Federal lawsuits are specialized legal cases in which the case warrants the requirement of a federal court. Under established guidelines for trials, if there are multiple plaintiffs living in various states, or there is a case in which a state government or official is involved as the defendant or witness, or even as the plaintiff, the case is elevated to a higher court in the federal system. This court is presided on by federal judges and will go through the same steps as a civil lawsuit. This includes the judge's decision to allow the case to go to court or to throw it out as a dismissal. Those who are in need of filing a federal lawsuit are strongest encouraged to select an attorney that is experienced in this area of law.