How to Be Litigation Support Paralegal - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jan 13, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The increase in the number of cases being filed in the court system has led to an increased need for litigation support paralegals. These professionals provide legal assistance to attorneys and their clients by researching facts, preparing documents, locating witnesses, and organizing evidence for trial. Paralegals are also responsible for managing document production, summarizing depositions, and helping to prepare witnesses for trial. By providing this valuable support, litigation support paralegals help to ensure that cases move through the court system quickly and efficiently, helping to reduce the strain on the legal system and providing clients with a more positive experience.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelors Degree. Most employers prefer to hire litigation support paralegals who have at least a bachelors degree in paralegal studies or a related field. Many schools offer certificate and associate programs in paralegal studies, as well as degree programs.
Obtain Certifications. Although certifications are not required to become a litigation support paralegal, they can help advance your career and make you more marketable to employers. There are many certifications available from organizations such as the National Association of Legal Assistants, the National Federation of Paralegal Associations, and the American Bar Association.
Gain Experience. Getting hands-on experience is essential for anyone looking to become a litigation support paralegal. Its important to gain experience in the areas of electronic discovery and document management, as well as other areas of the law. You can start by volunteering with a local law firm or taking on an internship.
Find a Job. Once youve obtained your degree, certifications, and experience, its time to start looking for a job. Research potential employers and create a resume that highlights your qualifications and experience. Networking is also a great way to find potential job opportunities.
Become Familiar with Technology. Technology plays an important role in the work of a litigation support paralegal, so its important to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and software. Become familiar with programs such as e-discovery software, document management software, and legal research databases.

The demand for litigation support paralegals is on the rise as the legal profession increasingly relies on technology to efficiently manage cases. In order to be successful in this career, it is essential for paralegals to have reliable and efficient technical skills and knowledge. This includes an understanding of the various software programs used in the industry, the ability to organize large amounts of data, and the capability to quickly and accurately analyze information.

The ability to effectively manage deadlines and prioritize tasks is also essential. The ability to remain organized and effectively use the latest technologies allows paralegals to provide the highest level of service to their clients, making them an invaluable asset to any legal team.

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Job Description

Assists attorneys in preparing for trial by indexing and organizing exhibits, depositions, motions, and other documents.
Investigates facts and law of cases to help attorneys prepare their cases.
Prepares legal documents, such as motions, subpoenas, and briefs.
Conducts legal research, including retrieving and analyzing legal materials from electronic databases and other sources.
Organizes, reviews, and summarizes deposition transcripts and other documents.
Maintains files and records, including pleadings and correspondence.
Attends court proceedings to provide support to attorneys.
Monitors and tracks deadlines and court orders.
Interacts with clients, witnesses, vendors, and other parties involved in the litigation process.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Ability to read and interpret legal documents
Knowledge of legal research
Knowledge of local, state and federal rules, regulations and court procedures
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other software applications
Experience in electronic discovery
Ability to work collaboratively with attorneys, clients and other team members
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
Knowledge of document management systems
Experience in summarizing complex legal documents
Ability to maintain confidential client information
Analytical and problem-solving skills

Being a successful Litigation Support Paralegal requires an array of skills, but the most important skill is strong organizational and research abilities. Paralegals must be able to quickly and efficiently access and analyze legal documents, statutes, and court decisions to help attorneys prepare for litigation. Attention to detail is also essential, as paralegals need to make sure that all documents are properly indexed and organized for easy retrieval.

paralegals must be able to effectively communicate with clients and other parties involved in the litigation process. Finally, paralegals must be able to effectively use technology, such as case management software, to streamline the litigation process and ensure accuracy and efficiency. By having strong organizational and research abilities, attention to detail, effective communication skills, and proficiency in technology, Litigation Support Paralegals can ensure that their attorneys are well-prepared for any legal dispute.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have with litigation support systems?
How comfortable are you with using technology to organize and manage large volumes of data?
What strategies do you use when dealing with multiple deadlines?
How do you ensure accuracy when creating files for court filings or other legal documents?
How do you stay up to date on changes in litigation support software and technology?
Describe your experience with electronic discovery procedures and protocols.
What have you done to improve the speed and accuracy of litigation support tasks?
What experience do you have with document management systems?
How have you used technology to streamline the review and production of documents?
How do you handle confidential information while working in litigation support?

Common Tools in Industry

Document Management Software. This software helps organize and store documents, making them easily accessible. (Eg: iManage)
E-Discovery Platforms. These platforms are used to search, review, and analyze large volumes of electronic documents. (Eg: Relativity)
Case Management Software. This software allows paralegals to manage the entire litigation process, from filing documents to tracking deadlines. (Eg: Clio)
Legal Research Software. This type of software helps paralegals quickly locate relevant legal information. (Eg: Westlaw)
Electronic Court Filing Software. This software allows paralegals to file documents electronically with courts. (Eg: File & ServeXpress)
Document Assembly Software. This software streamlines the document creation process by allowing paralegals to quickly assemble documents from templates. (Eg: HotDocs)
Time and Billing Software. This type of software helps paralegals track project time and create client invoices. (Eg: TimeSolv)
Document Automation Software. This software helps automate the creation of documents by using questionnaires, forms, and other data sources. (Eg: Documate)

Professional Organizations to Know

National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA)
American Alliance of Paralegals (AAPI)
National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA)
National Association of Legal Secretaries (NALS)
Association of Legal Administrators (ALA)
International Association of Legal Assistants (IALA)
National Association of Law Placement (NALP)
American Bar Association (ABA)
International Paralegal Management Association (IPMA)
National Notary Association (NNA)

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Common Important Terms

Discovery. The pre-trial process in civil litigation where parties exchange relevant evidence and information.
Pleadings. The legal documents in which a party in a lawsuit outlines its allegations or defense.
Depositions. Oral testimony given outside of the courtroom during the discovery process.
Document review. The process of examining documents to identify relevant facts and information.
Subpoena. A document ordering a person to appear in court to give testimony or produce documents.
Interrogatories. Written questions submitted by one party to another as part of the discovery process.
Motion practice. The process of making requests to the court to take some action in a case.
Motion for summary judgment. A request that a court rule in favor of one party without going to trial based on the facts presented.
Case law research. Researching legal opinions and rulings handed down by courts in order to determine applicable laws and precedent.
Appeals. The process of seeking review of a court's decision by a higher court.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Litigation Support Paralegal?

A Litigation Support Paralegal is a paralegal who specializes in providing technical and administrative support related to litigation. This includes research, document management, data analysis, and other tasks related to pre-trial preparation.

What Skills Are Necessary to be a Litigation Support Paralegal?

To be a successful Litigation Support Paralegal, you must be highly organized and have knowledge of relevant computer programs, such as document management systems, database software, and legal research tools. Additionally, you must have excellent communication, research, and problem-solving skills.

What Are The Responsibilities of a Litigation Support Paralegal?

The primary responsibilities of a Litigation Support Paralegal include collecting and organizing relevant documents and data, analyzing and summarizing information, creating databases and reports, and providing technical and administrative support to attorneys.

What Education is Required to Become a Litigation Support Paralegal?

Most employers require a minimum of an Associates Degree in Paralegal Studies or a related field. Some employers may also require certification from an accredited paralegal program.

How Much Does a Litigation Support Paralegal Earn?

According to PayScale, the average salary for a Litigation Support Paralegal is $51,400 per year. Salaries can vary depending on experience, location, and other factors.

Web Resources

Litigation Paralegal, Litigation Paralegal Job Description www.paralegal-edu.org
Paralegal Degrees, Certifications & Careers | Paralegal.edu www.paralegaledu.org
Paralegal Specialist Certificate Litigation | National University www.nu.edu