What is a Civil Attorney?

Written by Cooper & Friedman PLLC on July 22, 2025

A civil attorney is a legal professional who handles non-criminal disputes between individuals, businesses, or organizations. These attorneys, also called civil lawyers or litigators, focus on cases where no criminal tort has occurred but where legal resolution is still needed. If you’ve ever dealt with a negligence injury, contract dispute, real estate issue, or family law matter, chances are you’ve worked with or needed a civil attorney.

Unlike criminal lawyers, who handle cases involving illegal acts and potential jail time, civil attorneys work in areas like personal injury, employment law, and business conflicts. Their goal is to resolve disputes and protect their client’s rights, often through negotiation, mediation, or trial in civil court. The outcome in these cases are rarely jail time, but are often financial compensation.

One major difference between civil and criminal cases is who’s involved. In criminal law, the government prosecutes the accused. In civil cases, one party (called the plaintiff) sues another (the defendant) typically seeking financial compensation or some other remedy. Civil attorneys are the ones who represent either side through this legal process.

What Fields Does a Civil Attorney Cover?

There are many types of civil attorneys. For instance, real estate attorneys help clients handle property disputes or transactions. Employment attorneys deal with wrongful termination, wage claims, and discrimination at work. Business litigators resolve commercial disputes between companies or business partners. Civil rights lawyers focus on issues like discrimination and constitutional violations. Legal fields that civil attorneys cover can include:

Property law or real estate law
Labor and employment law
Personal injury law
Family court law
Civil rights law
Environmental law
Business law

No matter the specialty, their job is to provide guidance, build a strong case, and work toward an outcome of compensation for their client.

Civil Law Process

When someone hires a civil attorney, the process usually begins with filing a complaint or petition in court. This outlines the legal basis for the case and what the plaintiff wants. The defendant then responds, and both sides enter a phase called discovery. This involves gathering facts, reviewing documents, and interviewing witnesses. It’s a critical step in preparing for a potential trial.

Many civil cases never reach the courtroom. Civil attorneys often work toward settlements through alternative methods like mediation or arbitration. These approaches can save time, money, and stress. But if no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to trial, where both sides present their evidence and arguments before a judge or jury.

When to Hire a Civil Attorney

Hiring a civil attorney can be crucial in complex or high-stakes situations. For example, if you’re facing a large financial loss or a sensitive family issue, you’ll want someone to guide you to a better outcome than you had. They not only understand the law but also know how to manage court deadlines, filings, and negotiations effectively.

People and businesses turn to civil attorneys for many reasons. A company might need one to defend against a product liability claim. A parent may hire one to fight for custody in family court. A landlord might consult a civil lawyer over a lease disagreement. Whenever legal disputes arise that don’t involve criminal charges, a civil attorney steps in to help.

Working with a civil attorney also means having a legal advocate who understands ethical responsibilities. These professionals are required to keep your information confidential, avoid conflicts of interest, and always act in your best interest. They’re not just there for the legal paperwork; they’re your guide through a stressful and oftentimes new situation.

Your civil attorney will keep you informed about every stage of the case. From early consultations and strategy sessions to courtroom appearances and possible appeals, they are your key resource. Their job is to protect your rights and help you reach the best possible outcome.

Cooper and Friedman: Civil Attorneys in Louisville, KY

Whether you’re filing a lawsuit or defending against one, a civil attorney’s knowledge and experience can help you navigate the process with confidence. Cooper and Friedman handle a variety of civil cases involving:

Car Accidents
Truck Accidents
Motorcycle Accidents
Personal Injury
Workers’ Compensation
Civil Rights
Police Misconduct
Slip and Fall Accidents
Elder Law
Nursing Home Neglect
Product Liability
Unfair Credit Reporting
Unfair Debt Collection
Medical Malpractice
Child Injury

If you ever find yourself in a legal disagreement in Louisville, KY, hiring Cooper and Friedman as your civil attorneys can make all the difference.

If you or someone you love has a civil matter to resolve in court in the State of Kentucky and are in need of an experienced injury attorney, give the lawyers at the Cooper & Friedman law firm a call. The attorneys at Cooper and Friedman PLLC have over 50 years of combined experience defending the rights of civil law victims. Contact us with questions you might have or schedule a free case consultation with an attorney by calling 502-459-7555 today.