The Lawsuit Survival Guide: A Client’s Companion to Litigation

By Attorney Joseph L. Matthews, Nolo Press

Description:

Bridge the gap between yourself and the legal system with The Lawsuit Survival Guide. Find concise explanations of legal proceedings and clear answers to your questions, such as:

• "How do I find the right lawyer?"
• "How do attorney fees work?"
• "What is my lawyer doing, and why?"
• "What does all this legalese mean?"
• "What's taking so long?"
• "Can I cut costs by helping my lawyer?"
• "Can I get out of this lawsuit?"

Table of Contents

Introduction

• Section I: The Trouble With Lawsuits
• Section II: How to Use This Book

1. Lawyers, Fees and Retainer Agreements

• Section I: Choosing a Lawyer
• Section II: Changing Lawyers
• Section III: Attorney Fees and Litigation Costs
• Section IV: The Representation Agreement
• Section V: Sample Representation Agreements

2. Working With Your Lawyer

3. Getting a Lawsuit Started: The Pleadings

• Section I: The Complaint
• Section II: Defending Against a Complaint: Responsive Pleadings
• Section III: The Defendant Strikes Back: Countersuits
• Section IV: Litigating on Behalf of a Minor: Guardian ad Litem

4. Discovery

• Section I: An Overview of Discovery
• Section II: Interrogatories
• Section III: Requests for Production of Documents and Physical Evidence
• Section IV: Requests for Admissions
• Section V: Depositions
• Section VI: Discovery Limits

5. Motions and Other Court Proceedings Before Trial

• Section I: Motion Procedures
• Section II: Restraining Orders and Injunctions
• Section III: Motions to Secure Assets: Lis Pendens, Attachments and Receiverships
• Section IV: Motions to Expand, Narrow or Move a Lawsuit
• Section V: Plaintiff's Motions for Default
• Section VI: Defendant's Motions to Dismiss
• Section VII: Discovery Motions
• Section VIII: Motions for Summary Judgment and Summary Adjudication

6. Mediation

7. Arbitration

• Section I: Arbitration Basics
• Section II: Arbitration or Trial?
• Section III: Preparing for Arbitration
• Section IV: The Arbitration Hearing and Decision

8. Settling a Lawsuit

• Section I: Setting Settlement Goals and Starting Negotiations
• Section II: Getting Help From the Judge: Settlement Conferences
• Section III: Payment Options
• Section IV: Partial Settlements
• Section V: Finalizing the Settlement

9. Trial

• Section I: Setting the Trial Date
• Section II: Judge or Jury?
• Section III: Pretrial Proceedings and Conferences
• Section IV: Preparing for Trial
• Sections V-VIII: Trial
• Section V: Getting a Judge
• Section VI: Jury Selection
• Section VII: Witnesses, Evidence and Arguments
• Section VIII: The Verdict or Decision

10. Appeals and Other Post-Trial Proceedings

• Section I: The Winning Party's Final Moves
• Section II: The Losing Party's Final Moves

Index

General

• How You Can Help Your Lawyer