Civil litigation lawyer in Silverdale, Kitsap County

Litigation

A careful approach to civil disputes

Litigation is expensive, time consuming and stressful, so we treat it as a last resort. Many disputes can be resolved through negotiation or a creative solution that keeps you out of the courtroom, and we look for those options first.

Sometimes going to court is necessary. If you or your business has been sued, you need to defend yourself to protect your interests. If someone has wronged you and will not take responsibility, the courts may be the way to enforce your rights. Our attorneys can help in either situation.

Kitsap Law Group handles civil litigation for individuals, property owners, businesses and public entities in Silverdale, Bremerton and throughout Kitsap, Jefferson and Mason Counties. All of our attorneys have considerable trial experience, and we have litigated cases in courts ranging from district court to the Washington Supreme Court and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Commercial and contract disputes
Construction disputes and construction defect claims
Real property disputes
Collections
Defense when you have been sued

Attorney John Brennan in the Kitsap Law Group conference room with law books

Litigation rooted in Kitsap County

Our attorneys live and work in the communities we serve. We appear regularly before the courts in Kitsap County and the surrounding counties, and we understand that a lawsuit affects more than a balance sheet: it takes time, attention and energy away from your family or your business.

That is why we keep our clients informed, give honest assessments of the strengths and weaknesses of a case, and work toward a resolution that makes sense for you, whether that comes at the negotiating table or after a trial.

What we handle

Civil disputes we handle

Our litigation practice is civil: disputes between people, businesses and public entities over money, property, contracts and obligations.

Commercial disputes

Disagreements between businesses, or between a business and its customers, vendors or owners, including breach of contract claims.
Construction disputes

Conflicts among owners, contractors and subcontractors over payment, scope of work, delays and performance.
Construction defect litigation

Claims involving defects in the design or construction of homes and commercial buildings.
Real property disputes

Litigation over real estate, land use and the rights that come with owning property.
Business and partnership disputes

Disputes among partners, members and shareholders about how a company is run or what an owner is owed.
Collections

Pursuing amounts owed under contracts, invoices and judgments.
Litigation defense

Representation for individuals and businesses who have been named in a civil lawsuit.
Arbitration and appeals

Representation in arbitration, and in the Washington appellate courts and the Ninth Circuit when a case goes up on appeal.

Our approach

Preparation, efficiency and a clear plan

We know our clients do not have unlimited resources to spend on a fight in court. Practicing in a small community, we know the local courts and how cases move through them, and we use that knowledge to keep your matter focused and efficient.

Assess the dispute
We review the documents, the facts and your goals, and give you a candid view of your position and your options.
Look for a resolution
Where it makes sense, we work toward a settlement through negotiation or mediation before costs climb.
Prepare thoroughly
If the case goes forward, we prepare every pleading, deposition, hearing and witness with care.
Present your case
When a judge or jury needs to decide, we present your case in court or arbitration and keep you informed at each step.

Managing Partner David P. Horton seated in a leather chair in his office

Who handles it

Attorneys who handle litigation

Each of our attorneys has tried civil cases, in Kitsap County courts and beyond.

Meet the full team

Questions

Frequently asked questions

Should I try to settle before filing a lawsuit?

Often, yes. Litigation is costly and slow, and many disputes can be resolved through negotiation or mediation. We look for a reasonable resolution first, while preparing in case the matter does need to go to court.

I have just been served with a lawsuit. What should I do?

Do not ignore it. The papers you received generally say how and when you must respond, and missing that deadline can lead to a default judgment against you. Contact an attorney promptly; an attorney can confirm your deadline and prepare your response.

What kinds of cases does your litigation practice cover?

Civil disputes, including commercial and contract disputes, construction disputes and construction defect claims, real property disputes, business and partnership disputes, collections and the defense of civil lawsuits.

Which courts do you practice in?

Our attorneys have litigated cases in courts ranging from district court to the Washington Supreme Court and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and also handle matters in arbitration.

How long does a civil lawsuit take?

It varies with the complexity of the dispute, the court's schedule and whether the parties settle. Some cases resolve in months; others that go to trial take considerably longer. We can give you a realistic sense of the timeline once we understand your case.

Can my case be decided by arbitration instead of a trial?

Some contracts require arbitration, and in other cases the parties may agree to it. We can review your agreement and explain whether arbitration applies and how it differs from going to court.

What should I bring to a first meeting?

Bring any contracts, letters, emails, invoices, photos and court papers related to the dispute, along with a short timeline of what happened. The more we can see, the more useful our first conversation will be.