information relevant to the case.
Negotiation: Engaging in settlement negotiations with opposing parties or their attorneys to resolve the dispute outside of court, if possible.
Trial Advocacy: Representing clients in court proceedings, presenting evidence, examining witnesses, making legal arguments, and advocating for the client’s position before judges and juries.
Appellate Advocacy: Representing clients in appellate proceedings if the case is appealed to a higher court, including preparing appellate briefs, presenting oral arguments, and advocating for the client’s position on appeal.
Civil litigation attorneys must possess strong analytical, communication, and advocacy skills, as well as a thorough understanding of procedural and substantive law relevant to their practice area. They work closely with clients to understand their goals and objectives, provide legal advice and guidance, and advocate zealously on their behalf to achieve a favorable outcome in their legal disputes.
This post was written by a professional at Bonardi & Uzdavinis, LLP. Bonardi & Uzdavinis, LLP is a boutique, full service law firm providing its clients with a wide range of representation. Our primary areas of practice include real estate, probate, personal injury, construction, and commercial litigation. If you are looking for a real estate attorney or personal injury attorney in Tampa Bay contact us today for a case evaluation today! Click here for more information!
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