# Civil litigation lawyer in Silverdale, Kitsap County > Civil litigation for Kitsap County people and businesses: contract, commercial, construction and property disputes, collections and defense of lawsuits. URL: https://www.kitsaplawgroup.com/silverdale/litigation-lawyer/ Civil litigation ## Litigation lawyer in Silverdale When a dispute cannot be settled on reasonable terms, our trial attorneys represent people and businesses in Washington state and federal courts, from district court to the appellate courts. 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](https://www.kitsaplawgroup.com/assets/img/photos/photo-147-1200.jpg) ## 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](https://www.kitsaplawgroup.com/silverdale/real-estate-lawyer/construction/) 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](https://www.kitsaplawgroup.com/silverdale/real-estate-lawyer/) Litigation over real estate, land use and the rights that come with owning property. - [Business and partnership disputes](https://www.kitsaplawgroup.com/silverdale/business-lawyer/) 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. 1. 1Assess the disputeWe review the documents, the facts and your goals, and give you a candid view of your position and your options. 2. 2Look for a resolutionWhere it makes sense, we work toward a settlement through negotiation or mediation before costs climb. 3. 3Prepare thoroughlyIf the case goes forward, we prepare every pleading, deposition, hearing and witness with care. 4. 4Present your caseWhen 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](https://www.kitsaplawgroup.com/assets/img/photos/photo-141-1200.jpg) Who handles it ## Attorneys who handle litigation Each of our attorneys has tried civil cases, in Kitsap County courts and beyond. - [David P. Horton](https://www.kitsaplawgroup.com/our-team/david-p-horton/): Managing Partner - [David A. Weibel](https://www.kitsaplawgroup.com/our-team/david-a-weibel/): Partner - [Bill H. Broughton](https://www.kitsaplawgroup.com/our-team/bill-h-broughton/): Partner - [Christy Palmer](https://www.kitsaplawgroup.com/our-team/christy-palmer/): Partner - [John Brennan](https://www.kitsaplawgroup.com/our-team/john-brennan/): Associate [Meet the full team](https://www.kitsaplawgroup.com/our-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. Related ## More on litigation Other practice areas ## A full-service firm [Personal injury Claims for people hurt by someone else's carelessness, from vehicle collisions to unsafe property. Learn more](https://www.kitsaplawgroup.com/silverdale/personal-injury-lawyer/) [Real estate Property transactions, boundary and easement disputes, construction matters and land use. Learn more](https://www.kitsaplawgroup.com/silverdale/real-estate-lawyer/) [Estate planning Wills, trusts and probate, so your wishes are clear and your family has a plan. Learn more](https://www.kitsaplawgroup.com/silverdale/estate-planning-lawyer/) [Business Formation, contracts, transactions and disputes for owners of businesses large and small. Learn more](https://www.kitsaplawgroup.com/silverdale/business-lawyer/) [Litigation Civil disputes in state and federal courts, handled with careful preparation at every stage. Learn more](https://www.kitsaplawgroup.com/silverdale/litigation-lawyer/) [Municipal law Counsel to cities, ports and public agencies on public works, compliance and governance. Learn more](https://www.kitsaplawgroup.com/silverdale/municipal-law-lawyer/) [View all practice areas](https://www.kitsaplawgroup.com/practice-areas/) ## Contact - Phone: 360-692-6415 - Address: 3212 NW Byron St, Suite 101, Silverdale, WA 98383 - Request a consultation: https://www.kitsaplawgroup.com/contact/