Book excerpt: Caught up in a civil lawsuit? This book explains each step of the civil litigation process from pre-litigation investigation through trial on the merits to give you the best chance of prevailing in your efforts whether you are a plaintiff or a defendant. Its detailed explanations of the various requirements of the litigation process are supported with detailed checklists that insure you leave nothing to chance as you work through the process and help you avoid the costly mistakes pro se litigants commonly make as they fight their lawsuits. Whether you are a plaintiff or defendant and whether you decide to employ a lawyer or represent yourself, this book gives you the information you need to make sure that you have the best chance of prevailing as you proceed.