Job Description
Law Firm Seeking Experienced Litigation Paralegal
Salary: Competitive and commensurate with experience
Job Title: Litigation Paralegal
Experience: 10 years
Responsibilities:
- Draft and prepare pleadings and discovery documents for attorneys - Compile and review documents for production - Utilize e-discovery platform for legal research - Communicate with clients, witnesses, experts, outside counsel, and court personnel - Assist with arbitration and trial preparation, including electronic presentations and witness coordination - Conduct investigative research and gather information from various resources - Retain expert witnesses and assist with trial preparation - File court documents electronically - Conduct legal research using LEXIS and other databases
Requirements:
- 10 years of experience as a Litigation Paralegal - Strong organizational skills and attention to detail - Excellent communication skills - Accurate typing and proofreading skills - Ability to handle multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment - Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel) - Familiarity with legal time and billing systems - College degree and/or paralegal certificate preferred - Notary required
Responsibilities of a Litigation Paralegal
The role of a Litigation Paralegal is to support the Litigation Department of a law firm in various tasks related to the legal practice areas. This includes assisting attorneys with drafting and preparing legal documents, conducting research, and communicating with clients, witnesses, experts, and court personnel. The primary responsibilities of a Litigation Paralegal include:
- Drafting and preparing pleadings and discovery documents for attorneys to be filed in court - Compiling and reviewing documents for production, ensuring accuracy and completeness - Utilizing e-discovery platforms for legal research and document management - Communicating with clients, witnesses, experts, outside counsel, and court personnel to schedule meetings, depositions, mediations, hearings, and trial dates - Assisting with arbitration and trial preparation, such as creating electronic presentations and coordinating witnesses - Conducting investigative research and gathering information from various resources, such as public records and databases - Assisting with retaining expert witnesses, including preparing records for review and supplementing materials throughout the case - Assisting with trial preparation and appearance, such as managing exhibits and presenting evidence - Filing court documents electronically according to specific procedures and deadlines - Conducting legal research using databases such as LEXIS and other computer research tools
Qualifications of a Litigation Paralegal
To be successful as a Litigation Paralegal, one must possess a combination of skills, experience, and qualifications. These include:
- 10 years of experience as a Litigation Paralegal, preferably in a law firm setting - Strong organizational skills and attention to detail to manage a high volume of documents and meet deadlines - Excellent communication skills to effectively communicate with various parties involved in a case - Accurate typing and proofreading skills to prepare legal documents and correspondence - Ability to handle multiple projects and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment - Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel) and experience with legal time and billing systems - College degree and/or paralegal certificate preferred - Notary certification required
Compensation and Benefits
The salary for a Litigation Paralegal is competitive and commensurate with experience. In addition to salary, most law firms offer a comprehensive benefits package that may include health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and other perks. The exact benefits offered may vary depending on the law firm and the individual's employment status (full-time, part-time, etc.).
How to Become a Litigation Paralegal
To become a Litigation Paralegal, one must typically have a combination of education and experience. Most employers prefer candidates with a college degree and/or a paralegal certificate. These programs provide the necessary knowledge and skills for a career as a paralegal, including legal terminology, research methods, and document preparation.
Additionally, gaining experience through internships, volunteer work, or entry-level positions in a law firm can also be beneficial. This allows individuals to gain hands-on experience and familiarize themselves with the legal system and procedures.
Continuing education and professional development are also important for Litigation Paralegals. This can include attending seminars, workshops, and conferences to stay updated on changes in the legal field and improve skills and knowledge.
Career Growth Opportunities
The role of a Litigation Paralegal offers numerous opportunities for career growth and advancement. With experience and additional education, paralegals can specialize in a specific area of law, such as corporate litigation, intellectual property, or real estate. They may also have the opportunity to become a senior paralegal, managing a team of paralegals and overseeing complex cases.
Some paralegals may also choose to pursue a law degree and become attorneys. The knowledge and experience gained as a Litigation Paralegal can provide a strong foundation for a career in law.
Conclusion
A Litigation Paralegal plays a crucial role in supporting the Litigation Department of a law firm. With 10 years of experience, strong organizational and communication skills, and proficiency in legal research and technology, a Litigation Paralegal is a valuable asset to any legal team. The position offers competitive compensation and benefits, and opportunities for career growth and advancement.
