A litigation attorney is most simply an attorney who specializes in litigation. Litigation is basically just a fancy legal term for the practice of carrying a lawsuit through the court process. At the heart of these cases there is almost always a litigation attorney. Knowing the difference between litigation attorneys and other types of attorneys can help you hire the right one for your needs.

Different Types Of Attorneys

Many people don’t realize that not all lawyers present cases in a court of law in front of a judge and jury. Television shows and high profile news cases glamorize lawyers and courtroom proceedings, making it seem as though lawyers spend all their time in court, presenting evidence and arguing cases before a judge and jury. This couldn’t be further from the truth.

In fact, the vast majority of lawyers never see the inside of a courtroom. They spend most of their time advising their clients on the law or drafting and reviewing documents. These lawyers may be general practice lawyers, estate attorneys or work for large corporations as corporate attorneys, sometimes called legal counsel. Criminal law attorneys represent those accused of committing crimes and often find themselves representing clients in a courtroom. Still other attorneys work for various units of government as state attorney generals, public defenders or prosecutors.

Litigation attorneys, by contrast, are lawyers who specialize in lawsuits. They tend to specialize in civil law and are most often the type of attorney you will find in a courtroom. If you intend to go to court to settle a dispute, you’ll need one of these lawyers.

Education And Training

Like all attorneys, litigators have completed four years of undergraduate schooling followed by an additional three years of law school. Following graduation, they must pass the bar exam for the state in which they intend to work before they can practice law. Attorneys often participate in continuing education classes and may even take additional law school courses in order to specialize in a certain area of law such as probate, wills, bankruptcy, divorce or insurance, among many others.

Most litigation attorneys will have chosen one or two areas of focus. They will devote time throughout their career to honing their knowledge related to these areas of law and keeping current with changes to the law.

What A Litigation Attorney Does

The primary job of this attorney is to carry a case to and through the court system.

He or she performs all of the pre-trial work needed to get a lawsuit moving. This includes creating a written demand for resolution or direct filing of a lawsuit. Once the lawsuit has been filed, the lawyer will perform research related to the suit such as questioning witnesses and gathering evidence for use in the event the case goes to trial.

If the case does go to trial, the litigation attorney will represent the client at the trial. He or she will present the client’s case, question and cross-examine witnesses, and introduce evidence. The attorney is interested in getting the best possible result for the client. Sometimes that involves going to court, but the lawyer may also successfully bring resolution to the dispute by settling out of court.

Benefits Of Hiring A Litigation Lawyer

Litigators are knowledgeable about the law in general, which is necessary for resolving a dispute. But they are also well versed in the rules governing court cases. There are procedures and rules that must be followed to properly file and litigate a claim. Having someone on your side who has this knowledge is a prime reason why people hire litigation lawyers to present their cases.

It is important to understand the qualifications and limitations of any lawyer you hire. If you intend to settle a dispute in court, the experience that a litigation attorney can offer may prove invaluable to you. Choosing an attorney is just like choosing any other service provider. You want to make sure you choose the right one for the right job.

Wagner Sidlofsky LLP is a Toronto boutique litigation firm providing counsel to international and Canadian individuals and businesses involved in disputes. The firm’s areas of practice include Estate Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Elder Law and Tax Litigation. They only litigate. As a niche law firm, their lawyers’ proficiency has developed from the single minded focus of practice in areas of expertise. Every lawyer brings his/her own unique talents to the firm, but each shares a commitment to excellence. They get results for their clients by tenaciously and aggressively advocating for their clients. The firm’s lawyers regularly appear in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice and the Ontario Court of Appeal as well as various administrative tribunals.

Obtaining a liquor license is a time-consuming process. Liquor licensing is done by state entities, and each state liquor administration has different names, like the New York State Liquor Authority and the Washington State Liquor Control Board. Although the names are different, they accomplish the same tasks. One of those tasks is processing liquor license applications.

First, you must determine the class of license needed for your establishment. For example, if you operate a restaurant and want to serve just beer and wine, you’ll need a “Restaurant Wine” class liquor license. If you operate a restaurant and bar and want to serve beer, wine and liquor, you’ll need an “On-Premises Liquor” license.

Once you determine your required license classification, you will need to notify the local municipality or community board by sending a 30-day notice to them via certified mail. The notice will not only state that license classification but will also include your intended hours of operation and other general information. After receiving the notice, most Community Boards in New York, will request to see your proposed menu, architectural drawings, and will want further detail regarding your intended operation.

Once the 30-Day Community Board notice period has elapsed, you may than file your liquor license application with the New York State Liquor Authority (“NYSLA”). The application requires the disclosure of a great amount of detail regarding your intended operation and it’s owners, managers, lenders, donors and investors. Additionally, you will be required to submit a Certificate of Occupancy for the Premise (or a letter of no objection from the Department of Buildings), the original certified mailing card, penal bond, photographs of all rooms and the exterior, the lease for the premise, proof of citizenship, diagrams, bank statements, certificate of authority to collect sales tax, workers compensation and disability insurance policies and a proposed menu. If all of the required information and documentation is complete and accurate, and there exists no other reason for rejection, the NYSLA should issue your license within six months.

Fortunately, in September of 2009, the NYSLA approved the implementation of the Attorney Self-Certification Program resulting in approvals in just two weeks. This program allows attorneys filing applications on behalf of applicants to certify that statements and documents provided in an application are true and accurate and that the application meets all statutory requirements. The program has allowed for a more timely review of applications as the agency will rely on the information certified by the Attorney, eliminating the need to review each document submitted.

At The Law Office of Stacy L. Weiss, they give personalized attention to clients with expertise in the areas of Liquor Licensing and Alcoholic Beverage Control Law for all counties in New York State. They can help you obtain a New York State Liquor License or New York State Liquor License Permit anywhere in the State, including, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island, Westchester, Nassau and Suffolk counties. They can also help you with New York State Liquor License violations, closings and hearings.

Obtaining a liquor license in New York State has become increasingly difficult and more complicated. They can provide the answers and assistance that are required to successfully transfer an existing liquor license to your new company or what is required to obtain a new liquor license. They will fully explain all of the procedures including notifying the local community board as well as what is required if an appearance in front of the community board becomes necessary. They will also explain what requirements trigger a 500 foot hearing at the New York State Liquor Authority. They will also represent you in front of the Liquor Authority Board. The goal of their law firm is to provide the highest quality legal services to you and your business in a timely fashion. For more information on New York State Liquor License Laws and The Alcoholic Beverage Control Laws contact the liquor licensing lawyers in New York City at the Law Office of Stacy L. Weiss.