LITIGATION LAWYER
When it matters in court
Anyone who is confronted with legal disputes – whether as an entrepreneur or a private individual – often asks themselves the question: “Do I even need a specialist litigation lawyer?”
The answer is: not always – but when it comes down to it, the difference can be crucial.
In this article, you will find out what a litigation lawyer actually is, how their work differs from that of other lawyers – and why it often pays to go to a specialist.
You can also find out more about my work as a representative with litigation experience on the litigation page.
What is a litigation lawyer - and do you even need one?
A litigation lawyer is not a “lawyer for everything”, but a specialist for legal disputes. They not only know the substantive law, but are also deeply rooted in the systematics, dynamics and tactics of court proceedings – from interim legal protection to claims and counterclaims through to appeals or appeals against denial of leave to appeal.
In contrast to a general civil lawyer, a litigation lawyer always thinks procedurally:
What can be proven? What can be achieved with which motions? What time pressure exists? Which procedural variant offers tactical advantages? And how can a decision be reached with the least possible risk for the client?
As a litigation lawyer, I support you in every phase of a legal dispute – even internationally. I am familiar with court practice, the way judges think, the procedures and pitfalls. I develop strategies, optimize the procedural starting position and represent your interests with vigour and vision – not only in court, but also in the negotiations beforehand.
If deadlines are running, evidence needs to be secured or a legal dispute can no longer be avoided: then you don’t need a “contract lawyer who also conducts lawsuits”, but a lawyer who lives and breathes litigation.
As a specialized litigation lawyer, I not only work “in the law”, but also in the proceedings. I know the levers, deadlines, tactics and dynamics – and use them for you. Even across borders.
A specialized litigation lawyer takes over, among other things:
Analysis and tactical preparation of the dispute – with a focus on burden of proof, statute of limitations, risk distribution
Formulation and structure of the statement of claim or defense – taking into account procedural subtleties, e.g. admissible motions, standing to sue, etc.
Use of procedural instruments – such as third-party notice, suspension, default tactics or submission obligations pursuant to Section 142 ZPO
Conducting preliminary injunction proceedings – e.g. in the event of time pressure or imminent loss of rights
Support in independent evidence proceedings – e.g. to prevent a lawsuit
Tactical behavior in oral proceedings – with a view to judicial psychology and procedural economy etc.
Support in proceedings with a foreign element – e.g. questions of international jurisdiction (Brussels I Regulation), foreign evidence, recognition and enforcement of foreign titles
A good litigation lawyer does not think in paragraphs, but in strategies. He knows the pitfalls of court proceedings, knows which leeway to use and which mistakes to avoid – and remains capable of acting even under pressure.
The focus is not on legal theory, but on the result for the client. A good litigation lawyer chooses the means that lead to the goal with a cool head – from clever application tactics to the targeted handling of evidence and skillful communication in court.
But it’s not just about technology. A good litigation lawyer is present: he prepares his clients, guides them through the proceedings and stands by their side – even when things get confusing, uncomfortable or emotional.
He knows the judges, the procedural behavior of the other side, the weak points in the argumentation – and uses this information to steer the process in the right direction.
He does not shy away from conflict – but knows when it is better to avoid it.
In short:
A good litigator does not fight for any price – but for the right price at the right time with the right means
You can find out more about my personal approach and how LEGAL+ sees itself here.
CONTACT
+49 (40) 57199 74 80
+49 (170) 1203 74 0
Bleichenbrücke 11 D-20354 Hamburg
kontakt@legal-plus.eu
This post is also available in: DE