Complaint (Federal)

by Practical Law Litigation

A Standard Document that provides a sample complaint for commencing a civil lawsuit in a federal district court. It contains integrated drafting notes with important explanations and tips for drafting the essential components of a complaint, including the caption, preliminary statement, and allegations supporting jurisdiction and venue. This Standard Document also addresses critical procedural issues, such as establishing subject matter jurisdiction based on federal question or diversity of citizenship, and determining the proper venue under 28 U.S.C. § 1391. It provides guidance on identifying the parties and pleading their citizenship, drafting the facts section to meet the plausibility standard, and structuring legal claims and the prayer for relief. This Standard Document also includes a sample verification page for use in actions that require one, such as shareholder derivative suits, and explains key requirements under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (FRCP).