What does a litigation & disputes lawyer do?
Litigation lawyers handle disputes that may end up in court, such as breach of contract, unpaid debts, property and partnership disputes, and appeals. They also negotiate settlements and use mediation or arbitration to avoid trial where possible.
Before you sue
US courts generally follow the "American rule": each side pays its own lawyer, unless a contract or statute says otherwise. Small claims courts handle lower-value cases quickly, often without lawyers, and the limit varies by state. Deadlines (statutes of limitations) apply to every type of claim.
How it works in Europe
In most European countries the losing party pays a significant share of the winner's legal costs, so the financial risk of litigation is higher. The European Small Claims Procedure can be used for cross-border claims up to €5,000.
Questions to ask before you hire a litigation & disputes lawyer
- How strong is my case, honestly, and what could I realistically recover?
- What will it cost to take this all the way, and what could I recover from the other side?
- Is mediation worth trying first?
- What is the time limit for bringing my claim?