Civil Litigation
Comprehensive representation in all stages of civil disputes, from investigation through trial and appeal.
Overview
Civil litigation encompasses legal disputes between two or more parties seeking money damages rather than criminal sanctions. At Ennis, Baynard, Morton, Medlin & Brown, civil litigation is the foundation upon which every other practice area is built. All five of our attorneys are experienced trial lawyers who handle civil disputes from initial investigation through final resolution — whether that resolution comes through negotiation, mediation, arbitration, trial, or appeal.
Our attorneys represent businesses, insurance companies, professionals, and individuals in all types of civil disputes throughout the courts of southeastern North Carolina and the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina. With over 100 years of combined litigation experience, our firm brings a depth of courtroom knowledge that few firms in the Wilmington market can match.
The civil litigation process involves multiple stages: investigation and case evaluation, discovery (including interrogatories, requests for production of documents, requests for admissions, and depositions), negotiation, mediation, arbitration, trial, and appeal. While it is true that most cases settle, it is also true that experienced trial lawyers consistently achieve the best results. Cases are best evaluated by predicting how a jury would rule if the case went to trial, and the experience that comes with actually trying cases allows our lawyers to better predict and influence outcomes at every stage.
Our approach to civil litigation is guided by a clear philosophy: we only practice in areas where we can provide the best service, and we continually hone our skills in those areas. This focused approach achieves efficiencies that reduce litigation costs for our clients while developing the specialized expertise that improves outcomes. When a matter falls outside our areas of experience, we refer clients to firms better equipped to handle those issues — because effective representation requires honest assessment of where a lawyer's strengths lie.
Whether you are a business owner facing a contract dispute, an insurance company defending a liability claim, a property owner involved in a construction defect case, or an individual navigating a personal injury matter, our attorneys have the trial experience and strategic judgment to protect your interests aggressively and efficiently.
Types of Cases We Handle
Contract Disputes
Breach of contract, enforcement of contract terms, and contractual interpretation issues.
Tort Claims
Negligence, intentional tort, and strict liability matters across all theories of recovery.
Property Disputes
Real property conflicts, boundary disputes, easement issues, and land use matters.
Business Torts
Fraud, tortious interference, unfair trade practices, and fiduciary duty claims.
Appellate Practice
Appeals before the NC Court of Appeals, NC Supreme Court, and federal appellate courts.
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Mediation and arbitration as alternatives to traditional courtroom litigation.
Why Ennis, Baynard, Morton, Medlin & Brown
With over 100 years of combined trial experience, our attorneys have litigated cases at every level of the court system — from New Hanover County Superior Court to the United States Supreme Court. Our firm's Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent rating and our listing in Best's Directory of Recommended Insurance Attorneys reflect the confidence that both peers and clients place in our litigation skills. Every attorney at the firm is an experienced trial lawyer, and that courtroom readiness is what drives favorable outcomes for our clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Civil litigation is the legal process for resolving disputes between parties seeking money damages or specific performance, as opposed to criminal prosecution. It encompasses everything from the initial filing of a lawsuit through discovery, mediation, trial, and appeal.
Timelines vary significantly depending on the complexity of the case, the number of parties involved, and the court's schedule. Simple cases may resolve in months, while complex multi-party litigation can take two to three years or more. Our attorneys work to resolve matters as efficiently as possible while protecting our clients' interests.
Most civil cases settle before trial through negotiation, mediation, or arbitration. However, having attorneys with real trial experience is critical because the opposing side's willingness to offer a fair settlement often depends on whether they believe your lawyers will actually take the case to a jury if necessary.
Need Aggressive Representation?
Contact our Wilmington office to discuss your case. We'll be where you need us.