The topic of civil litigation is one that is prevalent throughout news stories and other media, but do you truly know what this term is referring to? Have no fear, this article is here to answer all of your questions surrounding this facet of public interest law. Although it may initially appear complex in its terminology, civil litigation is easily understood once broken down and described in the context of the work done by an attorney.
Civil litigation, put simply, is a legal process in which criminal penalties and charges are not under discussion. More specifically, it is a legal dispute between at least two parties, possibly more, in which a specified action, performance, or money damage is the intended result. Although this process is held in a courtroom amongst the presence of a judge and jury, mediation and arbitration are advance settlement while saving parties from having to appear in court.
The definition of civil litigation may seem rather broad, which is necessary due to of all the different types and variants of law that it encompasses. Just a few examples are environmental, employment, education, housing, real estate, liability, antitrust, and even divorce lawsuits. The particular lawyer who specializes in this form of law is known as a trial lawyer or litigator. Civil litigation lawyers are presented with challenging and unique situations on a daily basis, causing them to cultivate a wide-ranging skill set that allows them to advocate for their varying clients amongst a dispute. These skills include negotiating, team and individual communication, and both oral and written advocacy, along with advanced legal training. Litigators often work long hours and engage with daily activities such as client interviews, drafting, and arguing for the best result for their particular client.
The time span of civil litigation cases can vary because, although there is a common standard of steps for the process, not all lawsuits pass through all stages of the process. Most cases spend the majority of their time in the discovery stage, in which information is accumulated by both parties to form the basis of their arguments. Often a settlement will be reached before the process even reaches the door of the courtroom, despite what is frequently portrayed in popular culture.
If you believe you are in need of a civil litigation attorney, contact Matthew L. Collins Law Office to discuss your concerns. The Law office of Matthew L. Collins is located in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky and serves the Central Kentucky area, including the counties of Anderson, Woodford, Fayette, and Franklin.