No one really wants to end up in court. It’s stressful, time-consuming, and often feels like a last resort. But sometimes, litigation is the only way to protect your rights or defend yourself against unfair claims.
At the Law Offices of Keith Wier, PLLC, I represent individuals, families, and businesses in a wide range of disputes. As a litigation lawyer, I handle cases from the first demand letter all the way through trial—and, if necessary, appeal. Whether you’re the one filing a lawsuit or the one defending against one, my goal is to make the process clearer, less intimidating, and more effective for you.
The word “litigation” gets thrown around a lot, but in plain terms, it just means resolving disputes through the court system. It can involve:
Litigation isn’t always about marching into trial. In fact, most cases settle before a jury ever hears them. But being ready and willing to go to trial often makes a big difference in reaching the right outcome.
Civil disputes make up the bulk of litigation. These cases don’t involve criminal charges, but they do involve real stakes—money, property, or legal rights. As a civil litigation attorney, I’ve worked on disputes involving:
Civil litigation is about untangling conflicts and finding fair resolutions, whether that means negotiation, mediation, or trial.
Some disputes can be resolved quietly, but others end up in front of a judge or jury. That’s where having a trial attorney matters. Trials are complex: evidence must be presented correctly, witnesses need to be prepared, and arguments have to be persuasive and grounded in the law.
A trial is also storytelling. You’re asking strangers (a jury) or a judge to see the case from your perspective. That means weaving facts, law, and human context into a clear, believable narrative.
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, the trial court gets it wrong. That’s when appeals come into play. An appeal isn’t a do-over, but it is a chance to show that a mistake was made in how the law was applied.
Appellate work is different from trial work—it’s less about witnesses and more about legal arguments, written briefs, and persuading a higher court. At the Law Offices of Keith Wier, PLLC, I also handle appeals, giving clients the opportunity to keep fighting when justice requires it.
From what I’ve seen, most litigation doesn’t start because people want to fight. It starts because communication broke down. Maybe a contract wasn’t clear, or someone felt ignored when raising concerns. Maybe a business deal soured, or a family issue got complicated by grief. By the time lawyers get involved, emotions are usually running high.
Litigation gives structure to those conflicts. It creates a process where facts can be examined, arguments made, and resolutions reached—even if it takes a while to get there.
I’ve had clients tell me they thought hiring a lawyer meant everything had to get aggressive. The reality is, being a strong advocate doesn’t always mean fighting in court for years. Sometimes the best result comes from tough negotiations that avoid trial altogether.
Other times, trial is unavoidable—and in those situations, you need someone prepared to stand firm. My approach is to always balance practical solutions with strong advocacy. If a fair settlement is possible, we’ll pursue it. If not, we’ll be ready to go the distance.
One case that stands out involved a small business owner accused of breaching a contract. The opposing side wanted damages that would have bankrupted the business. By carefully reviewing the contract language and the history of dealings between the parties, we were able to show the claims didn’t hold up. The case settled for a fraction of what was originally demanded.
On the flip side, I worked with a family involved in a probate dispute over a contested will. Emotions were high, and it seemed like there was no middle ground. Litigation gave them a structured way to present their arguments. While the court’s decision didn’t solve every emotional wound, it did bring legal clarity and allowed the estate to move forward.
Do I really need to go to court?
Not always. Many disputes settle before trial. But preparing as if you’ll go to court often leads to better settlements.
How long does litigation take?
It depends. Some cases resolve in months; others take years. Complexity and cooperation (or lack of it) play big roles.
Is litigation expensive?
It can be. That’s why part of my job is helping you weigh costs against potential outcomes and decide what’s worth pursuing.
What’s the difference between mediation and litigation?
Mediation is an informal process with a neutral third party to help settle disputes. Litigation is formal, through the courts, and enforceable by law.
Litigation is stressful. Whether you’re suing or being sued, you need clear guidance and someone who will stand by you through the process. At the Law Offices of Keith Wier, PLLC, I combine practical advice with strong courtroom advocacy.
Some attorneys speak only in legal jargon. I make it a point to explain things in plain English, so you always know where your case stands. My role is to fight for your best outcome while helping you understand each step along the way.
Learn more at www.keithwierlaw.com.
If you’re facing a lawsuit, thinking about filing one, or considering an appeal, now is the time to talk with a litigation lawyer. Whether it’s a business dispute, probate matter, or civil lawsuit, having an advocate on your side can make all the difference.
Reach out to the Law Offices of Keith Wier, PLLC today. Together, we’ll figure out the best path forward—whether that means negotiation, settlement, or trial.
Visit www.keithwierlaw.com for more information or to schedule a consultation.