Best Litigation Attorneys in St. Louis

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in St. Louis, Missouri?

  The non-emergency number of the Metropolitan Police Department for the city of St. Louis is 314-231-1212.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in St. Louis, Missouri?

  You may obtain a copy of a St. Louis police report at https://pd-stlouismo.govqa.us/WEBAPP/_rs/(S(bev1gaw5efoogahzosvlpoze))/SupportHome.aspx. Charges for accessing reports are implemented following the guidelines of the Missouri Sunshine Law Section 610.023(3). These charges encompass fees of $.10 per page for copying, as well as the duration taken to locate the report.

• What are the types of cases a St. Louis civil litigation attorney handles?

  St. Louis litigation attorneys handle a diverse range of civil lawsuits, covering scenarios like car accidents, contractual conflicts, personal injury claims, product liability issues, and matters concerning employment law. Given the extensive scope of potential cases falling under civil litigation, a litigation attorney needs to possess expertise across various practice areas. They should also have a track record of adeptly representing clients in hearings, trials, and mediations within state and local judicial settings.

• Who is more adept at managing appeals in St. Louis, trial lawyers or appellate lawyers?

  Seeking counsel from a seasoned appellate attorney in St. Louis is prudent due to the unique nature of tasks related to appeals. The appellate procedure is technically complex, which sets it apart from the responsibilities of trial lawyers. Furthermore, appellate lawyers assess the probability of a favorable appeal outcome and ensure the client's appellate argument is presented in the most effective manner.

• What are the alternative fee structures offered by litigation attorneys in St. Louis?

  St. Louis litigation lawyers present clients with options beyond the conventional methods of upfront retainers and billing by the hour; these choices cover contingency-based payment systems, fixed-rate invoicing, and a blend of hourly and contingency approaches. These flexible fee structures cater to individuals who may lack the means to cover substantial upfront retainers and steep monthly charges, which are required to take on a large opponent in court.

• Can an individual or business go to court without a litigation attorney in St. Louis?

  In some instances, individuals and businesses in St. Louis can appear in court without enlisting the services of a litigation lawyer. In particular, legal practitioners are not allowed to participate in certain small claims courts. However, several types of cases require the services of a skilled litigation attorney, including medical malpractice, wrongful death, and real estate disputes. When gauging the viability of self-representation, assess the capability of the client to formulate a strategic approach, draft legal documentation, and adeptly present an argument.

• What types of commercial cases do St. Louis litigation lawyers handle?

  St. Louis litigation attorneys handle a range of business issues, including conflicts within partnerships, contract breaches, and instances of disregarding non-compete and confidentiality arrangements. Frequently, business disagreements have the potential for extrajudicial resolution, even when a lawsuit has already been filed. A skilled business litigation attorney can adeptly engage in negotiations on a company's behalf, introducing innovative and effective solutions.

• 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.