Litigation Paralegal Job Description

The litigation paralegals are professionals who work along with the attorney and support them during all the phases of the litigation process.

The litigation paralegal responsibilities may include everything, right from initiating the case and its discovery period to providing support in each and every phase during the trial and post trial findings, appeals, etc.

They need to do every other duty that may include pre-litigation work, compiling and producing the documents, assisting in the discovery process, etc. The individual should be skilled enough to carry out the research work and gather facts that may comprise interviewing, maintaining the database, investigating and other relevant general duties.

Key Responsibilities Of Litigation Paralegal

The following points given below will help you to get a more clear idea as to what are the main responsibilities that need to be carried out by these professionals:

• The litigation paralegal responsibilities comprise trial support, disclosure, preparation of discovery work, reviewing the disclosure documents, redactions, privilege logs, drafting as well as e-serving the disclosures, and then organizing the related discovery for disclosure.
• These professionals are engaged in preparing the conflict check worksheets whenever there are receipts of new cases.
• They set up case files whenever they are instructed by the organization.
• They docket deadlines, draft pleadings, convey the requirements of the clients, draft notices, motions, calender requests and subopeneas.
• They are involved in the drafting of discovery requests, responses and affidavits.
• They draft the status reports of various cases.
• They summarize the depositions as well as the discovery responses from the other parties as well.
• They organize and maintain the case files that include discovery and trial notebooks.
• They may also perform online research related to the history of criminal records.
• They perform legal research, create databases, document codes, and assist in the preparation of hearings, trials, mediations.
• They also schedule the mediations and depositions.
• They communicate with the opposing counsel, clients, co-counsel, insureds, court personnel, expert witnesses, etc., so as to facilitate the progress of cases.
• To conduct and carry out the redactions, duplication as well as the indexing of documents
• To create and maintain the internal case databases, run searches on the external and internal systems and document databases
• To cull the relevant details and information from the available resources
• To prepare the witness and all the relevant material that is necessary in the preparation of the case like organizing the interview memos, digests, and any other relevant documents for attorney reviewing and case preparation
• To gather and prepare the document that is relevant and organize exhibits, take down notes and handle the exhibit during depositions and to digest the transcripts and summarize the highlights of the proceedings
• To pull in the relevant documentation, proofread the papers and create document indices, prepare and file all court documents, organize briefs and appendices

The litigation paralegals are responsible for overseeing the progress of documents, ordering the transcripts and fulfilling all the requests from outside counsel and others. They organize exhibits and other relevant supporting documents, coordinate the trial set up, logistics and assist the attorneys in the court room by taking notes, marking the relevant documents referred by the counsels. They are seen assisting in the preparation of witness testimony and serve as an important link between the trial attorneys and the organizational staff members. Thus, they need to handle a multitude of tasks.

Essential Skills and Abilities

• The individual looking to specialize in this field should be able to set priorities, meet the targeted deadlines and handle multiple projects for several attorneys.
• You should be able to conduct effective research in database programs and should possess strong written and verbal communication skills.
• You should be extremely well organized and detail oriented.
• You should be flexible and adaptable to changing priorities and should have the ability to troubleshoot issues and create solutions for the same.
• You need to be proficient in Mircorsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel.
• You should possess excellent interpersonal communication skills and have the ability to interact with people of varying levels.
• You should be a self motivated individual and should have the desire to carry out more challenging opportunities.
• You should be independent and at the same time should be able to work as a part of multidisciplinary work teams.

Educational Requirements

The litigation paralegal will need at least a bachelor's degree or some relevant paralegal training. Those with previous work experience in a similar position will definitely be preferred by the employers.

Salary Details

The recent survey shows that the remuneration package offered for these professionals is $50,000. It is dependent on a lot of other factors like the type, size, and location of the organization. Previous work experience, knowledge and skills are also crucial in determining the remuneration package. It is equally dependent on what kind of duties are expected by the law firm.

Career Prospects

The career opportunities for the professionals in this field will continue to grow and those with excellent academic background and experience will definitely have better chances for growth.

Thus, if you want your career to prosper and take it to greater heights, then you must be able to handle the litigation paralegal responsibilities well and carry them out in an efficient manner.