Whether you have found yourself embroiled in a civil suit or need help filing one of your own, finding the right civil attorney to represent you is a critical first step. Gillespie, Shields & Taylor is proud to offer formidable civil representation for Arizona residents. We also want to equip you to make the most informed decision possible as you face hiring an attorney.
This guide to hiring the best civil law attorney in Arizona can help you secure the best outcome for your case.
What Makes a Great Civil Law Attorney?
It is first important to understand that the definition of the “best” civil attorneys should be approached on a case-by-case basis, depending on your unique goals and needs. For example, one person might be looking for the best attorney for breach of contract proceedings, while another party might need a reputable civil rights attorney. Phoenix and Mesa are vibrant, growing cities, so highly effective civil attorneys specializing in the many practice areas of civil law will continue to be a critical need for years to come.
So, what should you look for in a civil law attorney? There are several key qualities you should observe in a lawyer representing clients in a civil case:
Experience
In civil court, experience matters. The ideal attorney will have a significant history practicing civil law and navigating the Arizona courts. Look for a record of success, testimonials from satisfied clients, and a demonstration of mastery of the Arizona Revised Statutes.
Specialization
In certain complex cases, you will want to seek an attorney who not only specializes in civil law but also has a history of success arguing your specific type of case. For example, a personal injury lawsuit looks quite a bit different from an employment law case, though both are types of civil lawsuits. Some different legal specialties that exist under the broader umbrella of civil law include personal injury, real property, employment law, contract review, dispute resolution, and water law, to name just a few.
Excellent Communication Skills
Effective communication is absolutely essential in high-stakes legal matters. A skilled civil attorney doesn’t merely know the law; they know how to support a client throughout the entire legal process. That begins with reliable, accessible communications that are responsive to client needs. In addition to being there when you need them, your civil attorney should also be able to articulate complex legal concepts in a clear and easy-to-understand way so that you can enter each phase of your proceedings with confidence.
Analytical Thinking
Civil cases often revolve around intricate legal issues that require careful analysis and strategic planning in order to achieve positive outcomes. A great civil attorney will be a clever problem-solver who possesses strong critical thinking skills and grounds these qualities with a concrete mastery of the law. Hiring a lawyer you’re comfortable talking to is important, but you also need a lawyer that you can trust to assess the facts of your case, use the available evidence to build a compelling argument, and expose any weaknesses in the other party’s case. In short, look for an intelligent, experienced, and well-educated lawyer who will work tirelessly both in and out of court to achieve the best possible results on your behalf.
Negotiation Skills
Many civil cases are resolved through negotiation rather than at trial. Negotiated settlements are a popular tool in civil cases as they offer a quiet and cost-effective solution for all parties. This means that a truly proficient civil attorney feels just as comfortable at the negotiation table as in the courtroom. Look for an attorney with a track record of negotiating favorable settlements on behalf of clients.
Client-Focused Strategies
Look for an attorney who prioritizes the needs and goals of their clients. A client-centered approach to civil law begins with simple listening. From there, a deep understanding of the client’s circumstances paired with a finely honed legal skill set sets a path to a collaborative and effective legal strategy. Do not work with any attorney who does not seem to understand or care about your concerns or who seems unable to tailor an appropriate legal strategy to meet your unique circumstances.
Positive Reputation
Conduct some research on the options for legal representation in your area, including assessing online reviews and testimonials left by previous clients. The best civil attorneys have a brand built on professionalism, integrity, and results.
These positive attributes are broadly applicable and desirable in just about any legal scenario, but remember that your personal criteria for finding the right Arizona civil attorney may look different from someone else’s. These distinctions, which can be subtle but important, will be informed by the details of your case, your role in the proceedings, and your specific goals in seeking representation.
The attorneys and civil law experts at Gillespie, Shields & Taylor strive every day to embody all of the crucial qualities outlined above. By focusing on our clients, remaining highly available to meet their needs, and implementing world-class legal tools, we have built a reputation as the premiere civil law firm serving the Phoenix and Mesa markets, as well as the surrounding areas.
Finding the Best Civil Litigation Attorney Near Me: How to Find the Right Attorney for Your Needs
Now that you’re developing a better understanding of what makes a great civil attorney, you’ll need some tips on how to go about selecting several who meet your criteria and narrowing down your options.
The internet is a crucial resource in this area. You can and should use an attorney’s website to get a better idea of their civil law specialties, whether they have experience in cases like yours, and who the attorneys are. Review websites and online testimonials are another great source of information, as they allow you to judge whether previous clients have been satisfied with a lawyer you’re considering.
Real Gillespie, Shields & Taylor Client Testimonials
To help you better understand whether the firm of Gillespie, Shields & Taylor is a good fit for your civil representation needs, it’s important to know what real people think.
Consider this feedback from our past clients, sourced from real online reviews, that demonstrates why we’re among the best civil law attorneys in Phoenix and Mesa:
“Dedication was clear from our first consultation.”
“Far above and beyond the call of duty! The entire staff is friendly, dedicated, and hardworking. Working with all of them made this process far less stressful for me.”
“We’ve had a very good experience with this Law Firm. The attorneys and staff were very thorough in explaining all of our options and making recommendations.”
“The diligence and expertise brought to our trust dispute were second to none, and we couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome.”
“For anyone seeking superior representation in Phoenix, Gillespie, Shields & Taylor is a stellar choice.”
“I couldn’t ask for a better attorney to help me.”
“By far the most compassionate, hard-working, efficient law firm I have been represented by.”
“Their handling of our trust administration was exemplary. Attorneys with this level of experience are hard to find in Phoenix.”
“Their work resulted in a satisfactory resolution of our case, proving their adeptness in probate and trust administration.”
“No nonsense legal advice and representing clients with gusto. Gillespie, Shields & Taylor should be on your shortlist to consult for dissolution, post-decree, and paternity.”
“Down to earth approach. Gillespie, Shields & Taylor is an excellent choice for any probate or trust issues.”
“They do great work and get the job done quickly. Respectable group of guys.”
“Excellent law practice and consultation. Trustworthy and reliable.”
“Awesome! Everyone we met at the office was friendly and helpful.”
“Our lawyer was patient, knowledgeable, and spoke clearly so that we actually understood the law! Highly recommend.”
“The attorneys and the paralegals worked very well as a team and are very responsive to our needs. Even the receptionist is very helpful and saw to our needs in a timely manner.”
“I had the pleasure of a consultation at Gillespie, Shields & Taylor. The attorney’s advice was extremely helpful.”
“I look forward to working with them more in the future!”
“Highly zealous and dedicated lawyer.”
“Their hard work and experience yielded great results. I am extremely satisfied.”
“They listen.”
“We really needed someone who cared and was concerned for our well-being, and that’s why I recommend this law firm.”
“Their compassionate and experienced approach to estate and trust administration was a blessing during a challenging time. If you’re looking for a great attorney – look no further.”
“We needed a probate/trust litigation lawyer who could handle our complicated case. Their dedication to our case was clear from day one. Thanks to their efforts, our dispute was resolved quickly and without a lot of stress.”
Finding the Right Lawyer: Financial Considerations
In addition to their legal skill set and local reputation, you’ll need to determine whether an attorney can work within your budget. Use the initial consultation process to discuss the preliminary details of your case, but also take it as an opportunity to talk about billing policies and fee structures.
Many civil attorneys charge an hourly rate for their services, meaning the price for legal fees will increase for more complex cases. Other lawyers may be willing to work on certain types of cases, like personal injury lawsuits, on a contingency fee basis. This is typically only the case when a civil suit is likely to end in a substantial payout.
Understanding Civil Law in Arizona
The realm of civil law is expansive, covering everything from environmental contamination liability issues to business disputes regarding the language used in a contract. This is one reason it is so crucial to ensure a potential attorney specializes in your particular area of need.
To help you understand just how diverse and multi-faceted the area of civil law truly is, consider this list of common types of civil law cases:
- Personal Injury Cases – These cases involve physical harm, injury, or even psychological damage caused by malicious or negligent actions. Personal injury cases can often result in lucrative settlements or judgments for the injured party.
- Contract Disputes – Civil law also encompasses legal conflicts that arise due to breaches or alleged breaches of contractual agreements between parties.
- Employment Law – The civil courts also deal with cases of workplace discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, and wage disputes.
- Property Disputes – Common types of cases in this area of civil law include property boundary questions and landlord-tenant conflicts.
- Civil Rights Violations – Civil courts frequently deal with civil rights, such as legal actions that address discrimination, voting rights, or misconduct by public officials.
- Intellectual Property – Creators have the right to protect and monetize their intellectual property such as protecting trademarks, copyrights, patents, or trade secrets.
- Debt Collection – The civil court system allows debt collection activities when someone fails to make a contractually obligated payment also runs within the civil court system.
- Product Liability – The civil courts also handle cases involving injuries or other damages due to defective or unsafe products.
Gillespie, Shields & Taylor: Powerful Representation for AZ Civil Cases
When you’re searching for the best civil attorney to meet your needs, Gillespie, Shields & Taylor is the solution. With offices conveniently located in Phoenix and Mesa, we are able to offer powerful, cost-effective legal solutions for complex civil law matters ranging from intellectual property to employment law, corporate law, appeals, immigration law, and more.
We have a deep roster of seasoned, knowledgeable, and compassionate attorneys on staff, with specialties ranging from trust administration to civil litigation. This organizational depth allows us an incredible level of adaptability for dealing with a full range of complex civil cases – one that competing firms cannot match.
If you’re ready to take the next step toward success in your civil court case, powerful legal assistance from Gillespie, Shields & Taylor is only a call or click away. Contact us at your earliest convenience to request a confidential, no-pressure consultation.
Partner and Family Law Attorney
Mark Shields began with Gillespie, Shields & Taylor back when it was Gillespie & Associates in 1996, prior to his last year of law school. Since that time, Mark has practiced heavily in the area of family law and appeals and has also had extensive experience in civil litigation, juvenile law, and other related fields. Mark is happy to report that his approach to practicing law has changed remarkably little during the recessions that have been endured over the course of his career because he has always sought to deliver true value to his clients. Whether the case involves millions of dollars or no dollars, Mark has consistently sought to provide his clients the best service for the most accessible price.