Best Litigation Attorneys in Staten Island

FAQs

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

  Dial 311 for a response from the NYPD in Staten Island non-emergencies.

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

  Generally, you can request a police report for incidents related to your case in Staten Island by submitting a request form to the New York City Police Department online or by mail. To initiate a request, complete the form found at https://a836-citypay.nyc.gov/citypay/NYPD_VCLP, and proceed to submit it either through the online platform or by mailing it to the following address: NYPD/Criminal Records Unit, 375 Pearl Street, Suite 4, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10038.

• Who are the typical clients of business litigation lawyers in Staten Island?

  In Staten Island, business litigation attorneys typically represent a diverse set of clients, from landlords and construction companies to sole proprietors and medium-sized enterprises. Besides representing banks and other financial institutions, these litigation attorneys also defend the rights of individual business clients and owners of both residential and commercial properties.

• In which New York judicial bodies do Staten Island litigation attorneys usually represent their clients?

  Staten Island litigation attorneys typically represent their clients before various New York judicial bodies, such as The New York Tax Tribunal, The New York Department of Civil Rights, and The New York State Tax Commission. At the federal level, they handle cases in state U.S. District Courts and Bankruptcy Courts. They present their cases in appeals to the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States Supreme Court.

• Which court hears civil litigation cases in Staten Island?

  On Staten Island, the Richmond County Civil Court hears civil litigation cases. The court hears civil cases involving disagreements between individuals, organizations, or entities. These cases typically involve non-criminal matters, such as contract disputes, property disputes, and personal injury claims. It's at 927 Castleton Avenue (corner of Bement Avenue), Staten Island, NY 10310.

• Can a Staten Island resident or business go to court without a litigation attorney?

  Residents and businesses on Staten Island can appear in court without the assistance of a litigation attorney. Certain small claims courts, however, forbid lawyers from participating. There are some legal issues that necessitate the assistance of litigation lawyers. These include allegations of medical malpractice, wrongful death, and unfair labor practices.

• What is the statute of limitations for civil litigation in Staten Island and the state of New York?

  The statute of limitations for civil litigation in New York varies depending on the type of case. In New York, the statute of limitations usually ranges from one to six years. The countdown begins when the offense occurs, whether it is linked to the initial or final wrongful act. When the statute of limitations runs out, the opposing party may raise this defense. Even if the claim is timely, the defendant may have a valid defense that prevents the plaintiff from pursuing their claim.

• 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.