What is Civil Litigation
Civil litigation is the process of dispute resolution between members of a community through the court system. Civil law grants to individuals the right to sue for compensation or for specific action in matters such as breach of contract, defamation and negligence.
When can I sue someone?
If you feel that you’ve been wronged but it’s not a criminal matter to be dealt with by the Police, then you may be able to commence a lawsuit against someone. The kinds of disputes that are dealt with under civil law include disputes between: –
- Neighbours
- Customers and suppliers
- Business partners
- Landlords and tenants
- Buyers and sellers of property
- Home owners and builders
- Employees and employers
- Executors or beneficiaries in deceased estates
- Owners of copyrights and patents
- Creditors and debtors
- Accident victims
Different kinds of legal cases have different time limitations imposed so it’s important that you seek legal advice quickly to find out if you can commence legal proceedings.
How to file a lawsuit – the civil litigation process
Prior to court proceedings being commenced, the first course of action is always to seek a resolution to the dispute, saving both time and money. There are a number of alternative dispute resolution methods which can be used including roundtable negotiation, conflict mediation, conciliation, and arbitration. Dispute resolution lawyers can assist with this process.
If all attempts to settle the dispute fail, then the dispute will be taken to trial.
Trial proceedings are lengthy and somewhat complex.
The particular court forms which need to be completed to commence a civil suit vary according to the type of dispute so it’s best to seek legal advice in regard to this.
How we can help
We are experienced dispute resolution civil litigation solicitors and have proven experience across a wide range of civil suits including: –
- Commercial litigation
- Business litigation
- Employment litigation
- Unfair dismissal
- Divorce disputes
- Will disputes
- Debt recovery
- Building and property disputes
- Dividing fence disputes
- Breach of contract
- Breach of copyright
OUR TEAM
Our team is led by Zaida Patel, the director of Equitas Law Ltd which is a leading law firm based in Leicester. Zaida has 16 years post qualification has dealt with in excess of 4,000 cases in Property and Litigation during her time. She leads a skilled team of Litigants and assistants who work on your matters from beginning to end. The team consists of Zaida Patel and Dipa Gohal
COSTS
Court cases- These costs apply where your claim is in relation to an unpaid invoice which is not disputed and enforcement action is not needed. if the other party disputes your claim at any point, we will discuss any further work required and provide you with revised advice about costs if necessary, which could be on a fixed fee or on an hourly rate.
Debts up to £5,000.00- Court fee of 5%, our fees on a range of between 10%-20% plus VAT plus Disbursements.
Debts of £5,001-£10,000- Court fee of 5%, our fees on a range of between 20%-25% plus VAT plus Disbursements.
Debts of £10,001-50,000- an hourly rate of charge upon application which will be based upon the level of expertise of the lawyer on your case.
Contact us for more specific advice from an experienced litigation solicitor in Leicester about how we can assist you settle your dispute.