Overview

Civil litigation covers non-criminal disputes between people, businesses, or organizations. These cases often involve claims for money damages, court orders (injunctions), or enforcement of contractual and legal rights. Civil litigation can range from a single demand letter and negotiated settlement to full trial and appeal.

Attorneys in this area help evaluate the dispute, develop a strategy, preserve evidence, and pursue resolution efficiently—whether through negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or court.

Areas Commonly Included

Contract disputes (services, sales, business agreements, breach claims)

Business disputes (partners, shareholders, vendor conflicts, competition issues)

Real estate disputes (leases, property damage claims, boundary/easement issues)

Consumer and commercial claims (refunds, warranties, fraud allegations)

Employment-related disputes (wage disputes, wrongful termination claims, agreements)

Defamation and reputational harm (libel/slander allegations)

Construction disputes (scope, delays, defects, payment issues)

Collections and enforcement (unpaid invoices, judgments, liens)

Injunctions and emergency relief (stop harmful conduct, preserve rights)

What Attorneys Typically Do

Assess the merits of claims/defenses and the likely outcomes

Clarify goals (settlement, dismissal, damages, injunction, enforcement)

Send/answer demand letters and negotiate early resolution

File or respond to lawsuits and manage pleadings and motions

Handle discovery (documents, subpoenas, depositions, expert review)

Evaluate settlement options including mediation/arbitration

Prepare for hearings or trial when resolution isn’t possible

Enforce judgments and pursue post-judgment remedies when needed

When It Helps to Speak With an Attorney

You may benefit from a civil litigation consult when:

You’ve received a demand letter or lawsuit papers

A contract dispute is escalating and money is at stake

You need to act quickly to stop ongoing harm (injunction)

The other side is refusing to perform, pay, or comply

You want a realistic strategy on cost, timeline, and leverage

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