What does a Litigation Assistant do?

A litigation assistant is responsible for providing administrative and clerical support to lawyers and paralegals. Duties may include maintaining files, scheduling appointments, and conducting research.

Litigation Assistant job duties include:

• Assisting with the preparation of court documents, including pleadings, motions, and discovery
• Assisting with legal research and writing
• Managing and organizing case files
• Coordinating schedules for lawyers, witnesses, and other parties involved in the litigation process
• Arranging for service of process of legal documents
• Communicating with clients, witnesses, opposing counsel, and others involved in the litigation process
• Maintaining calendars and deadlines
• Filing documents with the court
• Serving as a liaison between the lawyer and the client
• Performing administrative tasks, such as scheduling appointments and maintaining records

Litigation Assistant Job Requirements

Most litigation assistants have at least a bachelor's degree, although some employers may prefer candidates with a paralegal certificate or a degree in legal studies. Many law firms require litigation assistants to have prior experience working in a law office or in the legal department of a corporation. Litigation assistants must be proficient in legal research, writing, and document production. They must also be able to work well under pressure and meet deadlines.

Litigation Assistant Skills

• Strong writing skills
• The ability to conduct legal research
• The ability to work independently
• Strong organizational skills
• The ability to multitask
• The ability to meet deadlines
• Strong interpersonal skills
• The ability to work well under pressure
• The ability to take direction
• The ability to work as part of a team
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Related: Top Litigation Assistant Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Litigation Assistant

A litigation assistant is a professional who provides support to attorneys during the litigation process. A litigation assistant typically has a college degree, although some positions may require a law degree or paralegal certificate. Many litigation assistants have previous experience working as legal assistants or paralegals.

The duties of a litigation assistant vary depending on the size and type of law firm, but generally include assisting with discovery, research, document production, and trial preparation. Litigation assistants may also be responsible for managing the attorney’s case load, scheduling appointments, and communicating with clients.

If you are interested in becoming a litigation assistant, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of being hired. First, get a degree from an accredited college or university. Many firms prefer to hire candidates who have at least a bachelor’s degree in any field. If you are interested in working in a specific area of law, consider getting a degree in that field. For example, if you want to work as a medical malpractice litigation assistant, consider getting a degree in nursing.

Second, gain experience working as a legal assistant or paralegal. Many firms prefer to hire candidates who have previous experience working in the legal field. This experience will give you the opportunity to learn about the day-to-day operations of a law firm and to develop the skills necessary to be successful in this role.

Third, take advantage of job postings and networking opportunities. Many firms post job openings on their websites or through online job boards. You can also find job postings by searching for “litigation assistant” on websites like Indeed.com or Monster.com. Networking with attorneys and other professionals in the legal field can also help you find open positions and make connections that can lead to a job offer.

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