Civil Litigation Defence Lawyer
Civil claims threaten what you've worked for—we stand between you and those seeking damages.
We find the most direct path to resolving disputes while protecting your interests.
Civil Litigation in Alberta
Civil litigation encompasses a wide range of non-criminal legal disputes between parties seeking monetary compensation or specific performance rather than criminal sanctions. In Alberta, these cases proceed through a structured process governed by the Alberta Rules of Court, with potential resolutions through negotiation, mediation, or trial.
Civil lawsuits can arise from numerous situations, including business disputes, personal injury claims, property conflicts, breaches of contract, and professional liability allegations. These matters can threaten your financial stability, business operations, and personal reputation.
We understand the complexities of civil litigation and the financial and emotional stress it creates. With our experience on both sides of the legal system, we develop comprehensive defence strategies tailored to your specific situation, focusing on efficient and cost-effective resolutions while protecting your interests.
Types of Civil Litigation Cases We Handle
Contract Disputes
We defend individuals and businesses in disputes arising from alleged breaches of contracts, service agreements, leases, and other binding arrangements.
Common Issues:
Breach of contract allegations
Service quality disputes
Payment and compensation conflicts
Contract interpretation disagreements
Warranty and guarantee disputes
Non-compete and confidentiality issues
Personal Injury Defence
We represent defendants facing claims related to accidents, injuries, and alleged negligence.
Common Issues:
Motor vehicle accident liability
Premises liability claims
Premises liability claims
Product liability disputes
Recreational injury cases
Insurance coverage disputes
Business and Commercial Litigation
We defend businesses and their stakeholders in commercial disputes that threaten operations and assets.
Common Issues:
Partnership and shareholder disputes
Commercial lease conflicts
Business tort allegations
Trade secret and intellectual property claims
Debt collection defence
Consumer protection matters
Property and Real Estate Litigation
We address disputes related to property ownership, boundaries, development, and usage.
Common Issues:
Boundary and easement disputes
Construction defect claims
Landlord-tenant conflicts
Property damage allegations
Land use and zoning issues
Real estate transaction disputes
Our Civil Litigation Defence Process
We approach each civil case with a proven methodology developed through years of litigation experience. From initial response to resolution, we guide you through every step while protecting your interests and seeking the most favorable outcome.
Free Consultation
We begin with a thorough discussion of your case to understand the full context of your situation. During this meeting, we listen to your concerns, review available documentation, and explain potential approaches to your legal matter. This foundation allows us to develop a relationship based on understanding and trust.
During this meeting we discuss fees and a budget that can work with your financial situation.
Obtain and Review Disclosure
The first step when someone is charged with a crime is to find out exactly what the Crown is going to try to use against you. This sometimes takes months of diligent inquiry and follow-up.
Once we obtain the Crown’s disclosure file, we sit down with you to discuss the best way to proceed with your defence. Sometimes, this is by way of a quick resolution to a favourable Crown offer; other times, it is by proceeding to trial.
Plan the Defence
If we proceed to trial, we lay out the best defence strategy well in advance, so we have a clear picture of where we are headed.
This includes planning all pre-trial applications (for instance, to introduce expert evidence), lining up any relevant witnesses, and making critical decisions about things like whether you will testify and whether the trial will be by judge alone or judge and jury.
Prepare for Trial
We prepare you and any witnesses for the trial by thoroughly explaining how the trial will look, showing you around a courtroom so that you are comfortable, asking you practice questions so that you get used to speaking in public, and doing mock cross-examinations so that you are not flustered when answering questions.
Trial
At the trial, we stand between you and the power of the State, and mount your best defence.
About Zachary Al-Khatib
Founder of ZK Law specializing in criminal defence and complex legal matters. Former Supreme Court of Canada clerk bringing unique judicial perspective to each case. I combine rigorous advocacy with compassion, ensuring every client's story is heard. Currently teaching at the University of Alberta while maintaining my practice.
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Contact ZK Law today for a confidential consultation. We will explain your legal options, answer your questions, and start building your defence strategy immediately.
FAQs
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Contact a litigation defence lawyer immediately, as strict timelines apply for filing a response. In Alberta, you typically have 20 days to file a Statement of Defence if served in Alberta, or 30 days if served outside the province. Failing to respond can result in default judgment against you.
Timelines vary significantly depending on case complexity, court schedules, and whether settlement is reached. Simple matters may resolve in months, while complex cases often take 1-3 years to reach trial. We work efficiently to resolve matters as quickly as circumstances allow.
Outcomes range from dismissal of claims to financial judgments, specific performance orders, declarations of rights, or injunctions. Many cases settle before trial with negotiated terms. We work toward the most favorable outcome while managing risk appropriately.
Alberta follows a partial indemnity cost system where the unsuccessful party often pays a portion of the successful party's legal costs. However, cost awards vary based on factors including offers to settle and litigation conduct. We provide strategic advice on cost management throughout your case.
While self-representation is permitted, civil litigation involves complex procedural rules and substantive law. The opposing party will likely have legal representation, creating a significant disadvantage for self-represented litigants. Professional legal representation substantially improves your likelihood of favorable outcomes.
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