Best Litigation Attorneys in San Francisco

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in San Francisco, California?

  The phone number of the San Francisco Police Department for non-emergency situations is 415-553-0123.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in San Francisco, California?

  An incident report can be requested in person at San Francisco Police Headquarters every Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding holidays. The Crime Information Services Unit at 1245 Third Street handles requests for incident reports.

• Do San Francisco construction managers require any kind of license to carry out their duties?

  It varies. When working on projects involving public property in San Francisco, construction supervisors are required to get a license. According to Gov Code 4525(e), management of construction activities on public works may only be supplied by a registered engineer, licensed architect, or licensed general contractor. On the other hand, if the construction manager is working on private property, they do not require a license.

• What is the time frame in San Francisco for filing a civil appeal?

  There are tight procedures and deadlines associated with filing civil appeals in San Francisco. For instance, petitioners have only 180 days to submit their Notice of Appeal, which serves as their formal declaration that they wish to challenge the court's judgment. It is also difficult to submit an appeal after this time limit, even with extensions.

• If your San Francisco company is being sued, should you look into alternative dispute resolution instead of going to court?

  Yes. Instead of filing a lawsuit in court, you should consider using an alternative conflict resolution process, such as arbitration or mediation. You might be able to settle a dispute without going to San Francisco court in some circumstances. Alternative dispute resolution techniques are desirable because they can be quicker and cheaper than a trial and can aid the parties in reaching a conclusion more rapidly.

• Are you required to hire a San Francisco litigation lawyer if you attend their initial consultation?

  No, if you attend the San Francisco litigation lawyer's initial session, you are not required to hire them. It is, therefore, advisable to select several possible attorneys and set up initial discussions. Take advantage of the chance to inquire about their background, approach, and costs. Take note of their communication style as well as how at ease you feel dealing with them.

• What privileges do you have as a renter in San Francisco regarding repairs?

  In San Francisco, you're entitled to the right to occupy a livable home that complies with minimum health and safety requirements. The leased property's upkeep and fast completion of necessary repairs are normally the landlord's responsibilities. State law specifies the circumstances in which renters may withhold rent if a landlord fails to maintain a rental property per specified criteria.

• What does a litigation attorney do?

  Litigation attorneys offer comprehensive legal representation before, during, and after litigation—aka the lawsuit. They provide initial consultations, investigate legal issues, draft pleadings, and oversee the discovery process. While litigators often are responsible for negotiating settlements and keeping cases out of court, their main job is presenting facts to a judge or jury at trial. Litigation attorneys also handle appeals and post-trial motions.

• Can an individual or business go to court without a litigation attorney?

  Generally, it’s possible to go to court without hiring a litigation attorney. In fact, lawyers are prohibited from practicing in some small claims courts. However, other cases are nearly impossible to prove without professional assistance. These include medical malpractice claims, wrongful death lawsuits, complex real estate disputes, and employment law cases. When assessing the feasibility of pro se representation, or representing oneself, individuals and businesses should evaluate their ability to develop a strategy, prepare legal documents, and present their case effectively. To prevail, plaintiffs must have a complete understanding of the law, local rules of civil procedure, and the facts of the case.

• What’s the difference between a lawyer and a litigator?

  Litigators, also called trial lawyers, are attorneys who present cases in the courtroom before a judge or jury. They may represent plaintiffs or defendants, including individuals and companies, in civil matters. Litigators investigate lawsuits, facilitate the discovery process, and prepare legal documents. While they may negotiate settlements, they’re equipped to take each case to court to achieve the best outcome for their clients.

• What’s the difference between a lawsuit and litigation?

  A lawsuit is a formal legal action that begins when the plaintiff files a complaint with the court. Litigation is a broad term that describes the entire process of resolving a dispute from sending notice of intent to sue, through pretrial preparations and beyond. It also includes settlement negotiations, courtroom proceedings, and appeals.

• What’s the difference between arbitration, mediation, and litigation?

  Arbitration, mediation, and litigation are three of the most common methods of resolving legal disputes. With arbitration, a case is heard by a panel of individuals called arbitrators who function as judges. In most cases, the parties are bound to the outcome. Mediation is typically a nonbinding process where discussions are facilitated by a single intermediary called a mediator. With litigation, a case is heard in a courtroom before a judge and jury, which is the most costly and time-consuming option, so it’s best suited for disputes that can’t be worked out using alternative methods.

• What is a civil lawsuit?

  A civil lawsuit is a court-based legal dispute between two parties that seeks court intervention and does not include punishment for a crime. While most civil lawsuits seek monetary compensation, they may also involve the pursuit of court action, such as a cease-and-desist order or an injunction. Since the majority of civil lawsuits are settled out of court, the process of pursuing a lawsuit usually begins with negotiations between the two parties. Any lawsuits that are not resolved through a settlement may go to trial and are decided by a judge or jury.

• What is a civil litigation lawyer?

  A civil litigation lawyer is a trial lawyer or litigator who specializes in handling all of the procedures involved in filing a civil lawsuit. Litigation is the process of resolving legal disputes between two parties, including before, during, and after a civil trial. A civil litigation lawyer may represent the person filing the lawsuit or the person being sued.

• What is a pre-litigation attorney?

  Because most civil lawsuits are resolved between the two parties, a pre-litigation attorney is any civil litigation attorney that can facilitate negotiations or a settlement prior to any legal action being taken. Some disputes may be settled through mediation, arbitration, or agreements and don't require any further legal action after a settlement has been reached.

• What does a commercial litigator do?

  A commercial litigator is a civil litigation attorney who specializes in disputes that involve companies rather than individuals. Commercial litigation is usually much more complicated than legal disputes between individuals and typically filed in the federal rather than the state court system. Commercial litigators also handle employment disputes between companies and individuals who are workers.

• How can I file a lawsuit against a company?

  Although you could file a lawsuit on your own, it's better to consult with a civil litigation attorney that's experienced in resolving disputes and negotiating settlements. The first step in filing a lawsuit should involve communication with the company in an attempt to reach an agreement. An experienced attorney is in a better position to reach a settlement that's in your best interest. Because lawsuits involve numerous steps, including filing motions, discovery, and other legal proceedings, you are better off working with an experienced professional rather than attempting to navigate the legal system on your own.