Legal Definitions - Plaintiff's attorney

A plaintiff's attorney is a legal professional who represents the individual or entity that initiates a civil lawsuit. This lawyer's primary role is to advocate for their client, known as the "plaintiff," who is seeking a legal remedy—such as financial compensation or a court order—from another party. They guide the plaintiff through the legal process, from filing the initial complaint to presenting the case in court or negotiating a settlement.

Here are some examples illustrating the role of a plaintiff's attorney:

• Imagine a scenario where a homeowner, Mr. Henderson, discovers significant structural damage to his house shortly after purchasing it, which he believes was intentionally concealed by the seller. Mr. Henderson decides to sue the seller for misrepresentation and damages. The lawyer he hires to file the lawsuit and represent his interests in court is his plaintiff's attorney. This attorney will work to prove the seller's fault and secure compensation for Mr. Henderson.

• Consider a small technology startup, "InnovateTech," that developed a new software application. They discover that a larger competitor, "Global Solutions Inc.," has copied their unique code and is selling a nearly identical product. InnovateTech decides to sue Global Solutions Inc. for intellectual property infringement. The legal team representing InnovateTech in this lawsuit, seeking an injunction and financial damages, would be acting as plaintiff's attorneys, as they are representing the party bringing the claim.

• Suppose a group of residents in a coastal town believes that a nearby industrial plant is polluting their local water supply, causing health issues and environmental damage. They decide to file a class-action lawsuit against the plant. The lawyers who organize this group of affected citizens, file the lawsuit on their behalf, and represent their collective interests in court are serving as plaintiff's attorneys. They are advocating for the many individuals who are collectively the plaintiffs in this case.