How The Civil Justice System Operates

Bringing a claim in civil court is the legal mechanism by which a person or group can seek monetary compensation from another individual, business, or government.

Different Forms of Civil Suits

Many kinds of disputes will end up in civil court, all of which will significantly affect the law. An experienced civil litigator will typically focus their practice on one area of law. The most typical civil litigation will consist of environmental law, medical malpractice, intellectual property disputes, etc.

About Civil Litigators

Unlike criminal cases, civil cases are handled by a civil litigator or attorney. In such cases, one party or entity may seek compensation from another for losses sustained. Personal identities, relationships, and private property frequently become focal points in civil litigation.

Given the nature of their work, civil attorneys need to be excellent communicators and adept at mediating disputes. Lawyers specializing in civil litigation must quickly and accurately assimilate complex factual and material information to represent their clients' best interests.

Difference Between Criminal and Civil Litigators

Separating criminal lawyers from civil lawyers is important. In contrast to criminal attorneys, who handle cases involving wrongs committed against the public, the state, or society, civil attorneys focus on cases involving wrongs committed between members of the same society. The scope of civil law is comprehensive, including but not limited to family law, corporate law, property law, etc.

Most attorneys who practice civil law specialize in one of these areas. However, some attorneys may offer representation in more than one area of law. A general practice lawyer is a civil lawyer who does not focus on a specific area of law.

What a Civil Litigator Does

A lawyer who handles civil litigation does not represent clients in criminal cases. Anyone from citizens to governmental agencies to big corporations could be their client. Civil lawyers can advise you on your legal options and strategies in court.

As a starting point, civil lawyers will typically be responsible for the following tasks:

Researching pertinent laws

Investigations relevant to the case

Filing motions and responding to the other side's

Conducting or participating in depositions

Handling legal documents

Appearing in court and representing their clients

Negotiating settlements