What types of cases does Latif Law handle?

Latif Law handles two primary practice areas: family-based immigration law and civil litigation. Immigration services include marriage green cards, K-1 fiancé visas, citizenship applications, asylum, DACA, U-visas, VAWA self-petitions, TPS, and work permits (EAD). Civil litigation services include contract disputes, business litigation, construction disputes, and personal injury claims (auto accidents, slip and fall, dog bites, truck accidents).

What languages does Latif Law provide services in?

Latif Law provides full legal services in English, Spanish and Arabic — from initial consultation through USCIS interviews and court proceedings — serving Columbus's diverse Arab-American and Hispanic communities.

Where is Latif Law located and which courts does it serve?

Latif Law is located at 21 E State St Suite 200, Columbus, OH 43215, in downtown Columbus. The firm serves clients throughout Franklin County and Central Ohio in state and federal courts. Attorney Ali Latif is licensed in both Ohio and New York, and handles immigration cases nationwide since immigration law is federal.

How long does a marriage-based green card take in Columbus, Ohio?

As of 2026, a marriage-based green card through adjustment of status (for spouses already in the U.S.) typically takes 12–18 months from filing to approval at the Columbus USCIS Field Office (395 E Broad St). Depending on your circumstances, Attorney Latif can file your work permit (EAD) and advance parole simultaneously to protect your ability to work and travel while waiting. Each case is different and processing times frequently change.

How much does a consultation cost at Latif Law?

Latif Law charges a $100 consultation fee for immigration and civil litigation matters for a 30-minute initial consultation. You can schedule online at latiflaw.cliogrow.com/book or call (614) 285-5254 during business hours (Monday–Thursday 9 AM–5 PM, Friday 9 AM–3 PM). Latif Law provides a free 15-minute phone consultation for personal injury matters. To schedule a personal injury consultation please email us at info@latif.legal.

Does Latif Law handle deportation defense or removal proceedings?

No. Attorney Ali Latif does not handle removal/deportation defense, immigration court proceedings, or employment-based immigration (H-1B, EB visas). The firm focuses on affirmative immigration applications and civil litigation. If you need removal defense, the firm can provide a referral.

How much does a personal injury case cost at Latif Law?

Personal injury cases at Latif Law are handled on a flat 33% contingency fee. There is no upfront cost and no fee unless we recover compensation for you. Free 15-minute phone consultations are available — email info@latif.legal to schedule.

What is the deadline to file a personal injury lawsuit in Ohio?

Ohio's statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years from the date of the injury (Ohio Revised Code § 2305.10). Missing this deadline typically bars your claim permanently.

How to Respond to a Lawsuit Served on Your Ohio Business

By Ali Latif, Esq. | Latif Law, LLC | Columbus, Ohio

Being served with a lawsuit is unsettling — especially when you are running a business. The first instinct for many business owners is to ignore it, wait to see what happens, or respond by calling the other party directly. All three of these reactions can be catastrophic. This guide explains what to do immediately.

The 28-Day Deadline

In Ohio state courts, including Franklin County Common Pleas Court, you have 28 days from the date of service to file a written response (called an "Answer") with the court. In federal court, the standard deadline is 21 days.

Missing this deadline does not mean the lawsuit goes away. It means the plaintiff can file for a default judgment — a court order granting them everything they asked for in the complaint, without any hearing on the merits. Default judgments can be used to garnish your business bank accounts, seize assets, and place liens on property.

Step 1: Identify the Date of Service

The clock starts on the date you were served — not the date you read the papers, not the date you decided to take it seriously. If papers were left with a person at your business address (this counts as proper service in Ohio), that date controls. Check the complaint and any summons for the service date.

Step 2: Read the Complaint Carefully

The complaint is the document setting out the plaintiff's claims. Read it carefully to understand:

What claims are being made (breach of contract, negligence, fraud, etc.)

What amount of damages is sought

Which court the case is filed in (Franklin County, federal, small claims, etc.)

Which entity is being sued — the business, you personally, or both

Step 3: Do Not Contact the Other Party

Do not call the person who sued you, email them, or attempt to resolve it informally without attorney guidance. Anything you say can be used against you. Do not discuss the lawsuit on social media. If the other party is represented by counsel, direct communications between you (an unrepresented party) and their attorney may create problems.

Step 4: Preserve All Relevant Documents

Immediately preserve every document related to the dispute — contracts, invoices, emails, texts, payment records, receipts, estimates, photographs, and communications. Do not delete anything, even if you think it is unfavorable. Destroying evidence after litigation begins is spoliation, which carries serious legal consequences including adverse jury instructions and sanctions.

Litigation hold: notify your team not to delete any communications related to the matter.

Step 5: Check Your Insurance Coverage

Many business liability claims are covered by commercial general liability (CGL) insurance. Review your policy and notify your insurer of the lawsuit immediately. Many policies require prompt notification. If coverage applies, your insurer may have a duty to defend you and provide counsel at their expense. Missing the notification requirement can void coverage.

Step 6: Contact a Business Litigation Attorney

Given the 28-day deadline, this needs to happen within the first few days. Learn more about our business litigation representation in Columbus and what to expect when defending your company in Ohio court. An attorney will:

Evaluate the strength of the claims against you

Identify available defenses (statute of limitations, payment, lack of breach, procedural defects in service)

File a timely Answer — which may also include counterclaims if you have claims against the plaintiff

Advise on whether early settlement makes strategic sense

What Goes in the Answer?

An Answer responds to each numbered paragraph of the complaint, admitting, denying, or stating insufficient knowledge. It also asserts affirmative defenses — legal arguments that can defeat or limit the claim even if the plaintiff's facts are true (examples: statute of limitations, accord and satisfaction, comparative fault, failure to mitigate). Missing an affirmative defense in the Answer can waive it.

Can the Case Be Settled After Being Served?

Yes. The vast majority of business disputes — even after a lawsuit is filed — resolve through negotiation or mediation before trial. Filing an Answer preserves your rights and opens the door to settlement discussions. It does not mean the case will go to trial.

Small Claims Court

If the amount in dispute is $6,000 or less, the case may be in Ohio Small Claims Court, where the deadline and procedures are somewhat different and attorney representation is optional (though still helpful).

Learn more about civil litigation defense →

Schedule an urgent consultation →

Call: (614) 285-5254

This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Litigation deadlines are strict and consequences for missing them are severe. Reading this article does not create an attorney-client relationship with Latif Law, LLC. If you have been served with a lawsuit, consult a qualified Ohio attorney immediately.