Civil Litigation Attorneys

• Commercial & Business Disputes
• Survivor Sex Abuse Claims
• Landlord-Tenant Disputes
• Automobile Liability
• Homeowner’s Claims
• Commercial Liability Claims
• Construction Litigation
• Premises Liability
• Fraud
• Partnership Disputes

Call or Schedule a Free Consultation Now! Text Us at (443) 799-9999.

What is Civil Litigation?

Civil litigation is the formal legal process used to resolve disputes between individuals, companies, or organizations outside of criminal law. It typically begins when a plaintiff files a complaint with the court, outlining their claims against a defendant. The defendant is then formally served with the complaint and must file an answer, stating their defense. Following these initial “pleadings,” the parties enter the discovery phase, where they exchange relevant information and evidence through methods like depositions, document requests, and interrogatories. This is often the longest stage and is crucial for fact-finding. Many cases are resolved through settlement negotiations, mediation, or arbitration during or after discovery, avoiding the need for a trial. If no settlement is reached, the case proceeds to trial, where both sides present their evidence and arguments to a judge or jury. The trial concludes with a verdict or judgment, determining the outcome and any remedies awarded. The losing party may then choose to appeal the decision to a higher court.

Trial & Arbitration is Our Passion!

The attorneys at JC Law are experienced and successful litigators. We are proven trial litigators that have developed serious established methods for effective outcomes in courtrooms and in handling many different types of civil matters.

Led by James E. Crawford, Jr., Esq., Zack Groves, Esq., Peter Crawford, Esq., and Hunter Gallagher, Esq., along with our entire capable litigation staff, we have over 100 years in litigation experience.

Our offices serve Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington, DC.

How Can JC Law Help You with Your Civil Litigation Problem?

Navigating civil litigation can be a complex and daunting process, but JC Law is equipped to provide expert guidance every step of the way. They begin by thoroughly assessing your specific civil dispute, whether it involves contract issues, personal injury, property disputes, or other non-criminal matters, to understand the nuances of your case and define your legal standing. JC Law handles all necessary legal procedures, including drafting and filing pleadings, conducting discovery to gather essential evidence, engaging in settlement negotiations, and preparing for trial if a resolution cannot be reached outside of court. Their experienced litigators will strategically protect your rights, build a strong case, and provide vigorous representation in mediation, arbitration, or court proceedings, aiming to achieve the most favorable outcome for your situation, whether it’s securing damages, enforcing agreements, or defending against claims.

Should I Be Worried or Scared if I Am Being Sued?

Facing a civil lawsuit is undoubtedly a stressful situation, so it’s natural to feel a significant level of concern or worry. While you shouldn’t fall into unproductive panic, taking the matter very seriously is absolutely crucial. A civil suit means someone is making a formal claim against you, potentially seeking monetary damages or other remedies, and there are strict legal procedures and deadlines you must follow. Ignoring a lawsuit is perhaps the worst possible response, as it can lead to default judgments against you, handing the plaintiff an automatic victory. Instead of dwelling solely on worry, channel that energy into immediate action; the most critical step is to consult with a qualified attorney as soon as possible. An experienced lawyer can review the complaint, explain the specific allegations and potential consequences, and guide you through the necessary legal steps to respond effectively, explore defenses, or negotiate a resolution, which is far more productive than worrying in isolation.

JC Law Handles Business Litigation

JC Law is a firm with extensive experience and a strong reputation for effectively handling complex business litigation. Their skilled legal team is adept at navigating a wide range of commercial disputes, including contract breaches, partnership disagreements, shareholder conflicts, and other complex legal challenges that businesses face. With a strategic approach focused on understanding each client’s unique objectives and the intricacies of their case, JC Law works diligently to protect their clients’ interests, whether through assertive negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or zealous representation in court, always striving for the most favorable resolution possible.

What Are My First Steps if I Receive A Lawsuit?

Receiving a lawsuit can be a stressful experience, but knowing your first steps is crucial. The absolute most important thing is do not ignore it. Lawsuits have strict deadlines for response, and failing to respond will almost certainly result in a default judgment against you, meaning the other side wins without having to prove their case. Immediately upon receiving the documents, sit down and read everything carefully to understand who is suing you, why, and what they are asking for. Note all deadlines specified in the paperwork, as these are critical court dates you must adhere to.

After carefully reading the lawsuit, begin gathering any documents, communications, or evidence related to the claims made against you. Do not discuss the case with the party suing you or their representatives without legal counsel, as anything you say could be used against you. The most vital next step is to contact an attorney experienced in the relevant area of law as soon as possible. A lawyer can explain your options, advise you on the best course of action, help you draft a proper response to the court, and ensure you meet all necessary deadlines, protecting your rights and interests. Time is of the essence in legal matters, so seeking professional legal advice should be your immediate priority.

Will JC Law Handle My Civil Legal Situation From Beginning to End?

Generally, JC Law is structured and equipped to handle your situation from the initial consultation through potentially all final stages. This typically includes the entire process: investigating the facts, researching applicable law, attempting pre-suit negotiations, drafting and filing necessary court documents (like complaints or answers), managing the discovery process (exchanges of information), engaging in motion practice, participating in settlement discussions, preparing for trial, conducting the trial itself, and sometimes even handling post-judgment matters or appeals. Their goal is often to guide you through the entire complex journey of civil litigation, providing comprehensive legal support at each step.

However, whether JC Law specifically can and will handle your particular civil legal situation from beginning to end depends on several crucial factors. Key considerations include the complexity and merits of your case, their current capacity to take on new matters, potential conflicts of interest, and the financial arrangements.

The initial consultation is the critical step in determining if JC Law can handle your situation comprehensively. During this meeting, you will present the details of your case, and the attorneys will evaluate its viability, complexity, and align it with our expertise and workload. This consultation allows both you and the firm to determine if there is a good fit for representation and to discuss the potential scope of handling the matter from its outset through its conclusion, outlining the services they can provide at every stage.

When JC Law agrees to take a civil case “from beginning to end,” it signifies their commitment to providing continuous representation throughout the legal process. This means we will represent you whether the case is resolved through early settlement negotiations, mediation, arbitration, or proceeds all the way to a court trial. While the specific path to resolution varies with each case, the firm’s role is typically to navigate you through whichever legal avenues are necessary until a final outcome is reached, either by agreement or court decision, ensuring consistent advocacy throughout the journey.

Regulatory Boards

Our experience is not just limited to the courtroom.  Our attorneys are also experienced in representing their clients before various license and regulatory boards, such as:

• Health Care Alternative Dispute Resolution Office
• Board of Physicians
• Board of Dental Examiners
• Board of Nursing
• Board of Physical Therapy
• Board of Dentistry
• Office of Administrative Hearings
• Board of Professional Counseling
• Board of Occupational Therapy

We have a great deal of experience in handling licensing problems. Each one of these offices may vary with rules, regulations, processes rights, and appeal rights.

If you have received a preliminary inquiry and notice, or are in the midst of an investigation, make sure you have capable legal representation that can help you through your time of need.

Contact any of our offices  to start with a free consultation in person or via video!

Knowing When to Litigate

Our attorneys spend considerable time in the courtroom and before disciplinary or regulatory boards. That’s often because we first meet clients at a time when their legal situation has progressed to the point that they require firm advocacy.

In certain situations, though, litigation is an unnecessary expense. Knowing when to litigate, versus knowing when to explore alternatives to litigation, can save clients considerable time, expense and sleepless nights. That is why having experienced counsel is critical to an efficient, client specific, resolution of your unique legal situation.

Set up your free consultation or text us at (443) 829-1446.