When you are tangled in a business disagreement, a broken contract, or a real estate conflict, the situation can feel like it’s spiraling out of control. The Illinois civil court system provides a formal process to resolve these disputes.
Successfully pursuing a legal claim, or defending against one, means adhering to strict deadlines, following exacting procedures, and meeting a high standard for evidence, which is where an Illinois civil litigation attorney steps in to manage the process for you. You have a business to run and a life to lead; the last thing you should be worried about is mastering Illinois court rules. Our job is to handle the legal work so you can focus on what matters most.
At M&A Trial Lawyers, we have years of experience guiding clients through civil disputes across Illinois. If a legal issue is causing uncertainty and stress, we are here to provide clear, direct answers. Call us for a confidential consultation at (847) 786-8999.
Why is M&A Trial Lawyers the Right Choice For Your Case?
A Foundation of Hard Work and Client Dedication
Our founder, Ahmed Motiwala, ESQ., started this firm at his dining room table. Having seen firsthand how clients could get lost in the shuffle at larger firms, he was determined to build something different. He envisioned a firm where every client gets direct, personal attention and feels like their case is a top priority.
A Proven Record of Success
Our reputation is clear from hundreds of Google reviews and a nearly perfect 5-star rating. We are also proud that other attorneys frequently refer cases to us, a mark of respect from our peers in the legal community. This trust is earned by consistently delivering strong results.
- Real-World Example: We took over a case where a client’s previous lawyer was advising a quick, low settlement. We identified the true value of the claim and secured a result that went far beyond our client’s expectations.
Our Team Is Your Team
Our attorneys—Ahmed Motiwala, Hira Malik, and Sean Thompson—work collaboratively with our dedicated support staff. When you hire M&A Trial Lawyers, you get an entire team invested in your success.
Our Commitments to You:
- Direct & Personalized Attention: You will have a direct line to the legal team handling your case. No getting passed from one paralegal to another.
- A Clear Case Review: We provide an honest, straightforward assessment of your legal position and your options. We tell you what you need to hear, not just what you want to hear.
- Transparent Fee Structure: We explain our fees clearly from the start, so there are no surprises down the road.
Visit Our Office
Our modern office at 1051 Perimeter, Suite 1110, serves the Chicagoland area, including Cook County and Schaumburg. We have grown from a 200-square-foot windowless room into a firm that handles sophisticated litigation matters. This growth is a direct result of the trust our clients place in us.
What Kinds of Disputes Does Civil Litigation Cover?
Our practice concentrates on several key areas where individuals and companies in Illinois require assertive representation, including contract litigation in Illinois, where disputes over agreements demand precise legal strategy and firm advocacy.
A civil litigation attorney can help with:
- Business Litigation: This includes disputes between business partners, lawsuits against vendors for failing to deliver goods, or conflicts over non-compete agreements.
- Commercial Litigation: This is similar to business litigation but typically involves disputes that come from commercial transactions governed by laws like the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC).
- Contract Disputes: When one party fails to uphold their end of a deal, whether written or verbal, legal action may be the only way to enforce the agreement or recover financial losses.
- Real Estate Litigation: This covers a range of issues, from a buyer backing out of a sale to arguments over property boundaries and zoning regulations. The laws governing these transactions are specific and require knowledgeable handling.
- Construction Litigation: This field deals with conflicts over construction projects, such as claims of shoddy workmanship, project delays, or payment disputes, which may involve mechanic’s liens.
- Probate Litigation: When a will or trust is challenged, or if there are accusations of an executor or trustee mismanaging assets, the issue is settled in probate court.
What Remedies Are Available in an Illinois Civil Lawsuit?
In Illinois, courts have the authority to order several types of remedies depending on the specifics of your dispute.
Civil remedies fall into a few general categories:
- Economic Damages: This is compensation for direct, verifiable financial losses. Think of it as reimbursement for tangible costs you have paid because of the other party’s actions. Examples include lost profits, property repair costs, or the value of unpaid services.
- Non-Economic Damages: In certain situations, you might pursue compensation for less tangible harm. These damages cover losses that don’t have a clear price tag, such as damage to a business’s reputation (in specific, limited circumstances).
- Equitable Remedies (Non-Monetary): Sometimes, money is not the right fix. In these cases, a court can order a party to perform an action or stop performing one. This is known as equitable relief.
- Injunction: A court order that forces a party to stop a particular action, like using a protected trademark.
- Specific Performance: A court order requiring a party to fulfill their obligations under a contract, such as completing a real estate sale.
- Punitive Damages: These are rarely awarded in civil litigation and are not meant to compensate you for your losses. Instead, their purpose is to punish a defendant for extreme or malicious conduct and to deter similar behavior. Illinois law places strict limits on when these are available, requiring proof by clear and convincing evidence that the defendant’s conduct was willful and wanton.
A civil litigation attorney can evaluate your case to determine which remedies might apply to your situation.
The Stages of an Illinois Civil Lawsuit: What Should I Expect?
The civil litigation process is methodical and structured and moves through distinct phases, each with its own rules and objectives, and costs in Illinois can vary at every stage depending on how the case develops.
- Pleadings: The Lawsuit Begins. A lawsuit is officially started when the plaintiff files a “Complaint” with the court. This document lays out the facts of the dispute and the legal basis for the claim. The court then issues a “Summons,” which is formally delivered to the defendant, notifying them they are being sued. The defendant must then file an “Answer” within a specific timeframe to officially respond to the allegations.
- Discovery: Gathering the Facts. This is usually the longest phase of a lawsuit. During discovery, both sides exchange information and evidence. The goal is to uncover all the relevant facts before trial. This is done through several tools:
- Interrogatories: Written questions sent to the other party, which they must answer under oath.
- Requests for Production: Formal requests for documents, emails, photos, and other tangible evidence.
- Depositions: Out-of-court interviews where witnesses answer questions under oath in front of a court reporter.
- Motion Practice: Asking the Court to Act. During litigation, either side can file “motions” asking the judge to make a ruling on a specific issue. A common example is a motion for summary judgment, where one party argues that the undisputed facts are so clearly in their favor that the judge can make a final decision without a full trial.
- Mediation and Settlement Negotiations. The vast majority of civil lawsuits never reach a trial. At any point, the parties can negotiate a settlement. Sometimes, the court will order the parties to attend mediation, a confidential process where a neutral third party helps them try to find a mutually agreeable resolution.
- Trial: Presenting the Case. If a settlement cannot be reached, the case proceeds to trial. Here, both sides present their evidence, question witnesses, and make arguments to a judge or a jury. After hearing all the evidence, the judge or jury will issue a final verdict.
- Appeals: Challenging the Outcome. If one party believes the trial court made a significant legal error, they can file an appeal. An appellate court will then review the trial record to determine if any mistakes were made that would justify changing the outcome.
Are You Running Out of Time? The Statute of Limitations in Illinois
In the legal world, time is not on your side. Illinois law sets firm deadlines for filing civil lawsuits, known as the statute of limitations. If you miss this window, the court will almost certainly bar you from pursuing your claim, no matter how strong your case is.
The clock generally starts ticking from the date the harm occurred. While there are some narrow exceptions, you should never assume they apply to your situation. The specific deadline depends on the type of claim you have:
- Written Contracts: You generally have 10 years from the date of the breach to file a lawsuit.
- Oral (Unwritten) Contracts: The window is much shorter, typically just 5 years.
- Property Damage: Lawsuits for damage to personal property must usually be filed within 5 years.
- Personal Injury: For cases involving physical harm, the deadline is typically 2 years from the date of the injury.
Calculating the correct deadline can be complicated, and making a mistake can end your case before it even starts. It is always best to consult with a lawyer to determine the eligibility of your case.
How to Protect Your Position While Your Case is Pending
While your attorney is managing the legal strategy, your actions will have a significant impact on the final outcome, and hiring an attorney early helps ensure you take the right steps from home to strengthen your case and avoid common missteps.
Do These Things to Support Your Claim:
- Preserve All Documents: Gather and save every single email, contract, invoice, letter, or text message related to your dispute. Do not delete anything. This documentation is the bedrock of your case.
- Keep a Written Timeline: Write down a detailed chronology of events. Include dates, times, what was said, and who was present for any important conversations. Memory fades quickly, but written notes are permanent.
- Follow Your Attorney’s Advice: We are here to guide you. It is important that you follow the legal advice we provide, as it is designed to protect your interests and put you in the best position to succeed.
Avoid These Common Mistakes:
- Do Not Talk to the Other Party: All communication should go through our office. An offhand comment or casual conversation can easily be twisted and used against you later.
- Do Not Post on Social Media: Assume that every word you post online will be read by the opposing lawyers. Avoid discussing your case, your finances, or anything related to the dispute. A single post can damage your credibility.
- Do Not Sign Anything: Never sign any documents, releases, or agreements from the other side without letting us review them first. Signing the wrong document without legal advice could mean signing away your rights.
Frequently Asked Questions for an Illinois Civil Litigation Attorney
How do I know if I have a valid case?
A valid civil claim generally requires three components: you suffered a recognizable harm (usually financial), another party’s actions (or lack of action) caused that harm, and the law offers a remedy for that situation. The best way to know for sure is to discuss the specifics with an attorney who can evaluate whether your case meets these legal standards.
How much does it cost to hire a litigation attorney?
This depends on the nature and complexity of the case. We will provide a completely transparent explanation of our fee structure during your first consultation so you can make a fully informed decision.
What if the person who wronged me lives out of state?
You may still be able to file a lawsuit in Illinois. Courts have rules about “jurisdiction” that determine where a case can be heard. This is typically based on factors like where the harm happened, where a contract was signed, or where the defendant conducts business. We can analyze the facts to determine the proper venue for your lawsuit.
Will my case definitely go to trial?
It’s unlikely. The overwhelming majority of civil cases are resolved through a settlement before they ever reach a trial verdict. A settlement can be reached at any point, from before the lawsuit is filed to right before the jury delivers its decision. We prepare every case as if it is going to trial, which paradoxically puts our clients in the strongest possible position to achieve a favorable settlement.
What should I do if I’m the one being sued?
Act immediately. You have a very limited time to file a formal response with the court. If you ignore a lawsuit, the court will likely issue a “default judgment” against you, meaning you automatically lose the case. Contacting an attorney the moment you are served with a lawsuit is the single most important step you can take to protect yourself.
Move Your Dispute Toward a Resolution
You are not powerless, but the opposing side is counting on you feeling that way. They hope the process seems too difficult, the rules too confusing, and the fight too draining for you to see it through.
You don’t have to face them alone. The team at M&A Trial Lawyers is here to manage the legal process, explain your options in plain language, and build a strategy focused on achieving your goals. We handle the fight so you can get back to your life and your business.
Your next step is to get clear, honest answers. Call our office today to schedule a confidential review of your case at (847) 786-8999.
