A Evans Testa civil lawyer will try to resolve his client’s disputes by evaluating the claim and advising on what the next steps should be. Civil litigation is the process of resolving civil disputes through the court system. Civil law grants to individuals the right to sue for compensation or for specific action in matters such as breach of contract, defamation and negligence.
If you feel that you’ve been wronged but it’s not a criminal matter to be dealt with by the Police then you may be able to commence a lawsuit against someone. The kinds of civil disputes that are dealt with under civil law include disputes between:
- Neighbours
- Customers and suppliers
- Business partners
- Landlords and tenants
- Buyers and sellers of real property
- Buyers and sellers of any goods including motor vehicles
- Home owners and builders
- Employees and employers
- Executors or beneficiaries in deceased estates
- Creditors and debtors
Different kinds of legal cases have different time limitations imposed so it’s important that you seek legal advice quickly to find out if you can commence legal proceedings.
Prior to court proceedings being commenced, if possible, the first course of action is always to seek a resolution to the dispute, saving both time and money.
There are a number of alternative dispute resolution methods which we can help with in an attempt to sort the matter out. If all attempts to settle the dispute fail then the dispute will be taken to court.
We have experience across a wide range of legal areas and can help you attempt to resolve the dispute and if that is not successful, then we can assist you with court proceedings.
8,000+
Matters handled
We have handled over 8,000 matters, with many that are repeat clients.
Phil Testa
Partner
Barrister & Solicitor
24 years of experience
Meet Phil Testa
Phil Testa was admitted to practice in 2002 after completing a double degree in Arts and Law at Adelaide University. He has considerable experience in general legal practice and has worked at various firms. Phil has also worked at Allianz SA – CTP managing claims involving major and catastrophic injury. He practices in all areas specialising in Civil Litigation, Family Law, Personal Injury Law and Wills and Estates. He was a member of the Law Society’s Accident and Compensation Committee for numerous years. Over the years, Phil has successfully handled large and complex matters involving personal injury (Common Law, Workers Compensation, Motor Vehicle Accidents) and general Civil Litigation. He has also developed a keen interest in all aspects of Family Law.
Phil is:
- a Barrister and Solicitor admitted to practice in both the Supreme Court of S.A. and the High Court of Australia.
- a member of both the Law Society of South Australia and the Law Council of Australia (Family Law Section).
Law Society of South Australia
High Court of Australia
A Letter from Lauri & Phil
Lauri and Phil commenced working together in 2007 before starting Evans Testa Lawyers. Lauri had a policing background in uniform duties, plain clothes and prosecution. Having started in 1986 and resigning in 2003, to start something fresh. As with most corporate jobs, she began to get restless. To complement work in prosecution, and to fill some extra hours, she completed her law degree after hours. An opportunity to leave the police and put the degree into action was offered and a decision influenced and supported by family was taken. At the time, the opportunity had arisen to work with a small boutique firm that provided stability and growth. After 10+ years, and too much growth, a new opportunity arose to start a small, fresh, individual firm.
After completing his studies in law, Phil worked in the insurance industry managing major and catastrophic claims. This piqued his interest in personal injury law before he worked at numerous firms practising in this and other areas. Phil has since practiced for many years in civil litigation, family law, wills and estates. After many years, Phil jumped at the opportunity to start a small firm with a completely new outlook.
Lauri and Phil commenced Evans Testa in 2013. Since then, it has grown into a firm servicing the local and wider areas in numerous practice areas.
Warm regards,
Our Process
Step 1: Initial Free* Consultation
We often initially chat over the phone or face to face about your legal matter. We take the time to talk to you so we can understand your problem and offer options as to the right path moving forward.
*Your first 30 minute personal or telephone consult is free of charge.
Step 2: Engagement
If you choose to engage our services we will clearly set out what we require from you and what the initial steps will be in handling your matter. We will also provide you a quotation for your legal fees moving forward.
We will be transparent regarding our likely fees.
Step 3: Conduct of Matter
We will keep you informed regarding the conduct of your matter and let you know what is required at each step of the process in a timely manner.
We advise you, but you will always determine the path your matter takes.
We can promise that one lawyer will handle your matters from start to finish. Your matters are also never “handballed” to a junior lawyer.
Step 4: Conclusion of your matter
We aim to conclude your matter as expeditiously as possible.
Your matter may conclude but could give rise to further related legal issues. If so, we will offer further assistance.
Why Choose ET Law
Personalised service with experienced lawyers who take the time to listen and provide advice tailored to your specific needs or situation.
The ability to organise home visits to prepare Wills, Powers of Attorney and Advance Care Directives.
We do not apply any one set formula to all our matters. Each matter is dealt with on a case by case basis.
We provide up front quotations as to the likely cost of your matter and can offer fixed fee services in some cases.
We offer a 24 hour emergency service for arrest and urgent matters, so you can reach a legal representative when you need one most.
Your first 30 minute personal or telephone consult is free of charge, so you can understand your options before you commit.
FAQs
Below are some of our more frequently asked questions for our legal services
What is a civil dispute?
A civil dispute involves disagreements between individuals, businesses or organisations over their respective legal obligations.
It may involve a debt, contract, property, personal injury, negligence or other private matters that do not involve the criminal law.
If court is required, which one will hear my civil claim?
Civil claims are heard as follows:
- Minor claim (≤ $12,000) → Magistrates Court, Minor Civil Division
- General claim ($12,001 – $100,000) → Magistrates Court, Civil (General Claims) Division
- Claims over $100,000 → District Court or Supreme Court
How do I start a civil case?
First, you must send a Final Notice / Letter of Demand before going to court.
You lodge your claim via the CourtSA portal.
When lodging, you choose where the hearing should be (which court location).
After lodging, you need to serve the other party (by post, email or in person) so they are formally notified.
What are potential outcomes for my civil claim?
The Court may refer the matter to mediation an an independent mediator may assist to resolve the dispute.
If matters can’t be agreed, the matter may progress to Trial and the Court will decide upon the outcome.
Send us a message
Use the following form or contact us directly through phone or email.
Your first 30-minute consultation is free*.
For after hours emergency advice, call 0409 645 733.