Many people hear the word litigation and assume that means a court case. Likewise, they hear litigation attorney and figure that means the attorney will carry the case through the court system all the way to a trial in front of a judge and jury. In some cases this is true, but in many more instances, it is not. Trial attorneys and litigation attorneys in Chicago provide different, but equally important services. To help clear up the confusion, here’s a brief overview of each of these legal professionals.
Peck Ritchey Litigation Attorneys In Chicago
To fully understand the role of litigation attorneys, you need to understand that not all lawsuits go to trial. In fact, the vast majority are settled out of court thanks to the work of litigation attorneys. In Chicago, our litigation attorneys at Peck Ritchey work tirelessly on behalf of our clients to achieve an appropriate solution to their legal problems. This may include mediation, out of court settlements or going to trial.
But it all begins with the work of litigation attorneys in Chicago. These professionals handle all of the work that goes into prosecuting or defending a lawsuit long before it ever gets to the trial phase. Litigation attorneys will meet with their clients to determine if a case exists. They can file and respond to lawsuits, conduct research, interview witnesses, obtain depositions and most importantly, file and argue motions. Motions are what get a case or evidence reviewed, dismissed or reconsidered and filing them is a major part of the litigation attorney’s job. All of this is aimed at keeping the case out of the courtroom, but if it does head to court, litigation attorneys in Chicago will use their research to present your case. These lawyers can also prepare the client and witnesses for the trial.
Peck Ritchey litigation attorneys help clients from the very beginning of the case, before it is ever filed all the way through to the end when settlement is awarded. A litigator specializes in one or two specific areas of law and provides expert legal advice in those areas. Their strengths are in research, fact-finding and getting into the details of a case.
Some, but not all, litigation attorneys in Chicago are also trial attorneys. At Peck Ritchey we have both litigation and trial lawyers on staff so you will have a familiar face at your side whether the case goes to the judge and jury or not.
The Generalist Nature Of Trial Attorneys
Trial attorneys differ from litigation attorneys in their area of expertise. Most trial lawyers are generalists. That is, they do not specialize in one or two very specific areas of law like litigation attorneys in Chicago do. Instead, the trial attorney’s strength lies in his or her ability to present a case in front of a judge and jury. Trial attorneys may prosecute or defend in many areas of law without being expert in all of those areas. They will rely on the research and knowledge of the litigation attorney who has been handling the case to help them develop it for the trial. In the courtroom, the trial attorney is the one who will make statements, ask questions of witnesses and present evidence.
Again, it is possible for litigation attorneys in Chicago to also be skilled in trials but it is by no means assured.
If you’re in need of skilled probate, trust or elder law trial or litigation attorneys in Chicago, contact the attorneys at Peck Ritchey. We are committed to safeguarding our clients’ interests and have the skills and experience needed to do so.