Civil Litigation Attorneys in Salisbury & Rowan County
When a disagreement puts property, money or a business relationship at risk, the next step should be deliberate. Adkins & Purkey evaluates claims, defenses, practical remedies and the work required for litigation.

Turn a complicated dispute into a prepared case.
Evaluate the claim, the defense and the objective
We begin by identifying what happened, which parties are involved, what legal duties may apply and what relief would be useful. A demand for payment, an injunction, a negotiated exit and a defense to a lawsuit require different work. The strength of a position depends on evidence and law, not simply how strongly either side feels.
Contracts, business and property disputes
Written terms, amendments, emails, payment records, photographs and the parties’ conduct may all matter. We help clients identify missing records and assess whether the problem concerns performance, payment, ownership, authority or another issue. For property matters, deeds, surveys, easement documents and title history may be essential. We consider the cost of pursuing a remedy alongside its practical value.
Pleadings, discovery and motion practice
If a lawsuit is filed, responding correctly and on time is critical. Litigation can involve pleadings, written discovery, document production, depositions, motions and court-ordered conferences. Chris Purkey’s litigation focus centers on building a usable record and preparing the issues the court must decide. Clients should preserve records early and discuss confidential or sensitive material before producing it.
Negotiation, mediation and courtroom preparation
Preparation supports both settlement and trial. We discuss the evidence supporting each position, likely litigation tasks, settlement terms and the consequences of continuing. A negotiated resolution should clearly address payment, performance, releases and enforcement. If the dispute remains contested, witness preparation and organized exhibits help present the case clearly. No amount of preparation guarantees an outcome.
What preparation looks like
Bring these items to the conversation
- The entire summons, complaint or demand
- Contracts, amendments and relevant communications
- A damages or payment chronology with supporting records
- Names of witnesses and any related insurance information
Common questions
Can I ignore a lawsuit while negotiating?
No. Settlement discussions generally do not stop a court deadline. Have counsel review the papers and confirm what response is required.
Is a strong claim always worth taking to trial?
Not necessarily. Costs, proof, collectability, business disruption and available remedies all affect that decision. A useful evaluation considers both legal and practical factors.
Focused guides for your next decision
- Served with a Lawsuit in Rowan County: What to Do First
- A Civil Lawsuit Roadmap: From Pleadings to Resolution
- A Civil Dispute Preservation Plan for Documents and Messages
- Deposition Preparation: Accuracy, Listening and the Record
Continue exploring
Browse our topic-based legal library for focused guides, examples and preparation checklists. Meet Chris Adkins and Chris Purkey.
General information prepared for this website. Specific deadlines, current rules and strategy require individual legal review.
Your next step starts with a conversation.
Tell us what is happening, what is at stake, and whether a court date or response deadline is approaching. We will discuss the next step for evaluating representation.
Calls and texts welcome · 704-880-9388
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