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Litigation in Virginia

Whether you are the plaintiff or the defendant, when you are part of a civil lawsuit in Virginia, you need a knowledgeable litigation attorney with courtroom experience to guide you through the process from filing the complaint to the trial. A civil lawsuit can be costly and have long-lasting effects on your finances. Ninety-five percent of attorneys never present a case in front of a judge or jury, but the attorneys at S.L. England, PLLC, have the courtroom experience to best protect your interests.

The Civil Litigation Process in Virginia

In Virginia, the litigation process can move quickly, so you need an attorney who understands the nuances of your civil case.

Litigation begins with the plaintiff filing a Complaint and serving it on the defendant. The defendant then files a response within 21 days of being served. This response includes the defendant's objections to the complaint and any counterclaims against the plaintiff. If the defendant fails to respond, the court may issue a default judgment in the plaintiff's favor, so if you have been served with a civil lawsuit, you should contact a litigation attorney immediately.

The next step in a civil lawsuit is Discovery, where both sides use interrogatories and depositions to gather information about the case. Settlement negotiations may occur during this time.

If the parties are unable to reach a settlement out of court before the trial date, a judge or a jury hears the case and makes a determination based on a "preponderance of the evidence."

Although exact timelines vary by jurisdiction, in District Court and Circuit Courts in Virginia, the time between filing the complaint and the trial is approximately one year. The time period is shorter in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, which is known for its "rocket docket." Your litigation attorney will tell you which court is the correct jurisdiction for your case. The attorneys at S.L. England, PLLC, have the experience to represent you in any Virginia court.

What Relief is Available?

In civil cases, the plaintiff asks the judge or jury to grant them specific relief. Usually, this is monetary damages, punitive damages, and/or attorney fees. In some cases, the plaintiff asks for injunctive relief with a court order requiring the defendant to perform or refrain from a specific action.

Types of Litigation in Virginia

The litigation attorneys at S.L. England, PLLC, represent plaintiffs and defendants in a variety of civil cases, including, but not limited to:

  • Major Business Disputes
  • Breach of Contract
  • Breach of Fiduciary Duty
  • Employment Disputes
  • Mechanic's Liens
  • Consumer Protection
  • Insurance Disputes

Do You Need a Litigation Attorney in Virginia?

Whether you are the plaintiff or the defendant in a civil lawsuit, you need an aggressive attorney to fight for you. Civil lawsuits can have serious effects on your finances for many years. Each civil case is unique, and the experienced litigation attorneys at S.L. England, PLLC, have the courtroom experience necessary to present a strong case to the judge or the jury. If you are considering filing a lawsuit, or if you have been served with one, call us today at (202) 489-0720 or contact us online.

Aggressive Representation

When you hire S.L. England, we will assign your case to a seasoned trial attorney that cares about getting results. We represent our individual clients as aggressively as represent our corporate business clients. Check our reviews on Google and Yelp to see what our clients have to say. We look forward to representing you.

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