What types of civil litigation cases does SCA handle?

Southern California Attorneys handles a wide range of civil litigation including business disputes, contract disputes, real estate litigation, partnership disputes, collections, employment disputes, personal injury trials, product liability trials, fraud and misrepresentation claims, and insurance bad faith cases.

How long does civil litigation take in California?

Timelines vary significantly based on case complexity. Simple disputes may resolve in 6-12 months. Complex business litigation or cases that go to trial can take 2-3 years or more. Factors include court calendar availability, the discovery process, mediation attempts, and whether the case is appealed.

What is the statute of limitations for filing a civil lawsuit in California?

It depends on the type of claim. Written contracts: 4 years (CCP 337). Oral contracts: 2 years (CCP 339). Personal injury: 2 years (CCP 335.1). Property damage: 3 years (CCP 338). Fraud: 3 years from discovery (CCP 338(d)). Each case is different, so consult an attorney promptly.

How much does a litigation attorney cost?

Fee structures depend on case type. Personal injury and product liability litigation is handled on contingency (no fee unless we win). Business litigation and contract disputes may involve hourly fees, flat fees, or hybrid arrangements. We offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case and fee options. Call 818-222-2227.

What happens if my case goes to trial?

At Southern California Attorneys, lead attorney Mac E. Nehoray has tried over 50 jury trials and more than 100 bench trials, including 2 cases before the California Supreme Court. If your case goes to trial, you will be represented by an attorney with extensive courtroom experience. We prepare every case as if it will go to trial to ensure the strongest possible outcome.

Civil Litigation Attorneys in Southern California

southern California attorneys apc

When a legal dispute requires aggressive courtroom representation, you need attorneys who have actually tried cases — not just filed them. At Southern California Attorneys, A.P.C., lead attorney Mac E. Nehoray has tried over 50 jury trials and more than 100 bench trials throughout his career, including 2 cases before the California Supreme Court. Our Calabasas-based litigation team represents individuals and businesses in complex civil disputes across Los Angeles County, Ventura County, and all of Southern California. We combine decades of trial experience with a strategic, results-driven approach to litigation. Call (818) 222-2227 for a free consultation.

What Is Civil Litigation?

Civil litigation is the legal process for resolving non-criminal disputes between two or more parties through the court system. Unlike criminal cases, where the government prosecutes a defendant, civil litigation involves private parties seeking remedies such as monetary damages, injunctive relief, or declaratory judgments. The process typically involves investigation, pleadings, discovery, pre-trial motions, negotiation or mediation, trial, and potentially appeal.

While most civil cases settle before trial, having an attorney with extensive trial experience fundamentally changes the dynamics of negotiation. Opposing parties and their attorneys evaluate your case differently when they know your lawyer is willing and able to take them to trial. At Southern California Attorneys, we prepare every case as if it will be tried, which consistently produces stronger settlements and better outcomes for our clients.

Types of Civil Litigation We Handle

Business and Commercial Disputes

Breach of contract, partnership disputes, shareholder disagreements, business dissolution, unfair business practices (Business and Professions Code Section 17200), fraud and misrepresentation, trade secret misappropriation, and business tort claims. We represent both plaintiffs and defendants in complex commercial litigation matters.

Contract Disputes

Breach of written and oral contracts, contract interpretation disputes, non-compete and non-solicitation agreement enforcement, vendor and supplier disputes, construction contract disputes, and commercial lease disagreements. California's statute of limitations for written contracts is 4 years (CCP 337) and 2 years for oral contracts (CCP 339).

Real Estate Litigation

Boundary and title disputes, quiet title actions, breach of fiduciary duty by real estate agents, non-disclosure claims in property transactions, landlord-tenant disputes beyond normal unlawful detainer, construction defect litigation, and homeowner association (HOA) disputes.

Employment Litigation

When employment disputes escalate beyond administrative remedies, our litigation team handles wrongful termination trials, discrimination and harassment cases, wage and hour class actions, retaliation claims, trade secret disputes involving former employees, and employment contract enforcement.

Insurance Bad Faith

When insurance companies unreasonably deny, delay, or underpay valid claims, policyholders can bring bad faith actions under California law. We handle bad faith claims arising from denied property damage claims, health insurance disputes, disability insurance denials, and life insurance beneficiary disputes.

Personal Injury and Product Liability Trials

When personal injury or product liability cases cannot be resolved through negotiation, we take them to trial. Our team has extensive experience presenting complex injury cases, expert testimony, and damages evidence to juries. We work with medical experts, accident reconstructionists, economists, and life care planners to build compelling trial presentations.

Fraud and Misrepresentation

Claims involving intentional misrepresentation, negligent misrepresentation, concealment, and false promise. Fraud claims in California require proof by clear and convincing evidence and must be pled with specificity under CCP 338(d). The statute of limitations is 3 years from discovery.

The Litigation Process in California

Understanding the litigation process helps clients make informed decisions about their cases:

Pre-Litigation Investigation and Demand: Before filing a lawsuit, we investigate the facts, gather evidence, assess liability, and often send a demand letter to attempt resolution without litigation.
Filing the Complaint: If the dispute cannot be resolved, we file a complaint with the appropriate California Superior Court. The defendant has 30 days to respond.
Discovery: Both sides exchange relevant information through interrogatories (written questions), document requests, depositions (sworn testimony), and expert disclosures. Discovery is often the most time-intensive phase.
Mediation and Settlement Negotiations: California courts encourage alternative dispute resolution. Many cases are resolved through mediation, where a neutral mediator helps the parties negotiate a settlement.
Pre-Trial Motions: Motions for summary judgment, motions in limine (to exclude evidence), and other pre-trial motions can narrow the issues and sometimes resolve cases before trial.
Trial: If settlement is not reached, the case proceeds to trial. A jury trial (or bench trial before a judge) involves opening statements, witness testimony, cross-examination, expert testimony, and closing arguments.
Post-Trial and Appeal: After a verdict, either party may file post-trial motions or an appeal to a higher court.

Why Choose Southern California Attorneys for Litigation?

Extraordinary Trial Record: Lead attorney Mac E. Nehoray has tried over 50 jury trials and more than 100 bench trials, including 2 cases before the California Supreme Court. This level of trial experience is exceptionally rare and gives our clients a decisive advantage in settlement negotiations and courtroom proceedings.
Multi-Disciplinary Expertise: Our attorneys bring expertise across civil litigation, employment law, personal injury, product liability, estate planning, and business law. This breadth of knowledge allows us to identify legal strategies that attorneys focused on a single practice area might miss.
Aggressive Yet Strategic: We combine aggressive advocacy with strategic case management. Every decision — from the initial filing to trial presentation — is made with the client's best interests and overall case strategy in mind.
Media-Recognized Attorneys: Lead attorney Mac Nehoray has been featured on CNN, NBC, CBS, ABC, and Fox News as a legal expert.
Flexible Fee Arrangements: Personal injury and product liability litigation is handled on contingency (no fee unless we win). Business litigation may involve hourly fees, flat fees, or hybrid arrangements depending on the case. We discuss all fee options during the free initial consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Civil Litigation in California

Still have questions? Don't hesitate to reach out to our knowledgeable attorneys for the assistance you need. Whether you prefer to call us directly or use our convenient online contact form, we are here to help address your concerns and provide you with the guidance you're looking for. Your inquiries are important to us, so please feel free to get in touch!

What types of civil litigation cases does Southern California Attorneys handle?
We handle a wide range of civil litigation including business disputes, contract disputes, real estate litigation, partnership disputes, employment litigation (wrongful termination, discrimination, wage and hour), personal injury trials, product liability trials, insurance bad faith, fraud and misrepresentation, collections, and appeals. Our practice spans both plaintiff and defense representation depending on the case.
What is civil litigation?
Civil litigation is the legal process for resolving non-criminal disputes between two or more parties through the court system. It encompasses the entire lifecycle of a legal dispute: investigation, pleadings, discovery, mediation, pre-trial motions, trial, and appeal. Most civil cases settle before trial, but having an attorney with real trial experience fundamentally strengthens your negotiating position.
How long does civil litigation take in California?
Timelines vary significantly based on case complexity, court calendar availability, and whether the case settles or goes to trial. Simple disputes may resolve in 6 to 12 months. Complex business litigation or cases that go to trial typically take 2 to 3 years or longer. Our attorneys work to resolve cases as efficiently as possible while protecting your interests.
What is the statute of limitations for filing a civil lawsuit in California?
Deadlines depend on the type of claim. Written contracts: 4 years (CCP 337). Oral contracts: 2 years (CCP 339). Personal injury: 2 years (CCP 335.1). Property damage: 3 years (CCP 338). Fraud: 3 years from discovery (CCP 338(d)). Professional negligence: varies. Each case is unique, so contact an attorney promptly to ensure you do not miss a deadline.
How much does a litigation attorney cost?
Fee structures depend on the type of case. Personal injury and product liability litigation is handled on contingency — you pay no fee unless we win. Business litigation and contract disputes may involve hourly rates, flat fees, or hybrid arrangements depending on the complexity and scope. We discuss all fee options during the free initial consultation. Call (818) 222-2227.
What happens if my case goes to trial?
At Southern California Attorneys, lead attorney Mac E. Nehoray has tried over 50 jury trials and more than 100 bench trials, including 2 cases before the California Supreme Court. If your case goes to trial, you will be represented by one of the most experienced trial attorneys in Southern California. We prepare every case for trial from day one, which produces stronger outcomes whether the case settles or is tried.

Need an Experienced Trial Attorney? Contact Us Today.

Whether you are facing a complex business dispute, need to enforce a contract, or have a case that demands courtroom experience, the litigation team at Southern California Attorneys, A.P.C. is ready to fight for you. With over 50 jury trials and 2 California Supreme Court cases, our trial record speaks for itself.

Call (818) 222-2227 for a free, no-obligation consultation.