Understanding the Role of a Civil Litigation Attorney

A civil litigation attorney is a legal professional who represents clients in civil disputes, handling both plaintiffs and defendants. They oversee various stages of legal proceedings, including investigation, evidence collection, pre-trial preparations, trial, settlement negotiations, and appeals. Their responsibilities vary depending on the nature of the case and their client’s position. Plaintiffs initiate lawsuits, while defendants defend against claims. To become a civil litigator, one must earn a Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-accredited law school.

Educational requirements include completing a four-year undergraduate program, followed by three years of law school, and passing the bar exam to practice in a particular state.

The legal process for civil litigators involves several steps:

Case Evaluation and Evidence Gathering
When representing a client, attorneys assess evidence to file a lawsuit or defend against one. Pre-litigation settlement discussions may occur to resolve disputes before formal filing.

During this phase, both sides may negotiate to settle the matter out of court.

Pleading Drafting and Discovery
In this stage, plaintiffs draft and submit complaints to start legal action, while defendants respond with answers and counterclaims. Both parties exchange relevant information through interrogatories.

Pre-Trial and Appellate Procedures
Attorneys prepare for courtroom proceedings by organizing evidence, consulting experts, and developing trial strategies. If either party disagrees with a court decision, they can pursue appeals by presenting reasons and new evidence to challenge the verdict.