Lawsuits & Lawyers: Articles

In General

• Filing a Lawsuit: Should you Sue? What you need to know before you file a lawsuit. (FindLaw)
• How to Demand Payment in a Letter Settling your dispute may be easier than you think. (FindLaw)
• Do You Need a Lawyer? There are many types of legal problems. You may consider hiring a lawyer if you are accused of committing a crime, if you are involved in or are contemplating a lawsuit, or if you have been involved in an auto accident. (FindLaw)
• Courtroom Proceedings in America (and How to Survive Them) Simple suggestions to save your sanity. (FindLaw)
• Taking Legal Action From MetLife Consumer Education Center. Covers how a lawsuit begins, having a lawyer provided for you, deciding whether to hire a lawyer, finding a lawyer and more.
• Ten Things to Think About - Lawsuits Provides some issues to consider if you are or are about to be involved in a lawsuit. (FindLaw)
• What to Expect - A Lawsuit Chronology Provides a general description of what is likely to happen in a lawsuit, as well as an introduction to some common words and phrases that come up. (FindLaw)
• Tips for Working with a Lawyer Here are a few ways you can help your lawyer with your lawsuit -- and increase your chances of success in court. (FindLaw)

U.S. Courts

• A Brief Overview of the Supreme Court (PDF) From the U.S. Supreme Court. Covers the constitutional origin, jurisdiction, rulemaking power, and the term of the United States Supreme Court.
• Creating the Federal Judicial System, 3rd ed. (PDF) Explains the provisions of the 1789 Judiciary Act and the compromises it embodies; reviews the evolution of the federal judicial system during the 19th century; and analyzes the conditions and debates that led to the passage of the Evarts Act (1891), which established the three-tiered system that characterizes federal court structure today.
• History of Federal Judgeships Documents the process for soliciting and evaluating requests for additional appellate and district court judgeships, as well as for forwarding recommendations for these judgeships to Congress.
• Origins of the Elements of Federal Court Governance (PDF) Brief description of the history and evolution of the major elements--agencies, offices, organizations, positions, and entities--of federal court governance.
• The Court and Constitutional Interpretation (PDF) From the U.S. Supreme Court.
• The Court and Its Procedures (PDF) From the U.S. Supreme Court.
• The Court and Its Traditions (PDF) From the U.S. Supreme Court.
• Understanding the Federal Courts (PDF) Provides an overview of the organization, operation, and administration of the entire federal court system.

Representing Yourself in Court

• Lawyer Coach: An Option for Limited Legal Assistance Current trends indicate that while some attorneys still refuse to provide legal coaching, others are increasingly willing to help clients with limited aspects of a case. (FindLaw)
• Your Conduct in Court Can Affect Your Case Your conduct in court can make a big impression on both the judge and jurors, so it pays to know how you are expected to act and observe the proper procedures and decorum while in the courtroom. (FindLaw)
• Personal Jurisdiction -- How to Determine Where a Person Can Be Sued Before you file a lawsuit, be sure the court has power over the individual or business that you want to sue. (FindLaw)
• Jury Trials: Representing Yourself When you represent yourself, jury trials can add a level of difficulty and formality to the case that is not typically present in a case presided over by a judge. (FindLaw)
• State Court Cases: How to Determine Where Your Suit Will Be Heard No two state court systems are exactly the same, but in some form all of them divide their caseloads by subject matter. (FindLaw)
• Choosing a Venue in State Court If you're going to bring a lawsuit in state court, this article will help you determine the proper county in which to file. (FindLaw)
• Federal or State Court -- Subject Matter Jurisdiction This article will help you determine whether you must file your lawsuit in federal or state court. (FindLaw)
• Ten Court Tips: How to Survive Your Day in Court Here are some suggestions that will help you keep your mind clear and calm in court. (FindLaw)
• Filing a Lawsuit – The Discovery Process In discovery, you gather information, documents, and other evidence relevant to your case. (FindLaw)
• Dealing With Lawyers FAQ It can be scary to represent yourself when your opponent has a lawyer, but if your claim is straightforward and you're well prepared, there's no need to back down. (FindLaw)

Small Claims Court

• Settling Small Business Claims in Small Claims Court Widespread increases in small claims court dollar limits create an increasingly attractive arena in which business people can resolve their disputes. (FindLaw)

Juries

• Has the Jury Decided? What Juries Use to Make Up Their Minds From the National Science Foundation. Covers the art of persuasion, witness testimony, and more.
• Jurors' Handbook - A Citizens Guide to Jury Duty From the Fully Informed Jury Association. Covers a juror's duties, rights and powers.

Lawyers & Legal Malpractice

• A Fair Price for Legal Services Covers how lawyers' fees generally work. (FindLaw)
• Fees & Costs Describes different kinds of legal fees, how to manage legal costs and expenses, and how to handle fee disputes. (FindLaw)
• Hiring a Lawyer: Understanding Attorney's Fees Money isn't everything when it comes to getting good legal advice, but it certainly matters. (FindLaw)
• Free Legal Services There are many different organizations that may help you find free or low-cost legal services. (FindLaw)
• Legal Malpractice Claims You've steamed, you've muttered, you've yelled. Now what? Here are some strategies designed to get results in some common situations. (FindLaw)
• Lawyer Communication, Competency, Ethics and Fees: What to Expect from Your Legal Representative If you're dissatisfied with your lawyer, this article will help you determine whether your complaints are reasonable. (FindLaw)

Miscellaneous

• What is a Subpoena? Provides general information on subpoenas, including what to do if you are served with one and penalties for failing to respond. (FindLaw)
• Do's and Don'ts - Being a Witness Discusses what to do if you are subpoenaed as a witness for a trial. (FindLaw)