Litigation & Appeals

Whether you're filing a lawsuit, heading to court for the first time, or considering an appeal, Lawyer Directory's Litigation & Appeals hub explains how the civil litigation process works and connects you with an attorney who can help.

Find a Qualified Attorney

Search our directory by legal issue and location to find a litigation attorney near you.

Understanding the Litigation Process

Filing a Lawsuit

Learn the basic steps to start a civil lawsuit, from identifying the right court to serving the defendant with your complaint.

  • Suing an individual or a company
  • Civil cases and the stages of trial
  • Collecting money after a judgment
  • Class action lawsuits
  • Appealing a court decision
Find a Litigation Attorney

Legal System Basics

Understand how the U.S. court system is organized, the difference between civil and criminal cases, and how litigation typically proceeds.

  • How the court system is structured
  • Federal courts vs. state courts
  • Choosing the right venue in state court
  • Class action cases
  • Finding your local court
Find a Litigation Attorney

What To Expect When Going to Court

Get an overview of what happens at a hearing or trial, including courtroom procedure, what to bring, and how to prepare.

  • What happens during courtroom proceedings
  • Civil contempt of court
  • Responding to a subpoena
  • Representing yourself in court
  • When small claims court requires a lawyer
Find a Litigation Attorney

Small Claims State Selector

Small claims court rules and dollar limits vary by state. Select your state below to find local rules and connect with an attorney.

Legal professional

Learn About the Law

Get help with your legal needs

Lawyer Directory's Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you're ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.

Go to Learn About the Law