Best Litigation Attorneys in Rochester

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency contact numbers for the Rochester Police Department are 311 and (585) 428-6720.

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

  You may get a copy of police reports for incidents related to your case at the Accident/Records Section of the Rochester Police Department, located at the City Public Safety Building, 185 Exchange Blvd. It is open from Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• How is the Rochester civil litigation process initiated?

  Civil litigation in Rochester is initiated when one party files a lawsuit, with the defendant typically given 20 days to respond once served with a summons. Once the defendant has responded, both parties exchange relevant information through the discovery process. The lawsuit may be then resolved at trial or through alternative dispute resolution methods.

• Do all Rochester cases go to trial?

  Due to the costs and risks involved, most cases in Rochester do not go to trial. Instead, they are resolved through a settlement agreement between the parties or by pre-trial motions for accelerated judgment, which asks the court to reach a determination on the case without a trial. Such motions include motions for summary judgment and motions to dismiss.

• Which court do Rochester cases go to?

  Code violations, evictions, and small claims cases are heard at the Rochester City Court, while felony criminal charges are handled at the Monroe County Courts. Monroe County also has a Family Court for cases involving child custody and support, child abuse and neglect, domestic violence, and juvenile delinquency. Finally, the Monroe County Supreme Court often hears complex civil and criminal cases.

• What is the difference between mediation and arbitration in Rochester?

  Those in Rochester who seek to resolve their cases faster and with lower costs may opt to use alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation or arbitration. In mediation, a neutral third party listens to each party’s position and attempts to reach a negotiated, non-binding resolution. Meanwhile, arbitration is where a single person or a panel of people helps all parties reach a binding decision.

• What are statutes of limitation in Rochester lawsuits?

  Statutes of limitation refer to the time limits on when businesses and individuals in Rochester must file a lawsuit against another party. Some statutes of limitation are activated when a violation or issue first takes place, while others begin at the discovery of one’s damages. Failing to adhere to the deadlines set by federal and state courts may result in the dismissal of one’s case.

• 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.