Civil Litigation Lawyer New York County (Manhattan) | SRIS,
Civil Litigation Lawyer in New York County (Manhattan), NY
A civil litigation lawyer in New York County (Manhattan) handles non-criminal legal disputes in New York Supreme Court. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full representation for contract, business, and property disputes governed by the New York Civil Practice Law and Rules (CPLR). Our firm, founded in 1997, uses a case-specific approach for each client’s situation.
What Is Civil Litigation in New York?
Civil litigation in New York involves resolving private disputes through the court system, primarily under the New York Civil Practice Law and Rules (CPLR). This area covers a wide range of conflicts, from breach of contract and business disagreements to real estate and professional malpractice claims. The process is formal, with specific rules for pleadings, discovery, motions, and trial.
Last verified: April 2026 | New York County Supreme Court | New York State Legislature
Official Legal Resources
Understanding civil procedure requires reviewing the official rules. The New York Civil Practice Law and Rules (CPLR) governs all civil court procedures. For court-specific forms and filing information, visit the New York County Supreme Court website.
Handling a Civil Case in Manhattan Supreme Court
Civil litigation in New York County Supreme Court follows the CPLR. A key local procedural fact is that the Supreme Court has unlimited civil jurisdiction, and its Commercial Division handles complex business disputes. The process demands strict adherence to filing deadlines and motion practice rules.
- File a summons and complaint, paying the $210 index number fee.
- Serve the defendant according to CPLR rules and file proof of service.
- Complete discovery, including document exchanges, depositions, and experienced disclosures.
- File a Note of Issue to certify the case is ready for trial.
- Attend pre-trial conferences and, if no settlement is reached, proceed to trial.
Potential Outcomes in a Civil Lawsuit
In New York County (Manhattan), civil litigation can result in monetary damages, equitable relief like injunctions, and in some cases, court-ordered sanctions for frivolous conduct.
| Remedy | Legal Basis | Common Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Compensatory Damages | CPLR Article 50 | Money for direct losses from breach of contract. |
| Consequential Damages | Case Law | Compensation for foreseeable indirect losses. |
| Punitive Damages | Case Law | Awarded for egregious, malicious conduct. |
| Equitable Relief | CPLR Article 63 | Injunctions to stop or require an action. |
| Prejudgment Interest | CPLR § 5004 | 9% annual interest on awarded damages. |
| Sanctions | 22 NYCRR 130-1.1 | Fines for frivolous litigation conduct. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Civil Disputes
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our combined attorney experience exceeds 120 years. Our approach, “Advocacy Without Borders,” focuses on detailed case preparation and strategic motion practice to seek favorable resolutions for our clients.
Legal Guidance for Your Case
If you are involved in a business dispute, contract issue, or other civil matter, understanding the procedural rules is critical. The CPLR sets strict timelines for responses and motions. A civil litigation attorney in New York can help manage these details. Mr. Sris leads our firm’s civil litigation practice, applying his extensive cross-jurisdictional experience to cases in New York.
Civil Litigation Law Firm New York
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New York Location — Buffalo/NY area
50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1400, Office No. 142
Buffalo, NY 14202
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (838)-292-0003
By appointment only.
Our New York location serves clients at New York County (Manhattan) courts, accessible via FDR Drive, West Side Highway, and all subway lines. We provide civil litigation attorney services in Manhattan neighborhoods including Midtown, Lower Manhattan, Upper East Side, Upper West Side, Harlem, Greenwich Village, SoHo, Tribeca, Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen, East Village, Financial District, Chinatown, Washington Heights, and Inwood. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a civil litigation lawyer in New York do?
Yes. A civil litigation lawyer in New York represents clients in non-criminal court disputes. This includes filing lawsuits, conducting discovery, arguing motions, negotiating settlements, and going to trial under the New York CPLR for matters like contract breaches or business conflicts.
How long does a civil lawsuit take in New York Supreme Court?
It depends on the case’s complexity and court calendar. A clear matter may resolve in 12-18 months, while complex commercial litigation in the Supreme Court’s Commercial Division can take 18-36 months or longer from filing to trial or settlement.
What are the court costs for filing a civil case in New York County?
Filing fees include a $210 index number fee and a $95 fee for a Request for Judicial Intervention (RJI). Additional motion fees are typically $45 each. Parties also bear costs for experts, depositions, and other litigation expenses.
Can I recover attorney’s fees if I win my lawsuit?
It depends. New York generally follows the “American Rule,” where each side pays its own fees, unless a specific statute, court rule, or contract provision allows for fee recovery. Sanctions for frivolous conduct may also include fee awards.
What is the difference between Supreme Court and Civil Court in New York?
New York Supreme Court is the state’s trial court of general jurisdiction, handling all civil matters without monetary limit. The Civil Court of the City of New York handles cases where the amount in controversy is $50,000 or less, among other specific matters.
Internal Links: For more information, see our New York civil litigation hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Albany County. For other legal needs in Manhattan, consider a business lawyer or contract lawyer.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.