Plaintiff - a person who sues or institutes a personal action, seeking a remedy for an injury to his or her rights.

  Defendant - the person sued in a legal action; the party against whom relief or recovery is sought in a lawsuit.

  Respondent - the party called upon to answer an appeal, or a petition or a bill proceeding in equity.

  Amicus Curiae - a friend of the court; one who is not party to a lawsuit who volunteers assistance to the court on matters of law.

  Instituted -  the commencement of any legal proceeding, and specifically as  to civil and criminal matters:

 -- Criminal matters - at the earliest of the time of arrest or the issuance of a warrant for arrest;

 -- Civil matters - the time legal process is served.  
  

Claim Filing Deadlines
There are no claim filing deadlines for legal services, except for those imposed under the statue of limitations.