What kind of lawyer do I need if I want to sue someone?

Asked by: Prof. Katrina Jenkins  |  Last update: September 4, 2025
Score: 5/5 (58 votes)

Civil litigation lawyers often go to court to represent their clients, including for personal injury claims, contract disputes, and other common civil matters. Likewise, criminal defense attorneys frequently defend their clients in court.

What are the 5 steps to initiate a lawsuit?

Timeline of How to File a Lawsuit
  • Step 1: File a Complaint. Plaintiff files a complaint and summons with the local county court. ...
  • Step 2: Answer Complaint. ...
  • Step 3: Discovery. ...
  • Step 4: Failing to Respond to Discovery. ...
  • Step 5: Conclusion of Lawsuit.

Is it worth suing someone?

You need to answer three fundamental -- and fairly obvious -- questions as part of deciding whether it's worthwhile to bring a lawsuit to court: Do I have a good case? Am I comfortable with the idea of a compromise settlement or going to mediation? Assuming a lawsuit is my best or only option, can I collect if I win?

How much does a lawyer cost to sue someone?

Hourly basis: A lawyer who works with you on an hourly basis will charge you for each hour of the time they give you. Hourly rates will vary depending on the layer and your case but can range anywhere from $199 to $295 per hour.

How do I determine what type of lawyer I need?

Should you be seeking legal advice or representation, bear in mind that some lawyers specialize in more than one practice area. Try to find an attorney that specializes in the area you need advice in, as they will have the tailored knowledge and skills to help you with your case.

HOW TO SUE A COMPANY OR AN INDIVIDUAL? Watch this before you file a lawsuit.⚖️

25 related questions found

What kind of lawyer do I need if someone owes me money?

You may want to get legal advice from an attorney with experience in collections matters. They may be able to help you decide if you have a civil case worth pursuing.

How to know a lawyer is good?

The following are some of the most important qualities a good criminal defense lawyer in California should possess:
  1. Criminal Trial Experience. ...
  2. Resources To Investigate and Prepare Your Case. ...
  3. Good Communication. ...
  4. Negotiation Skills. ...
  5. Empathy For the Situation You're In. ...
  6. Making Promises They Can't Keep.

Can someone sue you without a lawyer?

How do I sue someone or file something with the court? Anyone can go to court without a lawyer. If you represent yourself in court, you will file all documents with the Clerk of the Court.

Is it worth going to small claims court for $500?

Conclusion: Going to small claims court may be worth it for $500, but it will determine how you weigh your costs versus benefits. At a minimum, it is worth it to send a demand letter.

Is it a good idea to sue a lawyer?

Suing a lawyer is a big deal. It takes hard work to win these cases. You need to prove they did something bad that caused you real harm. But if your case is strong, you could get money from them as punishment and pay them back for the harm done.

What if the person you sue has no money?

The California statute of limitations for filing a judgment is ten years. If the debtor cannot pay or complete payment within this time, you must renew the judgment. The judgment must continue to be renewed to ensure the debtor pays the full amount.

What are the downsides of suing?

Upfront Costs and Expenses

Though we work on contingency, lawsuits have unavoidable costs – case expenses, legal fees if resolution fails, and the risk of paying defense fees in some instances. While unavoidable, expenses may be recovered upon a successful outcome, but they represent a financial risk.

Can you tell someone you're suing them?

After you file your lawsuit, you have to let the defendant know that you are suing them. Usually, the defendant knows about the case a long time before it starts. Hopefully you talked to the defendant and tried to settle the case before you filed.

What is needed to file a lawsuit?

You start a lawsuit by filing a complaint. In some circumstances, you file a petition or a motion. The court has several complaint forms that you may use in drafting your complaint. The forms are available online and at the Pro Se Intake Unit.

What are the three most common types of civil cases?

The three most common civil cases are tort claims, contract breaches and landlord/tenant issues. Tort Claim - An act committed by one person that causes harm to another. Tort cases can take many different forms, and can relate to a person's personal safety, safety of their property, and financial security.

What are the first steps of suing?

In official Church procedures there are three steps to sainthood: a candidate becomes "Venerable," then "Blessed" and then "Saint." Venerable is the title given to a deceased person recognized formally by the pope as having lived a heroically virtuous life or offered their life.

What happens if I sue someone and lose?

If you lose, you could be required to pay all court costs and fees, including those of the other parties. Some states, like Nevada, are "loser pays" states, meaning the loser in a lawsuit pays all court costs. If you lose a personal injury claim, you will be out of pocket for your medical expenses and other costs.

Will a collection agency sue for $5000?

Unpaid, credit card balances between $5,000 to $10,000 increase the likelihood of legal action by creditors or collection agencies. While agencies typically pursue the full amount owed, debt buyers may accept reduced payments.

What kind of lawyer do I need to sue a bank?

As soon as you are able, you need to contact a bank negligence lawyer. A lawyer can help you determine the best course of legal action, including whether you should pursue litigation against the bank.

When someone sues you, what happens?

Generally, you'll either respond and defend yourself in court or do nothing. If you do nothing, the judge can decide the case without your input. You could also reach out to whoever is suing you and try to reach an agreement.

How to start a court case?

Most court cases start when one party files a complaint, petition, or other legal documents with the court clerk.

Do I need money to sue someone?

As a plaintiff, you need money to meet your living expenses, bills, familial obligations, and responsibilities while your case moves through the stages of a lawsuit.

Is it wise to tell your lawyer everything?

In conclusion, if you're facing criminal charges, it is important to be honest and open with your attorney about the details of your case. Attorney-client privilege ensures that the information you provide will be kept confidential, and your attorney will work to provide you with the best possible representation.

Which type of lawyer is best?

11 of the highest-paying lawyers
  • Civil litigation attorney. ...
  • Real estate attorney. ...
  • Intellectual property attorney. ...
  • Bankruptcy lawyer. ...
  • Family lawyer. ...
  • Tax attorney. ...
  • Corporate attorney. ...
  • Patent attorney.

How do you tell if you have a bad lawyer?

Here are a few essential items to keep an eye out for when assessing Signs Of An Incompetent Lawyer:
  1. Lack of Enthusiasm. ...
  2. Ineffective communication. ...
  3. Attitude Disagreements. ...
  4. Inefficient. ...
  5. Incorrect Billing and Legal Fees. ...
  6. Unethical Conduct. ...
  7. Failure to Establish a Track Record of Success. ...
  8. Pessimistic Attitude.