Legal Advice Glossary
A complete reference of key terms, concepts, and industry jargon to help you understand estimates, quotes, and contracts. 18 terms defined in plain English.
A
- Attorney-Client Privilege
- A legal protection that keeps communications between a client and their attorney confidential and prevents forced disclosure in legal proceedings.
- Arbitration
- A private dispute resolution process where a neutral arbitrator hears evidence and issues a binding (or non-binding) decision outside of court.
B
- Breach of Contract
- A failure by one party to fulfill their obligations under a legally binding agreement, entitling the other party to legal remedies.
- Bankruptcy
- A federal legal process that allows individuals or businesses to eliminate or restructure debts under court supervision when unable to repay them.
C
- Civil Lawsuit
- A legal action between private parties seeking monetary damages or a court order, as opposed to criminal prosecution by the government.
- Contract Law
- The body of law governing the formation, enforcement, interpretation, and remedies for breach of legally binding agreements.
E
- Employment Law
- The body of law governing the rights and obligations between employers and employees, covering hiring, discrimination, wages, termination, and workplace safety.
I
- Intellectual Property
- Creations of the mind—inventions, artistic works, brand names, and trade secrets—protected by law through patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secret law.
L
- Landlord-Tenant Law
- The body of state and local law governing the rights and obligations of property owners and renters under residential lease agreements.
- Living Trust
- A legal arrangement where a trustee holds and manages assets for beneficiaries during the grantor's lifetime and distributes them upon death, avoiding probate.
M
- Mediation
- A voluntary dispute resolution process where a neutral third party helps opposing parties negotiate a mutually acceptable settlement.
N
- Negligence
- A failure to exercise the care that a reasonably prudent person would use, resulting in harm to another person.
- Non-Disclosure Agreement
- A legally binding contract that requires one or more parties to keep specified information confidential.
P
- Power of Attorney
- A legal document authorizing one person (the agent) to act on behalf of another (the principal) in financial, legal, or medical matters.
- Personal Injury
- A civil legal claim for compensation arising from physical or psychological harm caused by another party's negligence or intentional act.
S
- Statute of Limitations
- The legally defined time window within which a lawsuit or criminal charge must be filed; claims filed after this deadline are permanently barred.
- Small Claims Court
- A specialized court designed to resolve minor civil disputes quickly and inexpensively, usually without attorneys, up to a state-set dollar limit.
- Security Deposit
- Money paid by a tenant to a landlord at lease start, held as security against damages or unpaid rent, with return governed by state law.
18 terms · Updated April 2026