What does "litigator" mean?

Asked by: Brock Towne  |  Last update: June 24, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (40 votes)

A litigator is a type of lawyer who specializes in the litigation process, or dispute resolution, in a courtroom case. Their job involves taking or defending against legal action on behalf of their client within a court of justice.

What is the difference between litigator and lawyer?

Ultimately, the difference between a lawyer and a litigator boils down to specialization. Lawyers engage in a broad range of legal matters, while litigators specialize in taking cases to court and are adept at trial law.

What is the role of a litigator?

What do litigators do, and where do they work? Broadly, litigators represent a party in a dispute, working to achieve the best possible outcome for their client. Each case takes on a life of its own, and the litigator must constantly evaluate next steps in light of what the judge or opposing counsel have done.

Does litigate mean to sue?

Contrary to what you may believe, litigation is not just another word for a filed “lawsuit”. Litigation is a term used to describe legal proceedings, following the filing of a lawsuit, between two parties to enforce or defend a legal right through a Court supervised process.

What is the definition of a litigator?

/ˈlɪt̬.ə.ɡeɪ.t̬ɚ/ a lawyer who specializes in taking legal action against people and organizations: a leading civil rights litigator. Compare. litigant specialized.

Litigator | meaning of Litigator

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What is a slang word for lawyer?

Mouthpiece is a slang term for a lawyer, especially a criminal defense lawyer. The term stems from the view of lawyers as being the spokesperson for their client.

What happens if a case goes to litigation?

The attorneys will present arguments, evidence, and witness statements. The judge will then rule on objections and motions and the judge and/or jury will provide a verdict. Litigation is complicated and extensive preparation is required.

Is it better to settle or litigate?

Whether you are the plaintiff or the defendant, if the total time spent in litigation is not worth a good outcome in court, then settlement is probably a better option. The outcome of the case is unpredictable. If your case appears to be a toss-up, you are probably better off settling.

Does litigation mean settlement?

Litigation involves various stages, including pleadings, discovery, pre-trial motions, and finally, the trial itself. Settlement involves reaching an agreement between the plaintiff and the defendant outside of the courtroom.

Does a litigator go to court?

Communication: Litigators create arguments and present them in court, often in front of a judge and jury, so it's important to have strong verbal communication skills . Written communication skills are also crucial, as litigators typically file various documents with the court, including pleadings and motions.

How do litigators get paid?

Regardless, the compensation of client-specific attorneys is determined, directly or indirectly, in one of four ways: flat fee, hourly, on a contingency fee basis, or on retainer. Flat fee payment arrangements: This is a task-based method of payment.

Do you need a law degree to be a litigator?

Litigators are required to complete an undergraduate degree and JD at the minimum, although several also pursue LLMS in Litigation or Dispute Resolution to enhance their training.

What is the highest type of lawyer?

As of 2024, the top five highest paid types of lawyers are:
  • Patent Attorneys.
  • Intellectual property (IP) Attorneys.
  • Trial Lawyers.
  • Tax Attorneys.
  • Corporate Lawyers.

Is being a litigator stressful?

Litigation can be a grueling and emotionally taxing endeavor for lawyers, often demanding an exceptional level of mental resilience. In fact, data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics analyzed by The Washington Post found law is the most stressful occupation in the US.

Is a paralegal a litigator?

A litigation paralegal is someone who works under the supervision of an attorney who practices in criminal or civil litigation. A litigation paralegal assists the attorney with many case management duties, from the complaint through the trial and the appeal.

How long does it take to litigate a case?

The time it takes to go through litigation will vary depending on the circumstances of the case. It can take anywhere from a month to several years. Cases that go to trial will often take a longer amount of time. Typically, you can expect litigation to last at least a year.

Is litigate the same as sue?

While a lawsuit is a formal court case brought by one party against another, litigation refers to the entire legal process surrounding disputes. Litigation is the process of resolving disputes or defending rights through the legal system.

What's the most a lawyer can take from settlement?

Whatever the amount is, your law firm will charge you on a contingency fee basis. This means they will take a set percentage of your recovery, typically one third or 33.3%. There are rare instances where a free case is agreed to by the representing lawyers.

Is litigation a criminal law?

The U.S. legal system is split into two types of litigation: civil and criminal. “Litigation” refers to the process for handling disputes through the court system.

What is considered a litigation matter?

Litigation Matter means any litigation, compliant, hearing, indictment, settlement, audit, claim, action, suit or proceeding, demand, grievance, citation, summons, subpoena, charge, inquiry, arbitral action, governmental inquiry, criminal prosecution or other investigation.

What does it mean to litigate a case?

: to decide and settle in a court of law.

What is a litigator?

lit·​i·​ga·​tor ˈli-tə-ˌgā-tər. plural litigators. : one who carries on a legal contest by judicial process : one who litigates legal cases. As a civil-rights litigator, Payton had argued a Richmond, Va., case before the Supreme Court …

What is the disparaging word for lawyers?

/ˌpɛdiˈfɔgər/ Other forms: pettifoggers. A sneaky, underhanded lawyer is a pettifogger. If your neighbor hires an unscrupulous quack to sue you, you might call his attorney a pettifogger.

What is the B word for lawyer?

barrister, counsellor, legal adviser. in the sense of barrister. a lawyer who is qualified to plead in the higher courts.