The Litigation Paralegal provides comprehensive support to attorneys throughout all phases of litigation, including case initiation, discovery, depositions, motion practice, trial preparation, and appeals. This position performs substantive legal work under attorney supervision, manages case documents and deadlines, coordinates with clients and third parties, and assists in preparing cases for hearings, mediations, arbitrations, and trials.
Responsibilities
Case Management
- Maintain and organize case files in electronic and paper formats.
- Monitor litigation deadlines and court scheduling requirements.
- Manage document databases and case management systems.
- Coordinate communications among attorneys, clients, expert witnesses, court personnel, and opposing counsel.
Discovery
- Draft and prepare discovery requests and responses, including interrogatories, requests for production, and requests for admission.
- Collect, review, organize, and summarize documents and evidence.
- Assist with e-discovery processes, including document collections, reviews, and productions.
- Create document indexes, privilege logs, and production tracking reports.
Legal Research and Document Preparation
- Conduct factual research and assist with legal research.
- Draft routine pleadings, motions, notices, subpoenas, correspondence, and other legal documents for attorney review.
- Review court filings and maintain docket information.
- Summarize deposition transcripts, medical records, personnel files, financial records, and other case-related materials.
Depositions, Hearings, and Trial Support
- Coordinate and schedule depositions, hearings, mediations, and arbitrations.
- Prepare deposition exhibits, witness files, and hearing binders.
- Organize trial notebooks, exhibit lists, witness lists, and trial exhibits.
- Assist attorneys during depositions, hearings, mediations, and trials.
- Coordinate trial logistics with courts, vendors, witnesses, and opposing counsel.
Client Service
- Maintain professional communication with clients and outside parties.
- Respond to requests for information and documentation.
- Provide status updates and assist with gathering information needed for litigation matters.
Requirements
- Associate's degree, bachelor's degree, or paralegal certificate from an accredited program preferred.
- Minimum of 3-5 years of litigation paralegal experience in a law firm or corporate legal department preferred.
- Experience supporting complex litigation matters is highly desirable.
- Trial preparation experience is strongly preferred.
- Strong understanding of litigation procedures and court rules.
- Experience with e-discovery platforms and document management systems.
- Excellent organizational and project management skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
- Ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, and litigation support software.