Legal disputes may arise in any personal, business, or contract relationship. Although most disputes can be resolved amicably, many disputes result in one of the parties starting a lawsuit against one or more of the other parties. You should consult with and be represented by an attorney to protect your rights.


Litigation Attorneys

Litigation is a specialized field of law practice. As society has become increasingly litigious, the need for skilled and experienced litigation attorneys has grown.

Litigation attorneys are particularly helpful to:

• Help client plan so disputes can be minimized.
• Guide clients from the moment a dispute arises.
• Advise and counsel as to a client's legal rights.
• Assist a client in considering alternatives to litigation.
• Devise strategies for litigation and settlement negotiations.
• Represent the client in a lawsuit, arbitration, or other dispute resolution proceeding.

Almost any dispute concerning legal rights can be litigated. Some of the most common areas of litigation are:

• Commercial Litigation: Written and oral contract and business relationships.

• Employment Law: Employer/employee matters; disputes regarding compensation and benefits; collective bargaining contracts; civil rights violations; state and federal employment law investigations.

• Real Estate and Construction: Title to land; mortgage, land contract, and landlord/tenant dispute; residential and commercial construction; boundary disputes.

• Debtor/Creditor: Bankruptcy; debt collection matters; receiverships; enforcement of judgments.

• Tax Law: Appeals of state and federal assessments; income tax; withholding liability; real estate and personal property tax.

Litigators are valuable in counseling a client prior to the client's entering into a relationship which has a potential for dispute. An experienced litigator may assist in drafting contracts, negotiating business matters, and advising the client of rights and liabilities which may be involved in a transaction or relationship.


Alternative Dispute Resolution

As the costs of litigation have risen, parties increasingly have resorted to binding arbitration, mediation, and other means of resolving their disputes. While these often result in fewer litigation expenses than those incurred in the courts, the same legal rights are at issue. The services of a litigation attorney are required to fully advocate the rights and defenses of the client.


What Should You Do Next?

Contact us to counsel you on your rights and liabilities in personal and business relations, if you are about to be sued, if you are being sued, or if you believe that your rights can only be protected by filing a lawsuit or pursuing alternative dispute resolution.