Best Litigation Lawyers in Aurora, IL

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency dispatch number of the Aurora Police Department is (630) 256-5900.

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

  The Records Division of the Aurora Police Department handles walk-up requests for incident reports at their lobby’s Records Counter at 1200 E. Indian Trail Aurora, IL 60505. The division is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and can be contacted by email at recordssupportstaff@aurora.il.us or by phone at 630-256-5720.

• When do Aurora courts grant motions for summary judgment in civil litigation cases?

  An Aurora court grants motions for summary judgment in civil litigation cases in favor of those who filed them if they can demonstrate that no dispute exists regarding the material facts in the case. The undisputed facts should also show that those who filed the motion are entitled to the judgment in accordance with the law.

• What can Aurora litigators do for their clients?

  Litigators in Aurora handle the necessary post- and pre-trial work, select witnesses who will testify for their client, prepare evidence, and handle cases in court during trials. Experienced litigators can advise their clients on potential options for settlement and guide them in arbitration and mediation with the party they are in dispute with.

• What types of disputes do litigators handle in Aurora?

  Litigators in Aurora handle a wide range of cases and concerns, including:

  • Corporate and business disputes such as breaches of contract, shareholder disputes, and collections
  • Commercial and banking disputes involving fraudulent conveyances and transfers, mortgage foreclosure, etc.
  • Bankruptcy litigation
  • Real estate disputes for boundaries and mechanic’s liens
  • Probate litigation involving guardianship, will contests, and breaches of fiduciary duties
  • Mediation, arbitration, and representation in trials

• Is it possible to take legal action against the Aurora government for unconstitutional laws or ordinances?

  Yes. In January of 2023, the non-profit organization Aurora Pride challenged Aurora’s Special Events Ordinance by filing a lawsuit against the city because they claimed that the ordinance was unconstitutional, violated protected speech, and allowed the city’s officials to disrupt the Aurora Pride Parade of 2022. The U.S. District Court ruled in favor of Aurora Pride after it was determined that the law allowed police officers to act according to their own discretion and hinder event organizers if they disagreed with their constitutionally protected message.

• Are Aurora business owners legally obliged to remove snow and ice from their premises to avoid litigation?

  Yes, Aurora business owners are legally obliged to remove snow and ice from their premises including floors, parking lots, and sidewalks, and keep them reasonably dry and clear to avoid litigation. This is particularly important for businesses that are open to the public, such as shops, restaurants, malls, bars, and hotels which people visit daily. There is a high risk of accidents from negligently maintained footpaths, and people may rightly file a lawsuit if they get injured by them.

• 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.