The Types of Litigation Lawyers and How They Can Help

There are various types of litigation lawyers to help you with your legal needs.

Here are the details to know.

Introduction

Other than lawyers and judges, very few people actually want to find themselves in a courtroom. And many never think they will have a need to find a lawyer. But sometimes it happens whether we want it to or not. You may find yourself on the side that has no other choice but to take legal action – or you may be the one who had a case filed against you in a court of law.

Regardless of what side you are on, having an attorney represent you is important. Thankfully there are different types of litigation lawyers so that you always have someone who will know just how to handle your dispute – both inside the courtroom and out.

Let’s take a look at the types of litigation lawyers there are.

What is Litigation?

Litigation is the process of taking legal action. If there is a situation in which two parties are unable to come to a resolution between themselves, one or both of the parties may agree to take the case to court. In other words, the term litigation is just a broad term for the long, drawn-out process of coming to a resolution, whether favorable or not. Though it is important to note that litigation begins well before anyone steps foot into the courtroom – and may never even require the court at all.

So, what is litigation? It involves many steps.

• Investigating the case. An attorney approaches every case by carefully looking at the details. This will include checking out the facts and obtaining proof to build a case.
• Making demand. Once a case is built, demand can be made as appropriate to the other party. This amount is often higher than expected, but it shows the other side that you have proof and will take legal action if necessary. The hope is to settle before a lawsuit has to be filed, but this doesn’t always work.
• Mediation or arbitration (if chosen). Again, in an attempt to avoid a lengthy and expensive trial, some may choose to go through alternative resolution methods, such as mediation or arbitration. Both parties attempt to come together and find a solution.
• The court process. This is the most common step of litigation. It involves all of the little pieces of the process, including discovery, motions, and the trial itself.
• Finally, the litigation doesn’t end when the court case does. There is still more work for an attorney to do to have a file closed out in their office.

So what does a litigation lawyer do? There are many different types of lawyers, but a litigator is one who represents a party that is in the middle of a dispute. Approaching these cases unrepresented can leave an individual or company vulnerable – especially when the other side has legal representation. The key is to find the right type of litigation lawyer for your particular situation.

Different Types of Litigation Lawyers

As we said, litigation involves the process of resolving a dispute between two parties. And this can come in many different forms. Let’s take a look at a few of the most common types of cases – and the lawyers that can help.

Civil Litigation Lawyers

Civil litigation is a huge category for attorneys – and it is one of the most common areas of practice for many. It is for individuals who are looking to receive compensation civilly, rather than criminally, for a case. This broad area of practice for lawyers can include:

• Personal injury cases
• Real estate or construction disputes
• Medical malpractice
• Product liability
• Landlord/tenant disputes
• Contract disputes

Civil litigation lawyers are sometimes referred to as litigators or trial lawyers – and they represent those who have non-criminal cases.

Administrative Litigation Lawyers

Sometimes administrative litigation can fall under civil litigation and other times it stands on its own. This type of law is about reviewing and challenging decisions made by governmental bodies. This means challenging things like permits and licenses as well as seeking comprehensive plan amendments and questioning zoning decisions. In California, administrative litigation lawyers cover areas of law pertaining to various government programs such as California licensing boards, Social Security Disability (SSD), and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Those who are challenging a ruling body should never try to take matters into their own hands. Administrative litigation lawyers are the best option for ensuring the right strategy.

Business and Commercial Litigation Lawyers

Business litigation involves disputes that arise between partners, shareholders, business owners, competitors, vendors, lenders, and more. Commonly, this may include arguments over:

• Contracts – or breach of contracts
• Breach of fiduciary duty
• Copyright or trademark infringement
• Fraud
• Class action
• Product liability
• Unfair competition
• Defamation
• Construction disputes
• Indemnity
• Environmental concerns
• Trade regulation
• Antitrust regulation

These attorneys work with individuals and businesses in all types of industries, though it is good to find one that specializes in your particular area. They will best know how to develop a litigation strategy to get you the resolution you are looking for.

The Benefit of Hiring the Right Attorney

There are so many different types of law that attorneys can focus on. And even though an attorney may be able to handle any type of case, it is in your best interest to find an attorney that has experience in whatever it is you need. For instance, if you are looking for someone who can help you resolve a business contract issue, you will want a commercial or business litigation attorney. But if you need help with a landlord-tenant issue, then a civil litigation lawyer may be the one to turn to. Keep in mind that these are both broad categories so you will want to ask about experience.

The more experienced your attorney, the greater chance you have of reaching a successful resolution. So that means finding an attorney with the right focus. Remember, there are many different types of situations that require a litigation lawyer, such as contract disputes, class action lawsuits, landlord/tenant disputes, medical malpractice or other personal injury claims, and so forth.

Take the time to work with a referral service so that you have access to the best attorney for your cases.