A Checklist of practical issues that plaintiff's counsel should consider when drafting a complaint and preparing the other case-initiating documents in a federal civil lawsuit. Specifically, the Checklist explains how to draft each section of the complaint, including the caption, preliminary statement, jurisdiction and venue sections, parties section, facts section, legal claims, prayer for relief, and signature block. This Checklist also explains how to draft the other case-initiating documents, including the summons, Rule 7.1 disclosure statement, notice of appearance, and civil cover sheet.