What does a Litigation Legal Assistant do?
Published 4 min read
A litigation legal assistant is responsible for providing support to lawyers during the litigation process. This may include tasks such as conducting legal research, drafting documents, and managing case files. Litigation legal assistants must have strong research and writing skills, as well as the ability to handle a large volume of work.
Litigation Legal Assistant job duties include:
- Assisting with the drafting and reviewing of legal documents
- Conducting research and gathering information
- Maintaining files and records
- Assisting with discovery and trial preparation
- Coordinating schedules and appointments
- Making travel arrangements
- Answering phones and handling other administrative tasks
- Handling correspondence
- Greeting clients and visitors
Litigation Legal Assistant Job Requirements
Most legal assistants have at least an associate's degree, although some have a bachelor's degree. Many colleges and universities offer programs specifically in paralegal studies, which can be helpful but is not always necessary. In some states, legal assistants must be certified. Certification typically requires completing a certain amount of coursework and passing an exam. Some legal assistants also choose to become certified in a specific area of law, such as real estate or family law. Many legal assistants have previous experience working in a law office or in a related field such as customer service or administrative work.
Litigation Legal Assistant Skills
- Organization
- Writing
- Research
- Time Management
- Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Interpersonal Skills
- Detail Oriented
- Flexibility
- Stress Management
- Teamwork
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How to become a Litigation Legal Assistant
A litigation legal assistant is a professional who provides support to lawyers during the litigation process. This process can be very complex and time-consuming, so it is important for lawyers to have someone they can rely on to handle the administrative tasks involved. If you are interested in becoming a litigation legal assistant, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
First, it is important to have strong research and writing skills. You will be responsible for conducting a lot of research to help prepare cases for trial, so it is essential that you know how to find and use relevant information. Additionally, you will be responsible for drafting documents such as motions and briefs, so it is important that you have strong writing skills.
Second, you must be organized and detail-oriented. The litigation process is very detail-oriented, so it is important that you are able to keep track of all the information involved. This includes keeping track of deadlines, filing documents in the correct order, and making sure all parties have the information they need when they need it.
Third, you must be able to work well under pressure. The litigation process can be very stressful, so it is important that you are able to handle stress well. This includes being able to work long hours when necessary and being able to meet deadlines even when things are hectic.
If you have these qualities, then you may be well-suited for a career as a litigation legal assistant. To get started, consider pursuing a degree or certificate in paralegal studies from an accredited institution. This will give you the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this field. Additionally, consider interning with a law firm or working as a law clerk to gain experience in the field. With hard work and dedication, you can become a successful litigation legal assistant.
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