Civil Litigation Process
Each litigation journey is unique, with distinct phases such as negotiation, discovery, settlement, or trial.
We start with a thorough consultation to understand your situation and evaluate any potential claims. We’ll gather key information and consult experts if needed. If there’s an opportunity to resolve the issue early without a full trial, we’ll explore that to save you time and expense.
If an early settlement isn’t possible, we officially begin the lawsuit by filing a complaint in a Massachusetts court. The defendant will then respond (typically with an answer or a motion to dismiss, sometimes with counterclaims). During this phase, we also attend case management conferences to set the schedule and procedures for moving the case forward.
Both sides exchange evidence and information related to the case. This phase includes sharing documents, answering written questions under oath (interrogatories), and taking depositions (interviews under oath). We may also work with expert witnesses to provide specialized opinions, especially in complex cases (for example, a product liability or environmental lawsuit).
After gathering evidence in discovery, we enter formal negotiations with the opposing party. Reaching a settlement at this stage can save considerable time and cost compared to going to trial, while still achieving a fair result for you.
If the case doesn’t settle, we proceed to trial. Our attorneys present your case in court, introducing evidence, questioning witnesses, and making arguments on your behalf. At the end of the trial, a judge or jury will deliver a verdict (the final decision on your case).
After a verdict or judgment, we work to ensure its terms are fulfilled. This might involve collecting any compensation awarded to you or taking steps to enforce the court’s decision. If an appeal or further legal action is necessary, we continue to represent your interests through those additional proceedings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a plaintiff-side law firm do?
A plaintiff-side civil litigation firm (like ours) represents individuals, families, and organizations who have been harmed by others. In practice, we file civil lawsuits against those responsible for serious harm or legal wrongdoing. These cases can involve many areas of law. For example, we handle AI related harms, fraud and financial misconduct, discrimination and other civil rights violations, sexual abuse cases, environmental harm, data privacy breaches, and more. Our goal is to hold the wrongdoers accountable and secure fair compensation for our clients, whether through a negotiated settlement or at trial. These cases often bring unlawful practices to light and encourage reforms that help prevent future harm.
Can I file a lawsuit at any time?
No. Civil lawsuits are subject to strict filing deadlines called statutes of limitations, which vary depending on the type of claim and jurisdiction. For example, Massachusetts law sets different statutes of limitations for whistleblower actions, environmental damage, securities fraud, and civil rights claims. Missing the deadline for your claim can prevent you from ever taking legal action. That’s why it’s important to speak with a lawyer as soon as you suspect wrongdoing or suffer harm.
How long does a civil case take to resolve?
It depends on the case. Some civil cases are resolved in just a few months, while others (especially those that go to trial) can take a year or more. The timeline varies based on factors like the complexity of the matter, the court’s schedule, and whether the other side is willing to settle early. From the beginning, we work efficiently to move your case forward and keep you informed at every step.
What is your approach to litigation?
We offer a client-centered, strategic approach to every case. From the initial evaluation through trial, we focus on thorough preparation, strong legal arguments, and a clear plan tailored to your goals. We handle civil rights and sexual abuse cases; complex antitrust and securities litigation; product-liability and class actions; and emerging issues in AI law. No matter the case type, our goal is to secure justice for our clients while advancing broader legal and societal change.
How does your team adapt to different types of cases?
We operate with a lean, agile model that combines in-house expertise with flexible staffing. For complex matters, we assemble teams that may include partner attorneys, subject-matter experts, and vetted contract lawyers. This approach allows us to scale efficiently while maintaining a high standard of service and responsiveness across all stages of litigation.
How are legal fees handled?
Many of our civil litigation cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay legal fees unless we secure compensation for you. If your case is successful—through settlement, judgment, or award—our fee is typically a pre-agreed percentage of the recovery. We also advance the costs necessary to pursue your case, including court fees, expert witnesses, and document analysis. These expenses are only reimbursed if we recover funds. For certain matters, we may offer alternative fee arrangements, including flat-fee, hourly billing, hybrid, or success-based models. We discuss fee structures early and tailor the arrangement to fit your case’s complexity.
