How to Prepare for a Civil Litigation Lawsuit

Contact our attorneys to prepare for a civil litigation lawsuit in Berks County and throughout Pennsylvania.

Litigation is not always avoidable. The best way to achieve your goal in a civil litigation lawsuit is to hire an experienced Civil Litigation Attorney. Litigation can be a long and complicated process, and whether you are a plaintiff or a defendant, having some knowledge of the basic process is important.

What is Civil Litigation?

Often, civil litigation involves a legal dispute between two or more parties (individuals, businesses, or other entities) in which the plaintiff seeks monetary compensation (known as damages) or a specific action from the defendant.

Many types of disputes can lead to civil litigation, for example:

Product Liability
Construction liability
Medical malpractice
Personal injury
Real estate disputes
Intellectual property disputes
Anti-trust litigation
Landlord/Tenant disputes
Breach of Contract

What is the Civil Litigation Process?

Every civil suit is unique, but most follow the same process:

The plaintiff files a complaint with the court against the defendant. The complaint is a written document that includes the plaintiff's legal claims and what they want from the defendant.
The complaint is served upon the defendant, who is given a certain amount of time to respond to the complaint. The defendant should respond to each allegation and is permitted to make a counterclaim against the plaintiff if applicable.
During the discovery process, the attorneys process and exchange information related to the case.
The judge may order the parties to attend a settlement conference, or a party can request a settlement conference. The purpose of this conference is to try to resolve the case before it goes to trial. Because a trial can be lengthy and costly, settling out of court often benefits everyone involved.
The judge may also order one or more pretrial conferences to ensure that both parties adequately prepare for the trial so that it can proceed as efficiently as possible. During these pretrial conferences, the judge may try to simplify the issues, eliminate some of the claims or defenses, limit the time allowed for the trial, discuss if the dispute can be resolved without a trial, etc.
The judge may also order the parties to file a written trial memorandum. The memorandum often outlines the facts of the case and list defenses, witnesses, exhibits, and more.
During the trial, which can be heard by a judge (a bench trial) or a jury, each party has the opportunity to present their case. Once all of the evidence has been presented, the judge or jury delivers their findings with a verdict.
If a party is dissatisfied with a final ruling, when warranted, they can file an appeal and request that an appellate court review the decision of the trial court or jury. Each party presents their arguments to the appellate court by submitting briefs and a record of evidence from the trial court. If the appellate court does not find an error in the trial court proceedings, it will affirm the verdict. If it does find an error, the appellate court can order a new trial or take other steps.

Experienced Civil Litigation Attorneys You Can Trust

To achieve a successful outcome, litigation requires extensive knowledge of the law, the court system, an often-complex litigation process, and skillful planning. Whether you are the plaintiff or defendant, the experienced legal team at Bingaman Hess will thoroughly analyze your situation, provide knowledgeable guidance, and offer all available options to help achieve your desired outcome.

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Business Succession Planning

By Mahlon Boyer • May 30, 2026

Business succession planning is an important process that helps business owners prepare for the upcoming transfer of ownership and leadership. Whether the transition involves passing the company to family members, selling to business partners or transferring ownership to outside buyers, having a clear succession plan helps reduce uncertainty and protect the long-term security of the business. A careful plan can also minimize disputes, preserve business value and ensure continuity in periods of change. Planning for Business Transfer The first step in business succession planning is identifying how the business will be transferred and who will assume control. Business owners should evaluate their long-term goals, retirement plans, and the financial needs of both the company and their family members. Some owners choose to pass the business on to children or relatives who are already involved in operations. Others may transfer ownership to key employees, business partners or third party buyers. Each option has different legal, operational and financial consequences. A successful transition often takes years of preparation. Potential successors may need leadership training, operational experience and gradual increases in responsibility to ensure they are ready to effectively manage the business. Good communication with family members, partners and stakeholders is also important to avoid misinterpretations and conflict. Business owners should work with legal and financial professionals to create formal succession documents, update corporate records, and establish a realistic timeline for the transfer process. Use of Buy-Sell Agreements Buy-sell agreements are an essential part of many succession plans. These legally binding agreements specify what happens to the interest of a business owner if certain events occur, such as retirement, disability, death or voluntary departure from the company. A buy-sell agreement typically defines who may buy the shares of the departing owner, how the business interest will be valued and the terms of payment. This structure helps maintain stability and prevents ownership disputes that could disrupt operations. For businesses with multiple owners, buy-sell agreements provide understanding and protections for all parties involved. They can prevent unwanted external ownership and ensure that remaining owners retain control of the company. Funding mechanisms are also important. Many businesses use life insurance policies to fund buyouts in the event of an owner's death. This allows surviving owners or family members to complete the transfer without putting financial hardship on the business. Tax Considerations Tax planning is an important part of business succession planning. If the transfer of ownership is not well planned, the business owner and successor will face a substantial tax liability. Depending on how the transfer takes place, the owners may face capital gains, estate, or gift taxes. With good planning, these tax burdens can be reduced with trusts, step-by-step ownership transfers, family partnerships, or changing the type of business entity. Another important factor is valuation. A proper valuation of a business is important for determining tax liability and ensuring that everyone involved in the transfer is treated fairly. Business owners should regularly review their succession plans with accountants, tax advisors, and attorneys, as tax laws are often changing. Regular updates keep the plan in line with changing legislation and the business’s needs. Let Us Help You Navigate the Essentials of Business Succession Planning Don’t wait! Talk to one of the experienced estate planning attorneys at Bingaman Hess today at 610.374.8377 or contact us online. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No one may rely on this information without consulting an attorney. Anyone who attempts to use this information without attorney consultation does so at their own risk. Bingaman Hess is not and shall never be responsible for anyone who uses this information. It is not legal advice.