Civil Litigation
Civil Litigation Attorney – Serving Arizona and Texas
For more than 29 years, the Law Office of Nino Abate has represented individuals and businesses in civil disputes throughout Phoenix, Maricopa County, and across Arizona. We handle the full range of civil litigation — from contract and business disputes to real estate disputes, partnership breakups, fraud claims, and personal injury matters. When negotiation fails and a case has to be filed, defended, or tried, we are the firm clients call.
Litigation is expensive, time-consuming, and personal. Our job is to give you a clear-eyed view of what your case is actually worth, what it will cost to pursue, and what the likely outcomes look like — and then to fight effectively for the result you want.
Business & Commercial Litigation
We represent plaintiffs and defendants in business disputes of all kinds: breach of contract claims, vendor and customer disputes, breach of fiduciary duty, business torts, unfair competition, non-compete and non-solicitation enforcement, trade secret misappropriation, and shareholder and member disputes. Whether you need to enforce an agreement or defend against one, we know how Arizona courts handle these cases.
Contract Disputes
Most civil cases start with a contract. We litigate disputes arising from purchase agreements, service contracts, leases, supply agreements, employment contracts, settlement agreements, and more. We pursue claims for breach, anticipatory repudiation, fraudulent inducement, and rescission, and we defend clients facing the same. (Read more in our blog post on common contract disputes and how Arizona courts handle them.)
Real Estate Litigation
Real estate disputes are one of our core practice areas. We handle breach of purchase agreements, specific performance actions, seller non-disclosure and fraud claims, broker liability, title disputes, quiet title actions, easement and boundary disputes, partition actions, HOA disputes, landlord-tenant disputes, and construction and mechanic’s lien claims. See our real estate law practice for more on the transactional side.
Partnership & Business Divorce Disputes
When business partners stop seeing eye to eye, the legal mechanics of separation matter. We handle LLC member disputes, partnership dissolutions, buyouts, derivative actions, claims for breach of operating agreement, and disputes over capital accounts, distributions, and management authority.
Fraud, Misrepresentation & Business Torts
We represent clients in fraud and misrepresentation claims, tortious interference with contract or business expectancy, civil conspiracy, conversion, and aiding and abetting claims. These cases often involve complex facts and meaningful damages — they reward careful preparation and aggressive prosecution.
Construction & Mechanic’s Lien Disputes
We assist owners, general contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers with construction payment disputes, mechanic’s lien foreclosures and challenges, defect claims, and bond claims under Arizona law.
When a Business Dispute Becomes Litigation
Not every disagreement belongs in court. We help clients identify the right inflection point — when to negotiate, when to mediate, and when filing suit is the only way to protect their interests. (For more, see our blog post on when a business dispute becomes a litigation matter.)
Personal Injury
We also represent injury victims in Arizona personal injury matters, including auto accidents, premises liability, and other negligence claims. If you’ve been hurt because of someone else’s carelessness, we can help you understand your options and pursue fair compensation.
Mediation, Arbitration & Trial
Most civil cases settle. We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial — not because trial is always the right outcome, but because that’s how you get a fair settlement. We have substantial experience in mediation, in private and court-annexed arbitration, and in jury and bench trials in Arizona state and federal court.
How We Work
Civil litigation rewards experience and judgment. We’ve spent 25+ years learning how Arizona judges and juries decide these cases, what evidence moves the needle, and how to prepare a case efficiently without leaving anything on the table. We’re direct with clients about strengths, weaknesses, costs, and likely outcomes — and we don’t pursue a case unless it makes economic sense.
We also work closely with our business law and real estate practices, so when a dispute crosses over into transactional or regulatory territory, you have one firm handling all of it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a civil lawsuit take in Arizona?
It depends on the complexity of the case and the court, but most civil cases in Maricopa County Superior Court resolve within 12 to 24 months from filing. Simpler cases can move faster, and complex commercial disputes can take longer. The vast majority settle before trial.
What does it cost to litigate a case?
Civil litigation costs vary widely. We discuss fee structure (hourly, flat fee for defined phases, or in some matters contingency) at the outset and give you a realistic budget for each phase of the case so you can make informed decisions about whether to pursue, settle, or try the matter.
Can attorneys’ fees be recovered in Arizona civil cases?
Sometimes. Arizona statute (A.R.S. § 12-341.01) allows the court to award reasonable attorneys’ fees to the successful party in contract-based actions. Other statutes and contracts can also provide for fee shifting. We’ll evaluate fee recovery as part of any case assessment.
Do you take cases on contingency?
For certain matters — particularly personal injury and some plaintiff-side commercial cases with strong damages — yes. Most business and real estate disputes are handled on an hourly or hybrid basis.
I’ve been served with a lawsuit. What should I do?
Don’t ignore it. In Arizona, you generally have 20 days (or 30 days if served outside the state) to file a response, and missing that deadline can result in a default judgment against you. Call us as soon as possible so we can review the complaint and protect your rights.
Do you handle cases outside of Phoenix?
Yes. We litigate cases throughout Maricopa County (Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, Paradise Valley) and across Arizona, in state and federal court. We’re also licensed in Texas.
Talk to a Phoenix Civil Litigation Attorney
If you’re facing a dispute, considering filing suit, or have already been sued, the earlier we get involved the more options you have. Contact us to schedule a consultation about your matter.