Best Litigation Attorneys in Fort Worth

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Fort Worth, Texas?

  To receive assistance from the local police department in Fort Worth for any non-emergency situations, call 817-392-4222.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Fort Worth, Texas?

  To get police report copies for your case, visit the Fort Worth Police Department's website and use the "Report Search" service. You can also request reports by mail or email or pick them up at the Police Records Section. Provide the required information, sign the form, and include a self-addressed stamped envelope if requesting a copy by mail.

• What are the types of civil litigation in Fort Worth?

  In Fort Worth, the types of civil litigation include business litigation about contract and partnership disputes, construction law, entertainment law that focuses on legal matters in the entertainment sector, insurance law, and probate cases. These disputes may be resolved through negotiation, mediation, or trial, with individuals or entities seeking legal representation to safeguard their rights and interests.

• What issues are addressed in entertainment law in Fort Worth?

  Entertainment law in Fort Worth deals with various issues related to entertainment projects, such as contract negotiations, drafting, and review for production agreements, talent contracts, and licensing agreements. It also handles film permitting, music and other licensing agreements, merchandising contracts, and insurance matters. A litigation attorney can provide advisory services to producers in Texas to ensure compliance and resolve disputes.

• How does civil litigation work in Fort Worth?

  The civil litigation process in Fort Worth typically involves several steps. It begins with pretrial negotiation, followed by investigation, pleadings, and discovery, during which the parties exchange information. Pretrial proceedings may lead to a potential settlement. If a settlement is not reached, the case proceeds to trial, where convincing evidence is presented, and compelling arguments are made to achieve the best possible outcome. In case of an unfavorable result, the option of appealing is considered.

• What is the difference between a small claims court and a civil court in Fort Worth?

  In Fort Worth, a small claims court and a civil court handle different cases and have distinct procedural formalities. Civil court deals with complex litigation disputes involving money, property, real estate, injuries, and family matters like divorce or child custody. On the other hand, the small claims court is used for less severe cases, such as unpaid rent, loans, minor property damage, and minor contract disputes. It does not handle workers' compensation, divorce, probate, or malpractice issues.

• Why is trade secret important in Fort Worth?

  Trade secrets are vital in Fort Worth as they give businesses a competitive edge. Texas law, governed by the Texas Uniform Trade Secret Act, safeguards confidential information that holds economic value and is not widely known. These valuable assets, like formulas, patterns, financial data, and client lists, help businesses distinguish themselves. Protecting trade secrets through property agreements and swift action in identifying potential issues ensures that businesses can safeguard their valuable information and maintain their competitive advantage.

• 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.