Civil litigation is a non-criminal legal dispute. It does not always go to a trial; sometimes, they are settled in advance through pretrial settlements or legal negotiations.
Examples of Civil Litigation
Because anything that is not a criminal matter falls under the term civil litigation, there are a number of different types. Some of the most common types of civil litigation are:
- Divorce lawsuits
- Medical malpractice
- Personal injury lawsuits
- Education law cases
- Intellectual property cases
- Labor disputes or employment lawsuits
The purpose of civil litigation is to force action from the defendant, recover damages or compensation, or both action and damages.
Does Civil Litigation Take a Long Time?
The amount of time civil litigation takes depends on a number of factors. There are often various stages to civil litigation, but they are not necessary in each case. Most civil lawsuits are settled before a trial and will require settlement negotiations. Other civil lawsuits may go to trial, and then both parties will settle before the jury returns their verdict.
Even if the case settles, the timeline of civil litigation could vary significantly. It could take just a month or two, or it could take several years.
What Is the Role of an Attorney in Civil Litigation?
An attorney is key in civil litigation, especially a trial lawyer or a litigator. They will help you to prepare your case and handle the legal dispute. The discovery process can be complex and lengthy, and your civil litigation attorney will be your guide through the process. They will advocate for you and act in an advisory capacity as well as fighting your case at trial.
A civil litigation lawyer has the following skills that can help:
- Oral and written advocacy
- Negotiation
- Client development
- Interpersonal skills
- Procedural law knowledge
- Legal research software and techniques
- Logical reasoning and analytical skills
Your civil litigation attorney can help you through all the stages of the civil lawsuit, including depositions, mediation, and pretrial hearings. They will ensure they are all conducted in a way that supports your case and increases the chances of a speedy resolution.