What does a Litigation Attorney do?
Published 4 min read
A litigation attorney is a lawyer who specializes in representing clients in court. Litigation attorneys handle all aspects of the legal process, from investigating the facts of a case to arguing it in front of a judge and jury.
Litigation Attorney job duties include:
- Research and analyze legal sources such as statutes, judicial decisions, and legal articles
- Draft and file pleadings with the court
- Conduct discovery, which may include written questions (interrogatories), document production requests, and depositions
- Prepare and argue motions, including motions to dismiss and motions for summary judgment
- Engage in settlement negotiations with opposing counsel
- Try cases before a judge and jury
- Represent clients in arbitrations and mediations
- Provide legal advice to clients on a variety of issues
- Handle all aspects of an appeal, if necessary
Litigation Attorney Job Requirements
A litigation attorney is a lawyer who specializes in representing clients in court. Litigation attorneys must have a law degree from an accredited law school and must be licensed to practice law in the state where they work. Many litigation attorneys also have a bachelor's degree in another field, such as business or accounting. Litigation attorneys typically have several years of experience working as lawyers before they specialize in litigation.
Litigation Attorney Skills
- Analytical
- Research
- Writing
- Problem-solving
- Logical thinking
- Creativity
- Persuasion
- Confidence
- Public speaking
- Flexibility
- Teamwork
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How to become a Litigation Attorney
Litigation attorneys are lawyers who represent clients in court. They handle all aspects of the litigation process, from investigating cases and gathering evidence to arguing in court and negotiating settlements. Litigation attorneys must be able to think on their feet and be comfortable with public speaking. If you are interested in becoming a litigation attorney, here are a few steps you can take:
1. Get a degree in law. You will need to obtain a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school. During your studies, you should focus on courses that will prepare you for litigation, such as trial practice and evidence.
2. Pass the bar exam. Once you have your JD, you will need to pass the bar exam in order to practice law. Each state has different requirements, but most require that you take and pass the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE).
3. Gain experience. Before you can start litigating cases on your own, you will likely need to gain some experience working with an experienced litigation attorney. This will give you a chance to learn the ropes and see what it takes to be successful in this field.
4. Start your own practice or join a firm. Once you have the necessary education and experience, you can either start your own litigation practice or join an existing law firm that specializes in this area of law.
If you are interested in becoming a litigation attorney, there are a few steps you can take to get started. By getting a degree in law, passing the bar exam, and gaining experience working with an experienced attorney, you can set yourself up for success in this field.
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