Litigation Paralegal: What You Need to Know

A litigation paralegal assists lawyers with significant projects in preparing for litigation. If this is the career path you aim for, your role will include:

• Assisting in drafting legal documents.
• Preparing for conferences.
• Collecting data for attorneys to use when trying to win a case.

Paralegals diligently create organizational continuity and smooth progression from the beginning of a case or project until it’s complete… If helping people find justice in court while paying great attention to the details sounds appealing, then litigation paralegal is a job for you.

What Does a Litigation Paralegal Do?

The litigation paralegal is a legal professional who actively assists attorneys with cases that may go to trial. You will help perform numerous tasks associated with the case, including, but not limited to, research of the law, obtaining evidence, document preparation, and preparation for court.

Some of the key responsibilities associated with the work of a litigation paralegal will involve:

• Legal Research: Paralegals assisting with litigation may research the law, regulation, and relevant legal precedents.
• Legal Documents: They can type essential documents such as pleadings, subpoenas, and motions, which the courts cannot operate without.
• Maintaining Case Files: The litigation paralegal organizes and maintains case files to make all relevant documents available to the attorney.
• Communication with clients: Sometimes, they have to communicate with the clients to collect more information concerning the case, or they may speak about the development of the case and answer any questions that might arise.
• Assisting at trials: Litigation paralegals often assist attorneys in a courtroom with exhibit organization, document control, and note-taking.
  

How to Become a Successful Litigation Paralegal

Becoming a successful litigation paralegal takes many skills, training, and commitments. Steps you can take to excel include the following:

1. Develop Solid Legal Research and Writing Skills.

As a litigation paralegal, you will do much research and writing. You should be able to find relevant legal information efficiently and expeditiously. You also should be proficient in preparing pleadings, discovery requests, and motions.

At Northwest Career College, our Paralegal Studies program is designed to train students practically in legal research and writing, enhancing their abilities.

2. Communication Skills

The litigation paralegals interact extensively with clients and other attorneys or Legal professionals. Communication is key to keeping everyone on the same page, including talking to clients to obtain information and composing e-mails, memos, and other legal correspondence.

Your communication skills will help you entertain client relationships and ensure you provide all the details lawyers need to prepare arguments.

3. Time Management and Organization

Most litigation cases involve numerous documents, exhibits, and deadlines that must be systematized and tracked. Being organized and managing your time effectively will help you keep track of all the details involved. The litigation paralegal is responsible for maintaining the case files and preparing everything that will go to court.

Good organizational habits and the use of project management tools will help you stay organized and meet critical deadlines.

4. Be Ethical and Professional

Litigation paralegals are held to some pretty strict ethical and legal standards. Examples include client confidentiality, legal procedures, or the court system’s integrity. Suffice it to say, this means that there is an ethical element to being part of a law firm, and the legal professional should do all within their power to be professional at all times.

To succeed as a Litigation Paralegal, you must develop solid legal research and writing skills. Improve your communication with clients and other attorneys and your ability to manage time and get organized.

Conduct yourself with the highest ethics and professionalism possible in all legal activities. Believe it or not, you will be perfectly prepared for whatever this position throws at you by precisely honing in on those skills.

Conclusion

A career as a litigation paralegal can be challenging and rewarding. The litigation process heavily relies on great litigation paralegals to help the attorney assemble a solid case and prepare all necessary documents and evidence for court presentation.
You can thrive in this field with the proper skills and training and become an invaluable member to any legal team. Contact us today at Northwest Career College and start your career as a litigation paralegal. With our hands-on training, experienced instructors, and program flexibility, you will have the skills and confidence you desire to start this exciting career.