Best Litigation Lawyers in Irvine, CA

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Irvine, California is 949-724-7000.

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

  You can obtain a copy of a police report in Irvine by accessing the online request form through the Police Record webpage https://www.cityofirvine.org/department-administration/police-records, or you can send a notarized written request via US mail to Irvine Police Department, P.O. Box 19575, Irvine, CA 92623-9575 ATTN: Police Records. You may also visit the Business Desk located at the Police Headquarters during business hours, 7:30 a.m.-8 p.m., Monday to Friday.

• Can you represent yourself in court during your litigation in Irvine?

  Being able to represent yourself in court during litigation in Irvine or within the state of California will depend on what type of case you have. You may not need the services of a lawyer if you have court proceedings regarding family law, civil, and probate matters. If you have criminal charges or are facing heavier penalties, it is recommended to seek the legal services of a lawyer or the state can provide you with one.

• Can you recover attorney's fees and costs if you win your case in Irvine?

  Yes, it is possible to recover your attorney's fees if you win your case in Irvine. However, in order for you to be reimbursed for the attorney's fees, it should be stated in a contract or a statutory provision. Tort actions usually provide a clause for recovering attorney's fees as part of the punitive damages.

• What factors does the court consider when awarding punitive damages in Irvine?

  Factors such as the presence of oppression, malice, and fraud would warrant the court to penalize the at-fault party with punitive damages. Do note that trial courts in Irvine and the state of California seldom award punitive damages to plaintiffs because this would require more than just simple negligence on the part of the defendant.

• Can you still file an appeal after you receive an unfavorable resolution for your civil case in Irvine?

  You can still file an appeal if you receive an unfavorable resolution for your civil case in Irvine. However, in an appeal, no new evidence will be accepted, and no new witnesses will be presented. The appellate court will just have to review the whole transcript of the trial and determine if there was an error in the interpretation of the law.

• For domestic violence cases in Irvine, what are the requirements for getting a restraining order?

  In order to get a restraining order for domestic violence cases in Irvine, you need to file a restraining order form in a Superior Court. A judge will determine if there is a need for a Temporary Restraining Order, which lasts up to 21 days. The court will then decide if a permanent or extended restraining order is needed to be issued.

• 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.