Civil Litigation

Our Litigation Practice

Our litigation practice handles complex business, intellectual property, and construction litigation matters across Virginia and Washington, DC.  Below is a breakdown of our areas of focus:

Commercial Litigation

• • Contract Disputes
  • EDVA Litigation
  • Fraud
  • Breach of Fiduciary Duty
  • Partnership disputes
  • Restrictive Covenants
  • Defamation
  • Business Conspiracy

Intellectual Property Litigation

• • Copyrights
  • Trademarks
  • Trade Secrets
  • Unfair Competition

Construction Litigation

• • Payment Disputes and Mechanic’s Liens
  • Construction Contract Disputes
  • Construction Defects
  • Professional Negligence Claims

Our experience encompasses a wide variety of commercial and intellectual property disputes, including cases involving breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, partnership disputes, conversion, fraud, fraudulent conveyances, unfair competition, Civil RICO, and other business torts.  Our intellectual property litigation attorneys focus on disputes involving trademark, copyright, and trade secrets misappropriation and misuse.

From pre-litigation counseling to trial practice, we provide our clients with trusted guidance through all stages of litigation, always keeping our clients’ business interests at the forefront.

Virginia and Washington, DC, Jurisdictions We Cover

Among other jurisdictions, we commonly represent clients in the following Virginia and Washington, DC, jurisdictions:

• District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA)
• District Court for the Western District of Virginia (WDVA)
• District Court for the District of Columbia (DDC)
• Alexandria City Circuit Court
• Alexandria City General District Court
• Fairfax County Circuit Court
• Fairfax County General District Court
• Superior Court for the District of Columbia
• Arlington County Circuit Court
• Arlington County General District Court
• Loudoun County Circuit Court
• Loudoun County General District Court
• Prince William County Circuit Court
• Prince William County General District Court

Our Civil Litigation Approach

Litigation has the potential for many outcomes and the strategy is highly dependent on the facts of your particular case.  In some cases, reaching a settlement is the most practical and cost-effective option.  In these cases, our team negotiates and advocates on your behalf to receive the most profitable settlement for you.  Whether this means receiving a hefty monetary sum or some type of injunctive relief, our attorneys evaluate your case and goals to reach the best possible outcome.

In other cases, settlement may not be the best option, whether it be because of a significant settlement amount, or the strong merits of the case give you a high likelihood of success at trial.  In these cases, our experienced trial lawyers will assess the strengths and weaknesses of your case, prepare for trial, and argue your case while keeping your litigation costs in mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is civil litigation? Civil litigation refers to the legal process of resolving disputes between individuals, businesses, or other entities through the court system. Unlike criminal cases, which involve prosecution by the government for violations of public law, civil litigation deals with private disputes and seeks remedies such as monetary damages or specific performance.

What types of cases fall under civil litigation? Civil litigation encompasses a wide range of legal disputes, including but not limited to:

• Contract disputes
• Personal injury claims
• Employment disputes
• Real estate litigation
• Business disputes
• Intellectual property disputes
• Construction litigation
• Landlord-tenant disputes

What is the role of a civil litigation attorney? A civil litigation attorney represents clients involved in legal disputes and guides them through the litigation process. Their responsibilities may include:

• Evaluating the merits of the case
• Conducting legal research
• Drafting pleadings, motions, and other legal documents
• Negotiating settlements
• Representing clients in court hearings and trials
• Advocating for their clients’ rights and interests

How long does civil litigation take? The duration of civil litigation varies depending on various factors, including the complexity of the case, the willingness of parties to negotiate, court schedules, and procedural requirements. Some cases may be resolved relatively quickly through settlement negotiations, while others may take months or even years to reach a resolution through trial.

What are the stages of civil litigation? Civil litigation typically involves several stages, including:

• Pre-filing investigation and demand letters
• Filing of the complaint and response
• Discovery, which involves gathering evidence and information from both parties, sending and receiving witness and document subpoenas, and conducting depositions
• Pre-trial motions and hearings
• Settlement negotiations or alternative dispute resolution
• Trial, if the case does not settle

How can I prepare for civil litigation? If you are considering or involved in civil litigation, it’s essential to:

• Consult with a qualified civil litigation attorney to assess your case
• Gather relevant documents and evidence to support your claims
• Maintain open communication with your attorney and provide honest and accurate information
• Be prepared for various outcomes, including settlement negotiations or trial proceedings
• Follow your attorney’s advice and instructions throughout the litigation process

Can civil litigation be settled out of court? Yes, many civil disputes are resolved through settlement negotiations or alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation or arbitration. Settlement offers an opportunity for parties to reach a mutually agreeable resolution without the time, expense, and uncertainty of a trial. However, if settlement negotiations fail, the case may proceed to trial for adjudication by a judge or jury.

How much does civil litigation cost? The cost of civil litigation varies depending on factors such as the complexity of the case, attorney fees, court filing fees, expert witness fees, and other expenses. Some attorneys may offer fee structures such as hourly rates, contingency fees, or flat fees for certain services. It’s essential to discuss potential costs and fee arrangements with your attorney upfront to avoid any surprises.

What are the potential outcomes of civil litigation? The outcome of civil litigation depends on the specific facts and circumstances of each case. Possible outcomes may include:

• Settlement agreements outlining terms for resolution
• Court judgments awarding monetary damages or other relief
• Dismissal of claims if the court finds insufficient evidence or legal basis
• Appeals to higher courts challenging trial court decisions

Schedule a Civil Litigation Consultation

Our team litigates regularly in the District Court of the Eastern District of Virginia, Virginia state courts, and state and federal courts across the District of Columbia.  We handle a variety of civil practice areas including federal civil litigation, business representation, intellectual property disputes, and arbitrations and mediations.  If you have any questions about your specific legal matter, contact our Office to speak with one of our civil litigation attorneys.