Best Litigation Lawyers in Buffalo, NY

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Buffalo, New York?

  The Buffalo Police Department can be reached at 716-853-2222 for non-emergencies.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Buffalo, New York?

  Reports can be obtained online using this portal: https://cityofbuffalony.nextrequest.com/. To know more about getting a police report, call the Buffalo Police Headquarters at 716-851-4444 or visit the station at 68 Court Street, Buffalo, NY 14202.

• What happens during the discovery and motions phase of a case in Buffalo?

  The discovery phase is the period of a Buffalo lawsuit wherein the opposing parties will obtain evidence from each other. This includes conducting depositions and interviewing witnesses, which will be recorded by the court clerk and used during the trial. Motions for different kinds of situations can also be filed during this time. Some motions can be requested to compel a party to comply or ask the court to issue a judgment.

• When can a party to a Buffalo case request a Trial de Novo following mandatory arbitration?

  A party in a Buffalo case who does not agree with the results of the mandatory arbitration can request a new trial, also called Trial de Novo. As the name implies, the Trial de Novo means the case will start back from the beginning, and the results of the arbitration will not be considered. It is not applicable if there is a default judgment in the arbitration, which means one party did not show up at the hearing.

• How does the commercial litigation process in Buffalo usually start?

  Most of the time, commercial litigation begins with the failure of negotiation or mediation proceedings. A complaint form will be drafted and submitted to the court and afterward served to the defendant. It will contain the facts of the Buffalo case and the allegations. The defendant has to answer the complaint or file a countercomplaint within the given deadline.

• Which court should a resident of Buffalo file their case in if they are seeking damages of $10,000?

  The city court handles civil cases for damages up to $15,000. The filing is done on the first floor (Judgment Room) of the Buffalo City Court Building at 50 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14202. It can also be accomplished online through the Electronic Document Delivery System. Filing through fax or email is not allowed. Call 716-845-2663 for filing guidance from the court.

• If a civil case in Buffalo is complicated, does it take a long time to litigate it in court?

  The more complicated the civil case, the longer it takes to resolve in court. The time from the start of the Buffalo case to its litigation and resolution typically depends on several factors. These are the amount at stake, the intricacies of the case, and the number of parties involved. The court handling the case and its caseload can also affect the time frame.

• 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.