There are many lawyers who specialise in different fields. From criminal lawyers to commercial lawyers, they all advise on different parts of the law. A litigation lawyer in their respective field will help you navigate the complex legal court system and recommend certain steps for you to take.
It’s physically impossible for one lawyer to know all areas because there are simply too many laws. They also don’t have any control over what you wish to do in the end, but are there to advise you.
The good thing about litigation lawyers is that they are there with you the whole time. From the start of your case, to chasing information and representing you in court, they can be relied on through the whole process.
Criminal cases
Criminal cases are when the State or Commonwealth brings a case against you. Typically penalties include fines, imprisonment or even both. The litigation lawyer is to act in your best interests in all cases. They will recommend the best course of action that will likely achieve the most favourable outcome.
This could include pleading guilty, especially if the case has a great deal of evidence against you. The risk of lying and trying to fight a solid case could prove to be worse off for you. These are all factors your litigation lawyer will be weighing up.
Civil cases
Unlike criminal cases where the case is brought against you, civil or commercial cases can be initiated by you. So you can either be the plaintiff or defendant. Whatever your position, your litigation lawyer is also to work in your best interests. They will argue your point on your behalf until the very end.
This can be done either in a court room or through alternative dispute resolution. Both are excellent methods to achieve what you need.
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Experience
A litigation lawyer has a certain skillset that you need to look for before hiring. Experienced litigation lawyers are familiar with the court procedures, judges, other lawyers and how best to navigate the case. They are familiar with how cases run, what is expected and when certain paperwork must be filed. All of this is crucial to the legitimacy of your case and helping you win.
Not all lawyers will have the knowledge to do this. They may know a lot about their industry of law but not enough to properly and efficiently represent you in court. This is why seeking a litigation lawyer specifically is important.
Costs
It is notoriously costly to conduct any legal action. Whether you are bringing the charges as the plaintiff, or defending as the defendant, chances are it will cost you quite the bill. This is where it is important to shop around. Law firms will typically provides quotes as a base price. The final bill is always much higher than the quote, often including many other costs you were not aware of.
This is where it is favourable for many people to get a fixed price. This way you are able to determine exactly how much you will be paying after your case is complete. Lawyers are unfortunately not able to guarantee the outcome of your case, but they try their best to achieve it for you.
An alternative
Besides litigation, you should also consider alternative dispute resolutions. If you need something settled, litigation may not always be the best option for you. Alternative dispute resolutions are a fantastically fast way to settle the issue without having to spend extensive time and money at court. An effective dispute resolution lawyer will be able to help you achieve your desired outcome here as well.
Conclusion
To conclude, litigation needs a special type of lawyer who is experienced with the system and court procedure. It is recommended to look around for someone instead of hiring the first one that comes your way. Prices also vary greatly, so a fixed price quote can help you keep costs down, while knowing that you interests are still being catered for. Alternatively, attempt other dispute resolution methods before you start litigation.
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