Civil Litigation Attorneys Maryland and Washington DC
Whether we are representing a small company in a business dispute, an individual facing a civil lawsuit in circuit court, a home builder or home owner needing to file a construction lawsuit, a whitewater rafting outfitter facing a liability dispute, or a landowner involved with a property dispute, Longman & Van Grack’s Maryland and Washington DC civil litigation attorneys have familiarity with the legal process and the specific legal issues that are involve in DC and Maryland civil litigation. If at all possible, our civil litigation attorneys’ goal is to avoid a lawsuit through dispute resolution; however, our civil litigation lawyers are fully prepared to litigate all matters in the courtroom if necessary. Our commercial and civil litigation attorneys work regularly out of our Maryland Offices (Bethesda and Rockville) and Washington DC Office.
In Maryland and Washington DC, civil litigation involves legal disputes between two or more parties where money damages or equitable remedies are sought. Civil litigation in our litigation offices (Rockville, Bethesda, & DC) includes business disputes, property disputes (including tree disputes, adverse possession, quiet title, and landscaping disputes), all types of contract disputes and contract lawsuits, property damage claims, liability in spite of a waiver, appeals, unfair competition, and unjust enrichment. In fact all types of contract disputes are handled by each of our Washington DC and Maryland civil litigation attorneys. Our Maryland litigation attorneys also hand all types of Maryland peace orders and protective orders. Longman & Van Grack handles all of these types of lawsuits and litigation matters. Civil litigation also includes all types of appeals of civil lawsuits. Maryland civil litigation matters begin in the Maryland District Court and Maryland Circuit Court (such as the Montgomery County Circuit Court in Rockville). Specifically, our Maryland litigation attorneys have handled many civil lawsuits, mediation, and arbitration in Montgomery County Circuit Court (located in Rockville, MD), Frederick County Circuit Court (located in Frederick, MD), Prince George’s County Circuit Court (located in Upper Marlboro, MD), Howard County Circuit Court (located in Ellicott City, MD), and Baltimore County Circuit Court (located in Towson, MD). Specifically our Bethesda Litigation Attorneys and Rockville Litigation attorneys are well-versed in Montgomery County litigation matters. Washington, DC civil litigation matters generally begin in the Washington DC Superior Court where our litigation attorneys regularly practice. However, Maryland appeals, DC appeals, and Virginia appeals will begin in different courts within the states.
Federal civil litigation in Maryland, Washington DC, and Virginia all begin in the appropriate federal district court. That includes the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, and U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, and the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia. Litigants in each of these federal district courts can appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit except for the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia wherein litigants can appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.
The Civil Litigation Process in Maryland and Washington DC
Although the details of every civil litigation matter vary dramatically depending on the circumstances and jurisdiction, in Maryland and Washington DC, the legal process of most civil litigation matters is standard. After a client comes to our office for an initial consultation (Rockville, Bethesda, or Washington DC), our civil litigation lawyers will begin the investigation and legal analysis process. If our civil or commercial litigation client is the plaintiff, our civil litigation attorneys will investigate if there is a prima facie case (or enough evidence to bring a lawsuit). If our civil litigation client is the defendant in the lawsuit, our DC and Maryland trial lawyers will work tirelessly to identify and devise any possible litigation defense strategies that may be available. Our litigation attorneys will even attempt to determine whether our client can file a counter-claim (a lawsuit against the party suing them) in the Circuit Court for Maryland (such as Montgomery County Circuit Court in Rockville), District Court for Maryland (such as Montgomery County District Court in Rockville and Silver Spring), or Washington DC Superior Court.
After the initial investigation, each civil litigation lawyer will artfully draft and file pleadings. In Maryland and Washington DC, pleadings are the documents needed to initiate a civil case and include the Summons, Complaint, and Answer. Depending again upon what side our client is on in the litigation matter, the requisite documents will be filed within the time limitations set forth by DC or Maryland law.
After the pleading stage, the lengthy civil litigation discovery process begins. This process exists in Maryland and Washington DC. Discovery is the process by which attorneys on either side of the lawsuit/litigation exchange information about the matter. Deciding which documents to request and provide to an opponent is one of the most important skills a civil litigation attorney can possess. The civil litigation discovery phase includes document review, depositions and medical and physical exams among other things. Longman & Van Grack’s civil litigation attorneys in Maryland (Rockville and Bethesda), Washington DC, and Virginia are experienced in navigating this long and complex process. Discovery includes significant review and investigation of the matter, including documents — all of which will be operated from our Litigation Offices in Maryland (Rockville and Bethesda) and Washington DC.
In Maryland and Washington DC, next is the phase of a civil and commercial litigation matter is pre-trial. In this pre-trial phase, motion practice is critical. Motion practice is the method by which civil litigation attorneys argue their points before trial. Longman and Van Grack’s seasoned civil and commercial litigation lawyers will use motion practice for various reasons including seeking a directed verdict and summary judgment and opposing the other sides motions. This is also where our civil litigation attorneys work to develop a trial strategy as well as prepare witnesses to testify and physical evidence for trial in our Rockville litigation and Bethesda litigation offices.
When faced with a lawsuit, many people contemplate a long and public trial. At Longman & Van Grack, we focus on settlement and avoiding trial if at all possible. Longman & Van Grack’s civil and commercial litigation attorneys work tirelessly to settle our civil litigation cases prior to trial. It’s is our view that the best solution for our clients is to spend as little time as possible in the courtroom. Most parties prefer to settle their lawsuit prior to trial as it can be expensive and risky.
During a civil litigation trial in Maryland and Washington DC, the litigation parties present their cases to the court, which could be a judge or a judge and jury, via direct and cross examination of witnesses and the presentation of other evidence. If your civil litigation case does proceed to trial, such as in Montgomery County Circuit Court in Rockville, Maryland, Longman & Van Grack’s skilled trial attorneys can offer top-notch trial representation.
As there is a winner and a loser in every trial, there is always an unfavorable outcome for one of the litigation parties. That party may choose to appeal the civil case. In the case of appeal, it is essential to secure the representation of a capable appeals attorney to handle the complicated appeals process. The attorneys at Longman & Van Grack are also well-versed in the appeals process. To learn about the Maryland, Washington DC and Federal appeals process, visit out Appellate Practice Page.
Again, most civil litigation lawsuits settle before going to trial, and our litigation attorneys focus on that outcome for our clients. Whether settlements are reached privately or via alternate dispute resolution such as mediation or arbitration, it is essential that you are represented by a seasoned civil litigation attorney and litigation law firm that can negotiate for appropriate compensation as well as protect your rights. The Maryland and Washington DC civil and commercial litigation lawyers at Longman & Van Grack have significant experience in negotiating settlements for our clients. Specifically our Rockville litigation attorneys and Bethesda litigation attorneys assist clients throughout Maryland.
Types of Civil Litigation
At Longman & Van Grack, our civil litigation attorneys address many different types of litigation, including appeals. Our civil litigation lawyers regularly represent clients in commercial litigation, business disputes, real estate and property disputes (including tree damage disputes), contract disputes, adverse possession and quiet title matters, estate litigation, construction litigation, and appeals. These matters are addressed in each of our Rockville Litigation and Bethesda Litigation Offices (Rockville, Bethesda, and Washington DC). Our Rockville Office is located within only a few blocks of the Maryland District Court for Montgomery County and Maryland Circuit Court for Montgomery County.
Whether representing a home builder with regard to construction in our Builders and Construction Litigation Group, representing a whitewater rafting outfitter with regard to liability in our Sports and Recreation Law Group, or addressing a contract dispute, our litigation attorneys have familiarity with the legal process and the specific topics therein. We regularly handle cases in the Maryland District Court, Maryland Circuit Court, US District Court for the District of Maryland, US District Court for the District of Columbia, US District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, DC Superior Court, Maryland Court of Special Appeals, Maryland Court of Appeals, DC Court of Appeals, and the US Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.
The attorneys at Longman & Van Grack skillfully practice in all areas of civil litigation. Contact us at (301)291-5027 to meet us at one of our Maryland (Rockville or Bethesda) or Washington DC Offices.
Awards and Ratings
Longman & Van Grack’s attorneys have received high ratings from Super Lawyers, Bethesda Magazine, Lawyers by Distinction, and AVVO.
