Have You Been Served With a Lawsuit?
Civil Litigation Defense Attorney in Saratoga Springs, NY
Iseman PLLC represents individuals and businesses facing civil lawsuits in Saratoga Springs and throughout Saratoga County.
A civil lawsuit is a dispute between private parties. It may seek money damages, an injunction, or another court order. Unlike a criminal case, it is not brought by a prosecutor and follows different rules, deadlines, and procedures.
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Most civil cases do not reach a jury trial. Many are resolved through early motions, settlement negotiations, or other pretrial proceedings. Our first step is to closely review the complaint, identify weaknesses in the legal claims, and develop a defense strategy based on the facts and the law.
If the same events also led to criminal charges or a campus disciplinary matter, those are separate proceedings that require their own defense strategy. Learn more about those services below.
Communications with our office are confidential.
Who defends your case
25+ Years
Of combined experience
Recognized by
01What we defend
Civil Lawsuits We Defend in Saratoga County
We defend clients in a range of civil disputes. Every case is different, and a strong defense often begins by examining whether the complaint states a valid legal claim and whether the plaintiff can prove it.
Speech and Reputation Claims
- Defamation defenseClaims involving alleged libel or slander based on something you said or wrote.
- Anti-SLAPP motionsMotions seeking dismissal of lawsuits intended to punish or silence protected speech.
- Online review and social media claimsLawsuits involving online reviews, ratings, posts, or comments.
- Privacy and false-light claimsAllegations involving the disclosure of private information or a misleading portrayal of someone.
Business and Financial Disputes
- Breach of contract defenseClaims arising from alleged failures to perform under an agreement or make a required payment.
- Business and partnership disputesDisputes among business owners, partners, shareholders, or companies.
- Tortious interference claimsAllegations that someone improperly disrupted a contract or business relationship.
- Civil fraud and misrepresentationClaims that false statements or misleading information caused financial harm in a business transaction.
Personal and Property Disputes
- Property and real estate disputesClaims involving boundaries, easements, ownership, transactions, or other property rights.
- Harassment and civil order petitionsProceedings in which someone asks a court to issue a civil protective or restraining order.
- Frivolous or retaliatory lawsuitsMeritless claims filed to pressure, intimidate, or punish another person.
- Money judgment defenseLawsuits seeking damages, debt collection, or other financial recovery.
For related matters, visit our pages on state crimes defense, Title IX and college discipline, white collar defense, and criminal appeals.
02Who defends you
Trial Counsel for Civil Lawsuits
Scott Iseman represents clients in civil litigation alongside the firm’s criminal defense practice. Before founding Iseman PLLC, he spent seven years in the litigation department of an Albany law firm, including three years as a shareholder. He has tried approximately 35 cases to jury verdict.
Many civil cases are resolved before trial, and the other side’s assessment of whether you are prepared to try the case can affect negotiations and litigation strategy. Trial experience matters when settlement discussions fail or a case requires a courtroom defense.
“I’d like to be known as the person who takes and wins hard cases at trial, no matter their subject matter.”
Scott Iseman
Scott Iseman’s Experience
to verdict
handled
for criminal defense
before founding the firm
Your Legal Team
Michael Blasie, Trial Litigator & Appellate Counsel
Michael Blasie has handled complex civil and criminal matters in New York and Colorado. His practice focuses on dispositive motions, legal briefing, and appeals. He also served as a law clerk for the Colorado Court of Appeals.
Many civil cases are resolved through written motion practice before trial. Michael’s work focuses on identifying legal issues, developing written arguments, and pursuing early resolution where appropriate.
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every matter depends on its facts, evidence, applicable law, and court.
What a Civil Litigation Attorney Does First
Every civil lawsuit is based on a legal theory explaining why the plaintiff believes the defendant owes money or should be subject to a court order. That theory appears in the complaint.
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We review the complaint closely from the beginning. We assess whether the claims are legally valid, whether they were filed on time, whether the allegations support the requested relief, and whether an early motion may be available.
If the complaint has a legal defect, the case may be dismissed or narrowed before discovery begins. That early analysis informs every later decision, including how to answer the complaint, what evidence to preserve, and whether to seek a negotiated resolution.
Civil Litigation Results in Saratoga County
Defamation Claim Over an Online Review
The case was discontinued, and our client received payment toward legal fees.
Our client was sued for defamation after posting a negative online review of a vendor. We moved to dismiss the lawsuit and sought recovery of the client’s legal fees.
Based on those motions, we negotiated a resolution in which the plaintiff discontinued the case and paid a substantial portion of our client’s legal fees.
Lawsuit Against a Client Who Reported Misconduct
The court dismissed the claims.
Our client reported alleged misconduct to her college. The student she reported then sued her for defamation.
We moved to dismiss the case promptly, and the court dismissed the claims against our client.
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Each matter depends on its facts, evidence, applicable law, and court.
Client reviews
Client Reviews From Our Saratoga Springs Office
“There had to be someone out there who would actually read my file and see that I may be the guy that got swallowed up by an insanely wide net.”
Jim L.Google Review
“Scott really helped me!… I recommend you consider hiring him to help you!”
LarryLee FiberGoogle Local Guide
Testimonials and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Beyond this page
When Civil and Criminal Matters Overlap
A civil lawsuit may arise from the same events as a criminal investigation, criminal charge, Title IX matter, or other campus disciplinary proceeding. These are separate legal matters with different procedures and potential consequences.
Not sure which type of case applies to your situation? Call us, and we will help you understand your options.
Call Us. (518) 633‑1528 or schedule a confidential consultationQuick answers
Questions From People Sued in New York
The questions people ask when they have just been sued.
I was just served with a lawsuit. What should I do first?
Act quickly. Your deadline to respond usually begins when you are served with the summons and complaint. In many New York cases, the deadline is 20 days if you were personally served in New York and 30 days if service was made another way.
Missing the deadline can allow the other side to seek a default judgment. Speak with a lawyer as soon as possible after receiving the papers.
Can a civil lawsuit send me to jail?
No. Civil cases generally concern money, property, contracts, and reputation. They do not result in jail time.
If the same events also led to a criminal charge, that is a separate proceeding with different consequences and deadlines.
Can someone sue me over a negative online review?
Anyone can file a lawsuit, but filing a claim does not mean it will succeed. Opinions generally are not defamation, and substantially true statements are not defamatory.
New York law may also provide tools to challenge lawsuits that target protected speech on matters of public interest. In appropriate cases, a defendant may seek dismissal and recovery of legal fees.
What is a motion to dismiss?
A motion to dismiss asks the court to examine the complaint before the case proceeds further. It argues that, even if the allegations are accepted as written, the plaintiff has not stated a legally valid claim.
If the court agrees, it may dismiss all or part of the lawsuit early in the case.
How long does someone have to sue over something said or written?
In New York, defamation claims for libel or slander generally must be filed within one year. If the claim was filed after the applicable deadline, the statute of limitations may provide a basis for dismissal.
If I win, can the other side be required to pay my legal fees?
Sometimes, but not automatically. New York law may allow fee shifting in certain cases involving protected speech, including some anti-SLAPP matters. Whether fees are available depends on the type of claim, the facts, and the applicable law.
Should I settle or defend the lawsuit?
That decision depends on the strength of the claim, available defenses, the cost of litigation, insurance coverage, the potential exposure, and what is at stake for you or your business. The right approach can change as the case develops.
Do I get a free lawyer in a civil case?
No, as a rule. The right to appointed counsel applies in criminal cases, not in most ordinary civil lawsuits. If you have been sued, you will usually need to hire private counsel or determine whether another source of representation is available.
Bring Your Complaint to a Saratoga Lawyer
Bring the summons and complaint exactly as you received them. If you still have the envelope or proof of service, bring that as well. Do not contact the person or business that sued you, and do not delete messages, posts, documents, or other materials connected to the dispute.
Visit us
Iseman PLLC 59 Franklin StreetSaratoga Springs, NY 12866 (518) 633‑1528 scott@scottisemanlaw.com Get directions
Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. This page is general information and is not a prediction about any individual matter. Iseman PLLC, 59 Franklin Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, (518) 633-1528.