Law Firm Guide
Written by: Aliciya Morgan
Civil Lawsuits
1.Hire a lawyer
2.Plaintiff’s lawyer files a complaint
3.Court sends the defendant a summons to appear in court at a given date and time
4.Defendant responds to the charges by filing an answer to the complaint
5.The Discovery phase
6.Plaintiff and Defendant present their sides of the case in
7.Court issues a verdict
Court Fees
The judge may order the Defendant to pay fees if the plaintiff prevails:
*Expert witnesses fees
* Court Reporter fees
* Constructing Exhibits
* Reproduction Costs
* Misc. Legal costs
*Expert witnesses fees
* Court Reporter fees
* Constructing Exhibits
* Reproduction Costs
* Misc. Legal costs
Summons
A Document telling the Defendant to appear in court on a certain day and time
Complaint
Involves both Defendant and Plaintiff describing the lawsuits.
Pleadings
The Complaint and the Answer combined. Lawyers can gather evidence to support their case.
Pretrial Conference
judge meets with both parties to clarify differences and prepare for trial.
Arbitration
The use of an arbitrator to settle a dispute.
Mediation
Intervention in a dispute in order to resolve it .
Appeal
a serious urgent request made to the public.
Civil Law
The system of law concerned with private relations between members of a community rather than criminal, military, or religious affairs.