Litigation Paralegals

Male lawyer working with contract papers and reading law book in a courtroom

Litigation Paralegals Role At Trial

Ever dreamed of working in a courtroom? Are law shows your Friday night show of choice? Do you like to bring order to chaos? Litigation paralegals work under attorneys who specialize in litigation. They help manage legal cases throughout the litigation process. Litigation paralegals work in the following: investigation, pleadings, settlements, discovery, and appeals. Read below to find out more about a day in the life of a litigation paralegal and what it takes to succeed:

Because paralegals are specially trained assistants who assist attorneys or lawyers, they need to be able to prepare documents, assist in trial preparation, and draft trial briefs. Being systematic and organized is a must. Sometimes the attorney will need you to think ahead to pending tasks and help manage current clients.

When assisting with a trial, paralegal duties might include handling exhibits when required by the attorney at the time of witness testimonies, anticipating certain documents when pleading, preparing subpoenas, and lining up witnesses each day for testimony. A meticulous trial preparation by a paralegal ensures that the attorney can perform efficiently during the actual trial.

In the office, a successful paralegal must have a daily to-do list and stick to it. Staying organized helps avoid feeling overburdened, which in turns helps with procrastination and burn-out. Lastly, as with any profession, communication is key. When starting out, make sure to discuss all questions and concerns immediately with the attorney.

If becoming a paralegal sounds like the right fit for you, check out our Paralegal Studies program here.

hannah