When a contract is breached, a business partnership breaks down, or a property dispute escalates, a civil lawsuit provides a structured path to a resolution. For those facing a dispute in Schaumburg, Illinois law grants specific rights and remedies through the Cook County court system, and guidance from a Schaumburg civil litigation attorney can help you navigate those options with clarity and precision.
At M&A Trial Lawyers, we focus entirely on guiding clients through these disputes. You are trying to run a business or manage your personal life, and the last thing you need is the added weight of legal deadlines and intricate procedures. We handle that for you.
If you have questions about a civil matter, we’re here to provide clear answers. Call us for a confidential consultation at (847) 786-8999.
Why M&A Trial Lawyers Is The Right Choice For Your Schaumburg Case
A History Rooted in Client-Focused Service
Our founder, Ahmed Motiwala, started his career representing national institutions in high-stakes litigation at a large firm.
While the experience was formative, he established M&A Trial Lawyers with a different vision. He wanted to provide the sophisticated, powerful representation of a large firm but with the personalized, direct attention only a boutique practice can offer, which has proven invaluable in complex contract litigation where strategy and precision matter most.
Our firm grew from a dining room table into a respected Schaumburg law office, built on a foundation of relentless commitment to our clients. We have never lost sight of the person at the center of the case.
Years of Experience in Civil Litigation
Ahmed Motiwala’s strong work ethic was ingrained in him from a young age, working at his family’s business. This drive propelled him through The John Marshall Law School and into his legal career.
His dedication to clients has been recognized, including by the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys for exceptional client satisfaction. He is joined by a team of dedicated legal professionals, Hira Malik and Sean Thompson, who share his commitment to diligent and thoughtful advocacy. Together, our team handles a wide range of civil matters.
Our Guarantees to You
- Direct and Personalized Attention: When you work with M&A Trial Lawyers, you will be on a first-name basis with our team. We don’t pass clients off to paralegals or junior associates. We believe in building strong relationships, not just handling cases.
- Transparent Fee Structure: The cost of legal services should never be a mystery. We will clearly explain our billing practices from the start, so you can make informed decisions without fear of hidden fees. Your initial consultation is confidential.
- A Commitment to Our Community: We are dedicated to serving our neighbors, which includes a commitment to pro bono work and mentorship for the next generation.
Where to Find Us in Schaumburg
Accessibility is important, especially when you are dealing with a stressful legal issue. Our office is conveniently located at 1051 Perimeter, Suite 1110, in the heart of Schaumburg. This central location makes it easy to reach and provides a professional, comfortable environment to discuss your case, including questions about where to file your case in the Cook County system.
What Remedies Are Available in a Civil Lawsuit?
When you file a civil lawsuit, you are asking the court to provide a “remedy”—a legal solution for the harm you have suffered. The court has a range of tools at its disposal.
The Goal Is to Make You Whole Again
The primary purpose of most civil remedies is not to punish the other party, but to restore you to the position you were in before the dispute. The law refers to this as making the injured party “whole.”
For example, if a business partner wrongfully took funds from the company, the remedy would be the return of those funds. If a contractor failed to complete a job, the remedy would be the cost to hire someone else to finish it. The goal is fairness and restoration.
What Can a Court Order?
- Monetary Damages (Compensation): This is the most common remedy. It involves the defendant paying a sum of money to the plaintiff to compensate for losses.
- Compensatory Damages: This is money intended to cover direct, calculable financial losses, such as lost profits, the cost to repair damaged property, or unpaid invoices.
- Consequential Damages: This refers to money for indirect losses that were a foreseeable result of the other party’s actions. For example, if a supplier fails to deliver a key component, causing your factory to shut down, the lost production revenue might be considered consequential damages.
- Equitable Remedies: Sometimes, money isn’t an adequate solution. In these situations, a court may order an equitable remedy, which compels or prevents a specific action.
- Specific Performance: This is a court order that forces the other party to follow through on their end of a contract. It is most common in real estate transactions, where a court might force the sale of a unique piece of property as agreed.
- Injunction: This is a court order that either stops a party from doing a harmful act (a prohibitory injunction) or requires them to perform a specific action (a mandatory injunction). An example would be an injunction to prevent a former employee from using confidential trade secrets.
- Punitive Damages: In rare cases where the defendant’s conduct was intentionally harmful or displayed an outrageous indifference to risk, Illinois courts may award punitive damages. Unlike other remedies, these are not meant to compensate you. Instead, they are intended to punish the wrongdoer and to deter similar conduct by others. We can carefully evaluate your case to determine if pursuing this remedy is a viable option.
Where Will My Schaumburg Case Be Handled?
Civil litigation in Schaumburg isn’t handled in a local city court. All civil disputes fall under the jurisdiction of the Cook County court system, one of the busiest and most structured unified court systems in the country.
Your Case Will Likely Be Heard in Rolling Meadows
Schaumburg is located within the jurisdiction of the Third Municipal District of the Circuit Court of Cook County. The courthouse for this district is in nearby Rolling Meadows.
This is where all legal documents will be filed, where judges hear motions, and where any hearings or a trial would take place. Our team is in this courthouse regularly and is deeply familiar with its procedures, judges, and administrative staff.
Local Rules and Procedures Matter
The Circuit Court of Cook County operates under its own specific set of local rules, which supplement the statewide Illinois Code of Civil Procedure. These rules dictate everything from how documents must be formatted to the deadlines for filing certain motions.
A simple administrative error could delay or even harm your case. A key part of our role is to manage these procedural requirements meticulously, allowing you to focus on your business and personal life.
A Closer Look at Common Schaumburg Business Disputes
Schaumburg is a dynamic economic hub, home to major corporations and thousands of small businesses. This unique mix gives rise to certain types of legal disputes that we frequently handle, and an attorney can help you address these issues with a strategy tailored to your situation.
- Breach of Contract: These are the most common business disputes. They happen when one party fails to uphold its end of a written or verbal agreement. This could involve a supplier not delivering goods, a customer refusing to pay, or an employee violating a non-compete clause. To succeed in a claim, we must demonstrate that a valid contract existed, you fulfilled your obligations, the other party did not, and you suffered financial harm as a result.
- Business Litigation: These are disagreements that can threaten a company’s stability. Examples include partnership disputes, where co-owners disagree on the company’s direction or finances; shareholder disagreements over corporate governance; or claims of business fraud where one party intentionally deceives another for financial gain. These cases require a deep understanding of corporate law and business operations.
- Real Estate Litigation: Conflicts may arise over the purchase or sale of property, disputes related to commercial leases, arguments over property lines, or issues with zoning and land use. Given the high value of real estate, these disputes require swift and decisive action to protect your investment.
- Probate Litigation: These are emotional disputes that arise after the death of a loved one. They may include challenges to a will’s validity, disagreements over how a trust is administered, or claims that a vulnerable person was pressured into changing their estate plan (undue influence).
The Civil Litigation Process in Illinois
A lawsuit is a highly structured process that unfolds in a series of distinct stages, each with its own purpose and rules, all aimed at proving your case through organized evidence and clear legal arguments.
The Key Stages of a Lawsuit
- Pleadings: This is the official start. It begins when the plaintiff files a “Complaint,” which outlines the factual allegations, legal claims, and the requested remedy. The defendant is then served with the Complaint and must file a formal “Answer” responding to the allegations.
- Discovery: This is typically the longest phase. Both sides exchange information and evidence to learn about the other’s case. Common discovery tools include:
- Interrogatories: Written questions that the other party must answer in writing, under oath.
- Depositions: Out-of-court oral testimony where lawyers question witnesses under oath, with the testimony recorded by a court reporter.
- Requests for Production: Formal requests for relevant documents, such as emails, contracts, and financial records.
- Motion Practice: Before a trial, either side can file “motions” asking the court to rule on a specific issue. This could be a motion to compel the other side to produce documents or a motion for summary judgment, which asks the court to decide the case based on the evidence gathered in discovery without a full trial.
- Settlement Negotiations: The vast majority of civil cases do not end in a trial. Throughout the process, we continuously look for opportunities to resolve your case through strategic negotiation, formal mediation, or arbitration, but only if doing so is in your best interest.
- Trial: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, the case proceeds to trial. Both sides present evidence, question witnesses, and make arguments before a judge or a jury, who then renders a final decision.
The Illinois Statute of Limitations
Illinois law sets strict deadlines for filing a lawsuit, known as the statute of limitations. The time limit varies depending on the type of claim. For example, a claim for a breach of a written contract generally must be filed within 10 years of the breach.
While this may seem like a long time, evidence can be lost, documents misplaced, and memories fade. Acting promptly allows for the strongest possible case to be built.
How Should I Prepare for My Civil Litigation Case?
While we will handle the legal filings, court appearances, and negotiations, there are several important steps you can take to strengthen your position and support your case, especially when you prepare to file your business lawsuit and gather the materials that will matter most.
Actions to Take from Home
- Gather All Relevant Documents: Collect every single piece of paper and digital file related to the dispute. This includes contracts, emails, invoices, financial statements, letters, photos, and text messages. If you think it might be remotely relevant, save and organize it.
- Create a Written Timeline: Do not rely on your memory. Write a detailed, chronological account of what happened. Include specific dates, times, locations, the names of everyone present for key conversations, and a summary of what was said or done. This document will be an important resource for us.
- Preserve All Evidence: Do not delete any emails, text messages, or social media posts related to the dispute, even if you think a message might be unhelpful. The opposing party could argue that you were intentionally destroying evidence, which can have serious negative consequences.
- Avoid Public Discussion: Refrain from discussing your case with anyone other than your lawyers, especially on social media. Posts, comments, and photos can be taken out of context and used by the opposing side to undermine your credibility.
Frequently Asked Questions for a Schaumburg Civil Litigation Attorney
How much does it cost to hire a civil litigation attorney?
The cost depends on the nature of the case. We provide a transparent fee structure and will discuss the anticipated costs with you during your confidential consultation.
What if I am the one being sued?
You must act quickly. After you are officially served with a lawsuit in Illinois, you typically have only 30 days to file a formal “Answer” with the court. Failing to do so can result in a default judgment being entered against you. Contact an attorney immediately to understand your obligations and begin building a defense.
What evidence is most powerful in a business dispute?
While every case is different, there is a general hierarchy of evidence. A clear, well-drafted written contract is almost always the strongest evidence.
Following that, internal communications like emails or memos that confirm the terms of an agreement are highly persuasive. Financial records, witness testimony, and evidence of past dealings between the parties can also be used to build a convincing case.
My business partner is violating our agreement. What are my options?
Your options are guided by the terms of your partnership agreement. Depending on the violation, you might be able to seek a court injunction to stop the harmful behavior, file a lawsuit to recover financial damages caused by the breach, or pursue a formal dissolution of the partnership. We can review your governing documents and advise on the most strategic course of action.
Can I sue for a breach of a verbal contract in Schaumburg?
Yes, Illinois law recognizes and enforces verbal contracts in many situations. However, proving the specific terms without a written document is more challenging. Certain agreements, like those for the sale of goods over $500 or contracts that cannot be performed within one year, must be in writing. Evidence to support a verbal contract can include your testimony, the past conduct of the parties, emails that reference the agreement, and statements from witnesses.
Get a Clear Strategy for Your Civil Dispute
Feeling uncertain about a legal dispute is a difficult position to be in. The thought of a long, drawn-out court process is stressful, and you might wonder if it’s even worth the fight. But avoiding the problem won’t make it go away.
You do not have to face this alone. At M&A Trial Lawyers, we provide the clear, strategic guidance you need to move forward with confidence. We handle the procedures and deadlines so you can focus on what matters most.
The first step is understanding your options. Call our Schaumburg office today for a confidential review of your case at (847) 786-8999.
