The Lawsuit Survival Guide: A Client's Companion to Litigation [Paperback]

Joseph L. Matthews (Author), J. L. Matthews (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 2001 | Series: Lawsuit Survival Guide

Bridge the gap between yourself and the legal system with The Lawsuit Survival Guide. Find concise explanations of legal proceedings and clear answers to your questions, such as:

* "How do I find the right lawyer?" * "How do attorney fees work?" * "What is my lawyer doing, and why?" * "What does all this legalese mean?" * "What's taking so long?" * "Can I cut costs by helping my lawyer?" * "Can I get out of this lawsuit?"

The Lawsuit Survival Guide takes you through the entire litigation process from start to finish, explaining every step along the way in language that makes sense. It will save you and your lawyer time, money and aggravation -- and give you the information you need to make smart lawsuit decisions.

This one-of-a-kind book is perfect for clients, lawyers, business people, law students, paralegals, writers and anyone else with an interest in civil court cases.

Editorial Reviews

Review

An unprecedented resource for clients in litigation. It demystifies the lawsuit process and encourages a client's informed participation and decision-making. -- Richard A. Hodge, California Superior Court Judge (retired)

Nolo publications guide people simply through the how, when, where, and why of the law. -- The Washington Post

About the Author

Joseph Matthews has been an attorney since 1971, and from 1975 to 1977 he taught at the law school of the University of California, Berkeley. He is the author of The Lawsuit Survival Guide, How to Win Your Personal Injury Claim, Beat the Nursing Home Trap and Social Security, Medicare & Pensions.

Product Details

• Paperback: 300 pages
• Publisher: NOLO (May 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0873377605
• ISBN-13: 978-0873377607
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #560,595 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #65 in Books > Law > Administrative Law > Civil Law

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Are you in a lawsuit?, April 10, 2008

By 

J. FERRARA "Jay" (Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Lawsuit Survival Guide: A Client's Companion to Litigation (Paperback)

Having to go to court several times, this book proved to be a valuable resource. It taught me what to expect from the legal system in a step by step form. It covers how to choose an attorney to all the trial procedures. It makes the whole idea of going to court a lot easier.

The authors give honest information on every part of the trial and the trial process. You will learn how to file a complaint to answering a complaint. It gives real information on the process of the trial from filing motions, seeking discovery and settling your case. It caps with judgments and appeals.

I like how the authors make everything easy to understand and the advice is completely useable. This can be used if this is you first time in court or your tenth.

Footnote: Nolo press is the best company that produces law books for the common person. They are always easy to read and pact with good advice.

Enjoy

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Reference for Litigation Questions, July 28, 2011

By 

PNW Reader (Bellevue, WA United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Lawsuit Survival Guide: A Client's Companion to Litigation (Paperback)

I had to file a lawsuit over a civil matter. This book is valuable resource for both plaintiffs and defendants. It describes the basic process of the the US legal system and defines many of the terms you encounter. It reduces much of the confusion and uncertainly of interacting with the legal system including your own lawyer. The information can help you save money in legal fees by pointing out how you can do some of the work instead of paying your attorney to do it for you.

With all of that said, this book is not state specific so you will have to look up specifics like filing deadlines, length of time to file various forms of paperwork, notification requirements, etc. for your state.

5.0 out of 5 stars Highly Recommended, January 2, 2011

By 

Honest Reviewer - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Lawsuit Survival Guide: A Client's Companion to Litigation (Paperback)

"The Lawsuit Survival Guide" is clearly written and highly informative. This is many steps above the basic informational texts of which I am aware. As a layperson needing information quickly,I found this book to be a tremendous help. What a boost forward in knowledge!!
One thing to note is that as you work with your attorney, you will find that there are some things of course not included in this book. So information found here is not necessarily definitive. If you are acting as your own attorney, I would recommend additional research. That does not take away from my opinion of this book; a full picture of the law simply requires 3 years of schooling and multiple texts. If you do have an attorney, this book is an excellent tool to help you understand the lawsuit process and to be helpful to your attorney.