How to Ensure You Receive the Right Legal Support for Your Case
When confronted with a legal matter, you’ll likely have numerous questions: Is my case valid? Can this issue be resolved outside of court? How long will the legal process take? An experienced legal professional can address these inquiries and any other concerns you may have. However, how do you know which type of legal advocate to approach for your case?
Choosing the correct law firm can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Understanding the distinctions between a lawyer and a litigator can help you determine where to seek the necessary legal guidance. Keep reading to learn more, or reach out to our law office, and we’ll address any questions or concerns you may have regarding legal representation.
What is a Lawyer?
A lawyer, also known as a counselor, counsel, or attorney, is an individual certified to provide legal advice and representation. Lawyers must undergo rigorous training to obtain their licensure, with each licensed lawyer having graduated from law school and passed the bar exam in their jurisdiction.
They also need to pass character and background tests and take an oath to uphold the law before beginning their law practice.
What Does a Lawyer Do?
The daily activities of a lawyer can vary greatly depending on the area of law they practice. Lawyers offer a wide array of services to their clients, including legal advice, courtroom representation, and drafting legal documents. While some lawyers specialize in specific areas, such as criminal defense or estate law, others provide more general legal services.
Services such as writing agreements, drafting contracts, and creating wills are all examples of what a lawyer may offer their clients. Additionally, a lawyer may choose to represent their client in court. If they do, they will be responsible for gathering, documenting, and presenting evidence and arguments to the judge or jury.
What is a Litigator?
A litigator is a lawyer who helps clients resolve disputes with individuals, businesses, groups, or government entities through legal means. The litigation process may involve lawsuits, negotiations, trials, settlements, appeals, and more. Although most cases can be settled before a trial becomes necessary, a litigator is well-prepared to represent their client’s interests in the courtroom.
Litigators typically work with various clients, including individuals, businesses, and government agencies. They possess extensive legal knowledge, enabling them to predict their opponent’s next move and have a profound understanding of the law.
Generally, a litigator’s primary goal is to negotiate a settlement that is favorable to their client. If negotiation or mediation fails, the case may proceed to trial. To succeed, litigators must excel in communication, possess strong research and writing skills, and think quickly on their feet.
What Kinds of Cases Do Litigators Handle?
There are two types of litigation attorneys: criminal and civil. Criminal litigators defend clients accused of wrongdoing and are skilled at securing plea deals or having charges dropped. Civil litigation covers a broad range of potential disagreements or conflicts between individuals or entities that require legal assistance to resolve. Some areas where litigators specialize in include:
- Contract disputes
- Personal injury cases
- Class action lawsuits
- Real estate disputes
- Divorce, custody, and family law disputes
- Banking and lending disagreements
- Worker’s compensation disputes
- Construction disputes
- Patent law and intellectual property disputes
In Which Situations Can a Litigator’s Skills Be Useful?
While all litigators are lawyers, not every lawyer is a litigator. Experienced litigators have honed their craft through hours of negotiations and days spent in court. They are likely to be familiar with other local litigators and judges, which can be advantageous in some cases. Another benefit of working with a litigator is their ability to handle legally and emotionally complex cases. With their tact, communication abilities, and legal prowess, they can strive towards amicable resolutions.
Is Litigation Right for Me?
If you are considering litigation, consulting with an experienced lawyer is crucial to discuss your options. While litigation can be an effective method of dispute resolution, it may not always be the best choice for everyone. An experienced lawyer will advise you on whether litigation is suitable for your specific situation.
Our knowledgeable and experienced attorneys at our legal offices can help you understand your legal options and guide you through the litigation process.
Is Hiring a Lawyer or Litigator Worth It?
Many professionals can offer legal assistance, but not all of them are valuable. A lawyer is a professional who has earned a law degree and has been licensed to practice by their state bar association. Lawyers can provide general legal advice, represent clients in court, draft documents, and more.
On the other hand, litigators are lawyers who excel in taking cases to trial. They typically have more courtroom experience and may be better equipped to handle complex cases.
So, which one should you hire? It depends on your needs. If you require general information, Garrity Traina is here to provide valuable representation. Contact our law firm to get the assistance you need and deserve.