Civil Defense Attorneys | BWA Law Group APC
Experienced Southern California Civil Defense Law Firm
Being served with a lawsuit can disrupt your plans and your peace of mind. Civil Litigation Defense Lawyers at BWA Law Group APC help you steady the situation and take control. We explain the process in practical terms, identify deadlines, and build a plan that fits your goals, budget, and risk profile. Our team defends civil cases for individuals, businesses, and property owners in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego counties. We focus on real-world results and cost control, not courtroom theater. We begin with an early case assessment, look for defenses that can narrow or end the case, and keep you informed at every step so you can make smart decisions for your business and your life. Call (888) 929-2529 to arrange a free consultation.
Civil Defense Attorneys | BWA Law Group APC
What Civil Defense Means for You
Civil defense is the practice of representing defendants in civil lawsuits that seek money or court orders. We handle contract and service disputes, partnership and shareholder conflicts, real estate and commercial lease matters, defamation and business torts, lender and creditor claims, and other liability allegations. When a dispute is mostly commercial, we coordinate with our Business Litigation team. If ADA or construction issues appear, we work closely with our ADA Defense and Construction Defect practices to cover every angle.
We defend individuals and businesses in civil litigation with a focus on practical defense strategies and trial readiness. Our attorneys have extensive courtroom experience in state and federal courts and are not afraid to take on challenging cases. However, we work best with clients who are forthright, cooperative, and willing to engage meaningfully in the defense process. Clear communication and active participation from our clients allow us to build the strongest possible defense.
Our mediation process is clear, focused, and built to keep discussions productive. When representing a client in mediation, we come in with a strong understanding of the legal and business framework, ready to support a resolution that aligns with your priorities.
Civil defense is the practice of representing defendants in civil lawsuits that seek money or court orders. We handle contract and service disputes, partnership and shareholder conflicts, real estate and commercial lease matters, defamation and business torts, lender and creditor claims, and other liability allegations. When a dispute is mostly commercial, we coordinate with our Business Litigation team. If ADA or construction issues appear, we work closely with our ADA Defense and Construction Defect practices to cover every angle.
We defend individuals and businesses in civil litigation with a focus on practical defense strategies and trial readiness. Our attorneys have extensive courtroom experience in state and federal courts and are not afraid to take on challenging cases. However, we work best with clients who are forthright, cooperative, and willing to engage meaningfully in the defense process. Clear communication and active participation from our clients allow us to build the strongest possible defense.
Early Case Assessment and Deadline Control
Being served with a lawsuit can be stressful and expensive. We review the complaint, service date, court rules, insurance policies, contracts, and supporting documents to assess your exposure and options. Whether you face a breach of contract claim, partnership dispute, defamation allegation, lender claim, real estate conflict, or personal liability matter, we analyze probable outcomes using legal precedents and develop strategies tailored to your specific situation. You will know what happens next, when it happens, and why it matters.
California employers face liability for employee claims involving age, race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, and other protected categories. We defend against:
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FEHA (Fair Employment and Housing Act) claims
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Title VII discrimination lawsuits
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Sexual harassment complaints
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Whistleblower and retaliation claims
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Failure to accommodate allegations
Being served with a lawsuit can be stressful and expensive. We review the complaint, service date, court rules, insurance policies, contracts, and supporting documents to assess your exposure and options. Whether you face a breach of contract claim, partnership dispute, defamation allegation, lender claim, real estate conflict, or personal liability matter, we analyze probable outcomes using legal precedents and develop strategies tailored to your specific situation. You will know what happens next, when it happens, and why it matters.
Procedural Defenses and Pre-Answer Motions
Strong defense starts with the rules. We examine jurisdiction, venue, service, statutes of limitation, pleading sufficiency, and related issues. When appropriate, we file demurrers or motions to strike or transfer to narrow claims or end the case early, saving time and cost before discovery. If the record supports it later, we pursue summary judgment or adjudication.
Strong defense starts with the rules. We examine jurisdiction, venue, service, statutes of limitation, pleading sufficiency, and related issues. When appropriate, we file demurrers or motions to strike or transfer to narrow claims or end the case early, saving time and cost before discovery. If the record supports it later, we pursue summary judgment or adjudication.
Focused Discovery That Builds Leverage
Discovery should create leverage, not busy work. We tailor requests, protect confidential information, depose key witnesses, use subpoenas for vital records, and retain qualified experts when technical knowledge will strengthen your defense. The goal is a clear, credible record for settlement or trial.
Discovery should create leverage, not busy work. We tailor requests, protect confidential information, depose key witnesses, use subpoenas for vital records, and retain qualified experts when technical knowledge will strengthen your defense. The goal is a clear, credible record for settlement or trial.
Trial Preparation and Courtroom Experience
If settlement negotiations fail, we prepare thoroughly for trial. The California Code of Civil Procedure and California Rules of Court impose strict deadlines, and courts are unforgiving when those deadlines are missed. We file pre-trial motions to establish the framework for trial and motions in limine to exclude improper evidence from reaching the jury. Our civil litigation attorneys have significant trial experience across Southern California and understand that preparation separates effective representation from courtroom failure. We prepare witnesses, organize exhibits, and present your defense with attention to procedural rules and persuasive advocacy.
Employment disputes can trigger investigations by federal and state governmental agencies. Administrative charges require careful response strategies that protect legal positions while attempting to resolve matters before litigation begins. Proper handling of agency investigations can prevent costly federal or state court lawsuits.
BWA Law Group APC defends employers before agencies such as:
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California Labor Commissioner
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Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH)
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Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
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Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA)
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Employment Development Department (EDD)
We handle audits, investigations, and administrative hearings with the same attention to detail we bring to courtroom litigation. When settlement is possible, we protect our clients’ business continuity and reputational interests.
Settlement, ADR, and Trial Readiness
Litigation can be costly, both financially and emotionally. We pursue negotiation when it serves your interests and guide mediation or arbitration through Civil Litigation & Dispute Resolution when privacy or speed is important. We work diligently in negotiations and settlement discussions at your direction, pursuing resolution when it serves your interests. If trial is necessary, we prepare witnesses, evidence, and motions in limine with strict attention to deadlines and courtroom rules.
Holding the Plaintiff to the Burden of Proof
The plaintiff must prove the claim with admissible evidence. We hold the other side to that standard at every stage, from pleadings through trial.
When Counterclaims Help
Sometimes the right move is a cross-complaint. These can shed light on the plaintiff's own mistakes or violations during the underlying transaction and shift leverage in your favor. However, cross-complaints also add complexity and cost, so we recommend them only when they provide clear tactical advantage.
Discovery should create leverage, not busy work. We tailor requests, protect confidential information, depose key witnesses, use subpoenas for vital records, and retain qualified experts when technical knowledge will strengthen your defense. The goal is a clear, credible record for settlement or trial.
Sometimes the right move is a cross-complaint. These can shed light on the plaintiff's own mistakes or violations during the underlying transaction and shift leverage in your favor. However, cross-complaints also add complexity and cost, so we recommend them only when they provide clear tactical advantage.
Industry-Aware Defense
We represent clients across staffing, healthcare, hospitality, professional services, retail, finance, and construction. For ongoing risk reduction, our General Counsel team updates contracts, policies, and training to prevent the next dispute. See Comprehensive Business Representation for industry-specific support.
Contact Civil Defense Lawyers at BWA Law Group APC
When you are served with a lawsuit, it is necessary to respond quickly. We can help you navigate this civil case and seek the best results for you and your family. Use our Case Evaluation Form or Online Scheduling to connect with our experienced team. Let us know details of the complaint and any notices you received. We can outline deadlines, check insurance coverage, and design a defense plan that matches your goals. We also handle post-trial motions and appeals when trial outcomes require further review. Our team handles matters in state and federal courts across Southern California, including Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego counties.
When you are served with a lawsuit, it is necessary to respond quickly. We can help you navigate this civil case and seek the best results for you and your family. Use our Case Evaluation Form or Online Scheduling to connect with our experienced team. Let us know details of the complaint and any notices you received. We can outline deadlines, check insurance coverage, and design a defense plan that matches your goals. We also handle post-trial motions and appeals when trial outcomes require further review. Our team handles matters in state and federal courts across Southern California, including Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego counties.
"I worked and used Hillary Johns as counsel for years for a number of different issues. She always given excellent advice that has proved to be invaluable. I will continue to utilize her services and recommend her to my clients.
BOB CUNNINGHAM
OUR CLIENT'S FEEDBACK
"I used this firm some time ago to assist me in defending a bogus defamation claim. Not only did the firm prevail, they also received a court order for the attorney's fees I had to pay to defend myself. Jeremy and Christian, both very informative and insightful. I would highly recommend this firm.
THEODORE SANCHEZ
OUR CLIENT'S FEEDBACK
“I Have a small business and received a "scary” letter in the mail and multiple emails a couple months ago informing me that I was being sued. I called Jeremy Alberts at BWA Law Group. He was extremely helpful and brought my anxiety level down to a manageable level.
ANDREW HEIDRICH
OUR CLIENT'S FEEDBACK
