LITIGATION - Law Overview and Attorneys

Litigation refers to the legal procedure of resolving a controversy set forth in a lawsuit from filing a claim to arguing the case before a judge. Any private dispute resolution such as negotiation, mediation, or arbitration, typically are not part of the litigation process, although courts in some cases can require parties to undergo such methods before litigation has commenced. Attorneys often specialize in litigation and can be an important asset in a lawsuit.

The Litigation Process

The litigation process begins when one party files a legal claim with a court of proper jurisdiction seeking judicial resolution of a controversy. After a claim is filed, litigation law requires the defendant to respond to the allegations within a certain amount of time. A defendant may also file a counter claim against the plaintiff, or add other parties that the defendant feels are also liable for the plaintiff's harm. Once all the parties and legal claims have been properly identified parties will have time to discover all the relevant facts of the case and build their argument. Depending on the nature of the case, this time period can range from months to years. It is not uncommon at this point in the litigation process for parties to attempt to resolve the dispute on their own as more facts come to light. If the parties do not work out the dispute prior to their court date, litigators for either side will present their case to the judge for resolution. The litigation process is complex and filled with technical legal procedure, and should not be entered without a litigation attorney.

Litigation Attorneys

Litigation attorneys specialize in crafting and arguing cases in front of a judge. They are experienced at all aspects of a trial, and are a valuable asset to any client initiating the litigation process. Parties should take the time and find an experience litigation attorney as they can provide valuable insight into the trial process and will even know local procedures and customs that may benefit your case.