• The plaintiff hires an attorney to seek restitution of damages from a defendant.
• The plaintiff attorney investigates the case (possibly with the assistance of a CPA or other expert).
• The plaintiff's attorney demands restitution from the defendant.
• If the defendant refuses to pay, the plaintiff's attorney files a lawsuit (which may also be called a complaint or initial pleading).
• The defendant responds to the complaint with a motion or an answer.

Discovery

• Each party requests documents from the opposing side.
• Each party issues interrogatories to be answered by the opposing side.
• Each party submits requests for admissions to the opposing side.
• Each party holds depositions of opposing witnesses.

Motion Practice and Negotiation

• Throughout the litigation process, each side will seek rulings from the court regarding a variety of motions.
• At any time during the litigation, the parties may negotiate a settlement.

Trial and Appeal

• The case will be litigated and a verdict will be rendered.
• The losing party may appeal the verdict to a higher court.