Start My Answer

What is a Civil Litigation Lawyer?

Dena Standley | May 25, 2023

Dena Standley
Legal Expert, Paralegal
Dena Standley, BA

Dena Standley is a seasoned paralegal with more than 20 years of experience in legal research and writing, having received a certification as a Legal Assistant/Paralegal from Southern Technical College.

Edited by Hannah Locklear

Hannah Locklear
Editor at SoloSuit
Hannah Locklear, BA

Hannah Locklear is SoloSuit’s Marketing and Impact Manager. With an educational background in Linguistics, Spanish, and International Development from Brigham Young University, Hannah has also worked as a legal support specialist for several years.

Summary: United States laws distinguish between criminal offenses and other wrongdoings. Civil cases occur when two or more parties disagree on an issue. The aggrieved party goes to court to seek monetary compensation or a particular action from the defendant. An attorney representing clients in non-criminal cases is a civil litigation lawyer or a civil litigator. SoloSuit can help you represent yourself in a civil case, saving your the time, money, and stress of finding a civil lawyer.

Which lawyer should you consult for the legal matter you are experiencing? That is the first question you must ask yourself because different lawyers handle specific lawsuits. For example, you would not hire an attorney specializing in domestic crimes to represent you in a debt collection lawsuit. Instead, a civil litigation lawyer would be the ideal choice.

However, civil litigation lawyers specialize further by dealing with specific laws for a particular offense. For instance, you will likely build a solid slip-and-fall case if you hire a personal injury attorney rather than a probate attorney.

Let's see what a litigation lawyer does, the type of cases they handle, and how they can help you.

Sued for debt? Settle the debt before court with the help of SoloSettle.

Settle with SoloSettle

Make an Offer

What does a civil litigation lawyer do?

Civil litigation lawyers, sometimes called litigators, prosecute or defend lawsuits to resolve disputes between two or more parties. In civil litigation, one or both parties seek monetary compensation or want a particular action addressed.

Let’s take a look at an example how a civil lawyer works

Example: Mona defaults on her credit card account. The credit card company decides to sue her. They hire a civil litigation lawyer who files the lawsuit and serves Mona with the court papers. Mona can hire a civil litigator specializing in consumer law to advise and defend her in court, or she can represent herself by learning how to win a debt collection case. SoloSuit makes it easier to represent yourself in a debt collection lawsuit—and win!


Unlike criminal lawyers who represent clients in offenses against society, civil litigation lawyers focus on breaches of contracts, business disagreements, and family law, among others. They can represent individuals, companies, or other entities in a civil dispute.

In what areas of practice do civil litigation lawyers specialize?

Civil litigation lawyers handle a variety of cases. They specialize in one or more of the following:

  • Family law
  • Personal injury law
  • Probate
  • Environment law
  • Landlord and tenant law
  • Corporate law
  • Business and finance law
  • Employment law
  • Real estate law

It's essential to seek a skilled attorney specializing in your legal issue to increase your chances of receiving a favorable outcome.

Civil litigation lawyers provide a variety of legal services

People hire litigation lawyers for their expertise. Some of the services civil litigators provide include the following:

  • Staying up-to-date with current laws and rulings: Clients depend on civil litigation lawyers to advise them on their rights and use current laws for the best possible outcome. For civil lawyers to be competent, they must stay current on changes in legislation and pertinent regulations.

  • Communicating with and on behalf of clients: When you hire a civil litigation lawyer, they handle most or all communication with the other party, the court, and witnesses. They will also update you on the lawsuit's progress and answer your questions.

  • Drafting legal documents: Court documents must follow a legal format. For example, in answering a court Summons, you should not just take a piece of notebook paper, scribble your story in paragraph form, and submit it. Civil litigation lawyers understand what each document should look like. They help their clients draft legally proper paperwork.

  • Settlement negotiations: Clients who want to settle disputes out of court can hire lawyers to represent them in the negotiations.

  • Gathering evidence: The discovery stage of the lawsuit may involve interviewing witnesses, experts, and even the client. Litigators take this step seriously if they are to build a strong case.

  • Arguing the client's case in court: It is their job to argue your case before the judge or jury. They attend hearings, present the evidence they gathered, cross-examine witnesses, and file motions on your behalf.

The skill and knowledge required to win a civil court case lead many people to hire a lawyer who is well-versed in the law. It also saves time because you must keep up with work and other family obligations.

That being said, hiring an attorney can be expensive and may even cost more than the claim against you. Luckily, services like SoloSuit can empower you to represent yourself in court—and win!

Represent yourself in a civil lawsuit

The high cost of hiring lawyers can make it hard to find legal representation, especially for civil cases with a small monetary claim. In these cases, it might be in your best interest to represent yourself.

For example, if a debt collector sues you and you cannot hire a lawyer, SoloSuit can help you draft and file an Answer to your debt lawsuit. Our software helps you personalize your Answer document to your case, and using SoloSuit can increase your chances of winning by 7x.

Watch the following video to learn how to sound like a lawyer in your debt lawsuit:

Do you need a civil litigation lawyer?

Ultimately, it’s your choice to hire a civil lawyer or not.

People hire civil litigation lawyers to save time and get advice on the best course of action. In addition, some complex legalities may mean you cannot represent yourself efficiently in court, even if you want to. An experienced attorney is also better placed to handle high-value lawsuits that involve large amounts of money.

Civil litigation lawyers help everyday clients maneuver the legal system. They gather evidence, tackle paperwork and communication, negotiate settlements, and represent clients in court. These lawyers may not attract the attention (and drama) criminal lawyers do, but they serve a significant role in the legal system.

Is hiring an attorney out of your budget? Be your own lawyer with the help of SoloSuit.

What is SoloSuit?

SoloSuit makes it easy to fight debt collectors.

You can use SoloSuit to respond to a debt lawsuit, to send letters to collectors, and even to settle a debt.

SoloSuit's Answer service is a step-by-step web-app that asks you all the necessary questions to complete your Answer. Upon completion, we'll have an attorney review your document and we'll file it for you.

>>Read the FastCompany article: Debt Lawsuits Are Complicated: This Website Makes Them Simpler To Navigate

>>Read the NPR story on SoloSuit. (We can help you in all 50 states.)

How to answer a summons for debt collection in your state

Here's a list of guides for other states.

All 50 states.



Guides on how to beat every debt collector

Being sued by a different debt collector? Were making guides on how to beat each one.


We have answers

Join our community of over 40,000 people.


You can ask your questions on the SoloSuit forum and the community will help you out. Whether you need help now are are just look for support, we're here for you.


Get Started

Win against credit card companies

Is your credit card company suing you? Learn how you can beat each one.

Going to Court for Credit Card Debt — Key Tips

How to Negotiate Credit Card Debts

How to Settle a Credit Card Debt Lawsuit — Ultimate Guide

Get answers to these FAQs

Need more info on statutes of limitations? Read our 50-state guide.

Why do debt collectors block their phone numbers?

How long do debt collectors take to respond to debt validation letters?

What are the biggest debt collector companies in the US?

Is Zombie Debt Still a Problem in 2019?

SoloSuit FAQ

If a car is repossessed, do I still owe the debt?

Is Portfolio Recovery Associates Legit?

Is There a Judgment Against Me Without my Knowledge?

Should I File Bankruptcy Before or After a Judgment?

What is a default judgment?— What do I do?

Summoned to Court for Medical Bills — What Do I Do?

What Happens If Someone Sues You and You Have No Money?

What Happens If You Never Answer Debt Collectors?

What Happens When a Debt Is Sold to a Collection Agency

What is a Stipulated Judgment?

What is the Deadline for a Defendants Answer to Avoid a Default Judgment?

Can a Judgement Creditor Take my Car?

Can I Settle a Debt After Being Served?

Can I Stop Wage Garnishment?

Can You Appeal a Default Judgement?

Do I Need a Debt Collection Defense Attorney?

Do I Need a Payday Loans Lawyer?

Do student loans go away after 7 years? — Student Loan Debt Guide

Am I Responsible for My Spouses Medical Debt?

Should I Marry Someone With Debt?

Can a Debt Collector Leave a Voicemail?

How Does Debt Assignment Work?

What Happens If a Defendant Does Not Pay a Judgment?

How Does Debt Assignment Work?

Can You Serve Someone with a Collections Lawsuit at Their Work?

What Is a Warrant in Debt?

How Many Times Can a Judgment be Renewed in Oklahoma?

Can an Eviction Be Reversed?

Does Debt Consolidation Have Risks?

What Happens If You Avoid Getting Served Court Papers?

Does Student Debt Die With You?

Can Debt Collectors Call You at Work in Texas?

How Much Do You Have to Be in Debt to File for Chapter 7?

What Is the Statute of Limitations on Debt in Washington?

How Long Does a Judgment Last?

Can Private Disability Payments Be Garnished?

Can Debt Collectors Call From Local Numbers?

Does the Fair Credit Reporting Act Work in Florida?

The Truth: Should You Never Pay a Debt Collection Agency?

Should You Communicate with a Debt Collector in Writing or by Telephone?

Do I Need a Debt Negotiator?

What Happens After a Motion for Default Is Filed?

Can a Process Server Leave a Summons Taped to My Door?

Learn More With These Additional Resources:

Need help managing your finances? Check out these resources.

How to Make a Debt Validation Letter - The Ultimate Guide

How to Make a Motion to Compel Arbitration Without an Attorney

How to Stop Wage Garnishment — Everything You Need to Know

How to File an FDCPA Complaint Against Your Debt Collector (Ultimate Guide)

Defending Yourself in Court Against a Debt Collector

Tips on you can to file an FDCPA lawsuit against a debt collection agency

Advice on how to answer a summons for debt collection.

Effective strategies for how to get back on track after a debt lawsuit

New Hampshire Statute of Limitations on Debt

Sample Cease and Desist Letter Against Debt Collectors

The Ultimate Guide to Responding to a Debt Collection Lawsuit in Utah

West Virginia Statute of Limitations on Debt

What debt collectors cannot do — FDCPA explained

Defending Yourself in Court Against Debt Collector

How to Liquidate Debt

Arkansas Statute of Limitations on Debt

Youre Drowning in Debt — Heres How to Swim

Help! Im Being Sued by My Debt Collector

How to Make a Motion to Vacate Judgment

How to Answer Summons for Debt Collection in Vermont

North Dakota Statute of Limitations on Debt

ClearPoint Debt Management Review

Indiana Statute of Limitations on Debt

Oregon Eviction Laws - What They Say

CuraDebt Debt Settlement Review

How to Write a Re-Aging Debt Letter

How to Appear in Court by Phone

How to Use the Doctrine of Unclean Hands

Debt Consolidation in Eugene, Oregon

Summoned to Court for Medical Bills? What to Do Next

How to Make a Debt Settlement Agreement

Received a 3-Day Eviction Notice? Heres What to Do

How to Answer a Lawsuit for Debt Collection

Tips for Leaving the Country With Unpaid Credit Card Debt

Kansas Statute of Limitations on Debt Collection

How to File in Small Claims Court in Iowa

How to File a Civil Answer in Kings County Supreme Court

Roseland Associates Debt Consolidation Review

How to Stop a Garnishment

Debt Eraser Review

Do Debt Collectors Ever Give Up?

Can They Garnish Your Wages for Credit Card Debt?

How Often Do Credit Card Companies Sue for Non-Payment?

How Long Does a Judgement Last?

​​How Long Before a Creditor Can Garnish Wages?

How to Beat a Bill Collector in Court

Not sued yet?

Use our Debt Validation Letter.


Out Debt Validation Letter is the best way to respond to a collection letter. Many debt collectors will simply give up after receiving it.


Let's Do It

It only takes 15 minutes.

And 50% of our customers' cases have been dismissed in the past.


"Finding yourself on the wrong side of the law unexpectedly is kinda scary. I started researching on YouTube and found SoloSuit's channel. The videos were so helpful, easy to understand and encouraging. When I reached out to SoloSuit they were on it. Very professional, impeccably prompt. Thanks for the service!" - Heather



Get Started

Contents