General Litigation
Complex civil actions, motions practice, appeals, and trial advocacy across Mississippi courts.
Experienced Trial Advocacy Across Mississippi Courts
At Sheppard Law Firm, P.A., we handle complex civil actions in County, Circuit, and Federal Court. Whether you need to enforce a judgment, seek emergency relief, or navigate an appeal, we bring strategic litigation skills and courtroom confidence to every matter.
General Litigation Services
Civil Defense & Lawsuits
- Defending individuals and businesses sued in Justice, County, or Circuit Court
- Representing clients in declaratory judgment or injunctive relief actions
- Seeking dismissal or negotiating early resolution
Declaratory Judgments & Injunctions
- Filing or defending actions seeking judicial clarification of contracts or obligations
- Pursuing emergency relief including TROs and preliminary injunctions
- Challenging or enforcing non-compete clauses, lease obligations, or ownership disputes
Appeals & Post-Judgment
- Appellate briefs and oral argument
- Post-judgment enforcement and collection
- Motions for reconsideration and new trial
Justice Court & Small Claims
- Representing individuals and landlords in Justice Court matters under $3,500
- Defending against meritless lawsuits in small claims court
- Post-eviction claims, holdover defenses, and fast-moving hearings
Why Choose Us for Litigation?
Courtroom Confidence
We practice in all Mississippi state courts and the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi. We are comfortable in any courtroom.
Strategic Approach
We anticipate what the other side will do and position your case for the best possible outcome — whether that means early resolution or trial.
Clear Communication
We explain court procedures and legal options in plain English. You’ll always know where things stand and what comes next.
Civil Litigation FAQs
Common questions about lawsuits, courts, and the litigation process in Mississippi.
Mississippi has several levels of trial courts. Justice Court handles small claims and civil actions up to $3,500. County Court (in counties that have one) handles civil actions up to $200,000 plus other matters. Circuit Court handles larger civil cases and felonies. Chancery Court handles equity matters, estates, divorce, custody, guardianships, and land disputes. We practice in all of these courts. Which court your case belongs in depends on the type of claim, the amount in dispute, and the county.
Small claims in Mississippi are handled in Justice Court, which has jurisdiction over civil actions up to $3,500. Justice Court is designed to be more accessible, and individuals can represent themselves, though having a lawyer can help. If your dispute exceeds $3,500, it generally needs to be filed in County or Circuit Court. We can help you evaluate whether Justice Court is the right venue or whether a higher court makes more sense.
It depends on the complexity of the case, the court's docket, and whether the case settles. A simple matter may resolve in a few months through negotiation or mediation. A case that goes through full discovery (depositions, document exchange, motions) and trial can take a year or longer. Most civil cases settle before trial. We give clients a realistic timeline after evaluating the specific facts and court.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Mediation is confidential, usually faster and cheaper than trial, and lets the parties control the outcome through negotiation. Trial is a binding public process before a judge or jury. Mediation works best when both sides have enough information to evaluate the case and are willing to negotiate realistically. Some cases settle at mediation, others require trial. We help clients decide based on the strength of their evidence, the stakes, and the other side's willingness to be reasonable.
In many cases, yes. Appeals from Justice Court go to County or Circuit Court. Appeals from Circuit and Chancery Court go to the Mississippi Court of Appeals or the Mississippi Supreme Court. An appeal is not a new trial; the appellate court reviews the trial court's decisions for legal error. There are strict deadlines for filing a notice of appeal, so it is important to act quickly. Call 601-688-4110 to discuss whether an appeal is an option in your case.
Facing a Lawsuit or Legal Dispute?
Your first move matters. Contact us today to discuss your litigation needs.