Federal Court
Federal Court Litigation Attorneys
Federal litigation refers to legal proceedings in the federal court system of the United States. This system is separate from the state court systems and deals with cases that involve federal laws, constitutional issues, or parties from different states. Our highly skilled litigators will be with you throughout the litigation process.
How We Can Help
Filing the Complaint or Petition: The litigation process usually begins when a plaintiff files a complaint or petition in the appropriate federal court. This document outlines the facts of the case, the legal claims being asserted, and the compensation sought.
Service of Process: After filing the complaint, the plaintiff must serve the defendant (the party being sued) with a copy of the complaint and a summons. This informs the defendant of the lawsuit and provides instructions on how to respond.
Answer and Counterclaims: The defendant typically has 21 days to file an answer to the complaint (or 60 days if the defendant is the United States). The answer responds to the allegations made by the plaintiff. The defendant may also assert counterclaims against the plaintiff if they have any legal claims of their own from the same events.
Discovery: Once the initial pleadings are filed, both parties engage in the discovery process. This involves gathering evidence, documents, and information relevant to the case. Discovery methods include depositions, interrogatories, requests for documents, and requests for admissions.
Motions: Throughout the litigation process, both parties can file various motions to request specific actions from the court. Common motions include motions to dismiss, motions for summary judgment, and motions to exclude or admit evidence.
Pretrial Conference: The court may schedule a pretrial conference to discuss the case’s status, potential settlement, and other procedural matters. This can help streamline the trial process and resolve any outstanding issues before trial.
Trial: If the case isn’t resolved through settlement or summary judgment, a trial is conducted. Here, both parties present their arguments, evidence, and witnesses before a judge or jury. The outcome of the case is determined based on the presented evidence and applicable law.
Verdict and Judgment: After the trial, the judge or jury delivers a verdict. If the plaintiff prevails, the court will issue a judgment outlining the relief granted. If the defendant wins, the case is dismissed, and the plaintiff does not receive any compensation.
Appeals: Either party can appeal the trial court’s decision to a higher court, typically an appellate court. If a party believes the trial court made a mistake in applying the law, they can seek a reversal or modification of the judgment.
Enforcement: If the judgment favors the plaintiff and the defendant fails to comply voluntarily, the plaintiff may need to take steps to enforce the judgment, such as pursuing additional legal actions to collect awarded damages.
Attorneys You Can Trust
We are dedicated to efficient, streamlined litigation. Our litigation attorneys routinely partner with senior associates, associates, professional staff, and recognized subject matter experts to achieve the best result for our clients.
Get in touch with our team today.