Have you ever been told that you need a civil lawyer and wondered what that is? Have you ever looked or heard about a civil litigation lawyer and asked what it is they actually do? You’re not alone. When you enter the legal field, the jargon, the legal speak, and everything else could throw you off the chart, and you feel like you’re lost at sea. If you’ve seen any courtroom dramas, you might assume that all these lawyers do is argue in court, but their stories are way more interesting than that.
Want to know more?
Read on to find out what a civil litigation lawyer does apart from arguing in court.
What is Civil Litigation?
Before we discuss the role of civil litigation lawyer San Diego, let’s first find out what civil litigation is. As the name suggests, civil litigation is the process of viewing and trying to resolve civil matters in court. If you know criminal law, it’s usually a person against the government, but in civil cases, the dispute is between two people, two businesses, or a person against a business.
The general cases that come under civil law are:
- Property disputes
- Divorce-related cases
- Personal injury cases
- Intellectual property cases
- Employment or labor cases
- Education law cases
What Does a Civil Litigation Lawyer Do?
So, we’ve already discussed civil litigation and the cases that fall under it. Simply put, a civil litigation lawyer handles those cases and advises you about the best path you can take. They don’t just advise you but also represent you in all the proceedings, which include the pretrial hearings, depositions, arbitration, mediation, and, of course, the actual trial.
Their duties include:
- Filing motions
- Taking part in deposition hearings
- Researching the relevant laws
- Investigating and unearthing the facts about the case
- Appearing in the court on your behalf
- Drafting all the relevant documentation
- Negotiating settlements
Educational Qualifications
Alright, now we know what civil litigation lawyers do, but how can you become a civil litigation lawyer? First of all, a civil litigation lawyer must have a Juris Doctor Degree from a reputable law school that is accredited by an institution like the American Bar Association or the Canadian Bar Association. What does this mean? It means going for a four-year degree and then attending three more years in law school, after which the attorney must take the bar exam and pass it so he can be admitted to the bar of the state or province where they want to practice.
Investigation and Case Assessment
When it comes to investigation and assessments, civil litigation lawyer has different roles that they have to fulfill, depending on who they’re representing. If they’re representing the plaintiff, they have to do an initial investigation to see if there’s enough evidence to warrant a lawsuit. But if they’re working for the defendant, they will have to investigate it from their perspective and see how they can defend the client.
Whether they’re working for the defendant or the plaintiff, they have to meet the witnesses, take statements, collect any and all documents pertaining to the case, interview the client, and check every piece of evidence that could have anything to do with the case.
Drafting and Filing Pleadings
Another thing that a civil litigation lawyer is tasked with is to draft and file a wide variety of pleadings for the client they’re representing, whether it’s the defendant or the plaintiff. If they’re representing the plaintiff, they might have to draft and file the summons and the initial complaint for the lawsuit. Still, if they’re representing the defendant, they will draft answers and counterclaims regarding the initial complaint filed against their client.
Exchanging Information
Before anything happens, before even the trial, a civil litigation lawyer has to engage in the discovery process with the civil attorney from the other side. The information that they exchange could be:
- Requests for admission
- Requests for documents
- Interrogatories
- Depositions
What More Does a Civil Litigation Lawyer Do?
Apart from all of that, there’s the actual trial itself, the pretrial preparation and discovery, the settlements, and the appeals. The trials are where the civil attorneys are the busiest, as their responsibilities include presenting the case and preparing for the next day. They don’t do this alone. They have experts on hand who help them with various tasks like finding the strengths and weaknesses of the other party’s case. If we talk about settlements, you have to know that around 97% of civil cases don’t go to court because both parties opt for a settlement during the lawsuit process. Going to court is expensive, and it has risks.
Aloupas Law, P.C.: Unveiling the True Power of Civil Litigation
The role of a civil litigation lawyer is multifaceted and indispensable. At Aloupas Law, P.C., we understand the complexities and the shades of civil litigation like no other. Our expert goes beyond courtroom battles, offering strategic advice, meticulous preparation, and relentless advocacy. Whether it’s a dispute resolution, contract negotiation, or representing your interests in court, Aloupas Law, P.C. is your trusted partner in navigating the legal landscape.
Don’t let legal challenges overwhelm you. Reach out to Aloupas Law, P.C. today for expert guidance and representation. Let us be your voice and your strength in the court. Take the first step towards resolving your legal matters with confidence. Contact Aloupas Law, P.C. now!
