In the State of Hawaii, similar to other states, civil law attorneys are often referred to as litigators. A litigator is hired by a client to file a civil lawsuit on their behalf or to defend them against a civil lawsuit filed against them.
Civil attorneys are lawyers who typically practice in one or more of the following areas of law:
- Landlord and tenant law
- Immigration law
- Family law
- Business and finance law
- Personal injury law
- Employment law
- Real estate law
In order to have a better understanding of what a civil attorney does, it may be helpful to understand the differences between criminal laws and civil laws. Criminal laws are laws that are used to punish defendants who are found guilty of committing criminal offenses.
In contrast, civil laws govern conduct that causes some type of injury, either to individuals or to other parties. These issues are resolved by filing a lawsuit in a civil court.
Civil laws typically address disputes that arise between organizations or individuals. If a party to a lawsuit is found liable, they will usually be required to pay monetary damages or comply with an injunction.
If there are any issues, questions, or concerns related to civil laws in Hawaii, an individual should consult with a local Hawaii lawyer.
When to Hire a Civil Litigation Attorney?
An organization or an individual may have numerous different reasons that they want or need to sue another party or why they are facing a civil lawsuit. Some civil disputes may be resolved using arbitration, meditation, or being settled in a small claims court.
If the civil case is not settled, a civil court will hear the case and make a decision. A case may involve issues that can result in serious legal consequences, for example, civil fines or substantial monetary fines. If this is the case, it is important for an individual to hire a civil attorney.
One example of this type of case is a product liability lawsuit because these usually involve complex legal issues and may result in large damages awards. A civil attorney who has experience with product liability issues may defend a business or organization if they are sued for things such as improper warning labels or defective products.
Another example is a case that involves child custody issues. Civil lawyers can protect the rights of parents over their children in addition to ensuring that the parents are not completely blocked from seeing their children.
If the case involves issues of child or domestic abuse, civil attorneys can help a non-abusive parent obtain full custody rights. In any type of civil case, a civil attorney can also help draft or review a final agreement in addition to representing the client in court if a dispute arises during the negotiation process.
If a civil case can result in significant damages or can have a dramatic impact on an individual’s life, it is very important to hire a civil attorney for representation.
What to Expect from Your Civil Law Attorney?
If a client hires a civil lawyer, they can expect that their lawyer will handle any major aspect or issue in their lawsuit, whether they are the plaintiff or the defendant. A lawyer will handle all steps of the case, including the pretrial stages, the discovery process, and the resolution of the case.
If the parties in the lawsuit cannot settle their case outside of the courtroom or if they are not willing to try, a civil attorney will also handle all aspects of the trial, including:
- Filing motions during the trial;
- Arguing on behalf of a client during a court session or hearing;
- Submitting evidence;
- Questioning witnesses who are providing in-court testimony; and
- Participating in jury selection.
There are also other examples of what clients can expect from their civil attorneys, such as:
- Joining another party to an existing lawsuit, if necessary;
- Filing a separate lawsuit;
- Recovering various civil legal remedies;
- Assistance in drafting settlement agreements;
- Filing appeals once the trial has concluded.
Civil attorneys are required to adhere to professional, legal, and ethical standards, including exercising professional judgment on behalf of clients. In addition, civil attorneys are required to maintain the confidentiality of their clients, meaning that they cannot:
- Disclose a client’s information or secrets for personal gain;
- Reveal specific details when a client did not provide consent;
- Disclose case information to outside parties.
Clients can be assured that their lawyers will inform them of available settlement options, settlement offers, and possible resolutions. A lawyer will also be able to honestly analyze their client’s chances of winning the lawsuit.
Civil lawyers should also provide their clients with information about their fee structure and bill their clients according to the structure agreed upon. Clients should be aware that they have ultimate control over their case, including who to sue, when to sue, and when to settle.
It is very important for clients to defer to their lawyer’s judgment regarding legal decisions in addition to following the legal advice they provide about the overall strategy of their lawsuit.
How Much Does a Civil Attorney Cost?
The cost of civil suit lawyers can vary significantly based on the facts and circumstances of each case as well as:
- The average attorneys’ fees for the location;
- How much work or time the case expected to take to resolve;
- The experience and reputation of the lawyer handling the case.
There are also other factors that may influence the cost, such as whether the attorney practices in a law firm or solo. If the attorney practices in a firm, there may be other professionals, such as paralegals, that handle certain aspects of a case.
One other important factor that influences the cost of hiring an attorney is the fee structure used. For example, if the lawyer uses a contingency fee structure, the lawyer is not paid unless they win the case.
A client will still be responsible for paying some administrative costs if they do not win the case. If an attorney uses an hourly rate for billing, they will be paid ongoing throughout the case, regardless of whether they win or lose the case.
The hourly rates of lawyers can vary greatly. They can be anywhere from $100 to $1,000 an hour and maybe even higher in a larger city.
The lawyer’s cost may also vary by the jurisdiction where the practice is located. In certain states, the amount of damages that can be awarded in personal injury lawsuits is capped.
Additionally, in some states, the amount of fees that a lawyer can recover may also be capped.
Do You Need a Civil Attorney?
If you or your business has any issues, questions, or concerns, either as plaintiffs or defendants in the State of Hawaii, it is very important to consult with a civil litigation attorney in Hawaii. A lawyer in Hawaii will have specific knowledge of the Hawaiian laws as well as the specific laws that govern the civil issue. LegalMatch can help you find the right civil attorney for your needs.
Your civil lawyer will assist you with every aspect of the legal process, represent you during any negotiations and court appearances, and ensure your rights are protected. Having a Hawaii civil attorney handle your claim will provide you with the best chance possible of reaching the resolution you desire.
