A civil action lawsuit is any suit that is not related to criminal activity. For example, if a landlord sues a tenant for unpaid rent, it is a civil case. Civil cases can also be filed where criminal activity has occurred, but they are completely separate actions. It is common, for example, for the families of crime victims to sue the attacker for damages. This is a civil action and is heard completely separately from any criminal trial the defendant will have. Many attorneys specialize in civil lawsuits, and may even specialize in a certain type of civil action, such as personal injuries. If you're planning to file a civil action lawsuit, it's best to find an attorney who specializes in the type of suit you're planning. Keep in mind, however, that many small civil items can be filed in small claims court, where no attorney is required. It's simple to file a small claim yourself, and represent yourself in court.