So often I get asked “What does a Paralegal do?” and to that I quickly answer by saying “We are the nurses of the legal field, we do all the behind the scenes work”. Paralegals provide invaluable aid to attorneys. In a litigation firm a paralegal is responsible for many things, including but not limited to: reviewing discovery and coordinating thousands of details that must be accomplished before, during and after a trial. Below is a brief synopoysis of the the major duties of a litigation paralegal.

INVESTIGATE

Taking the lead in investigating a claim is a major task for any lit paralegal. Locating and interviewing witness, taking statements, gathering evidence, creating notebooks, organizing documents and creating a chronology of facts are just a few of the required duties of a litigation paralegal

PLEADINGS

Pleadings are a vital part of any case. Litigation paralegals are often tasked with the job of creating and maintaining pleading indexes, assist with drafting pleadings like the summons, complaint and maybe even affidavits and calendaring hearing dates and filing deadlines.

DISCOVERY

The majority of a lit paralegal’s time is spent on discovery. They are responsible for drafting and responding to interrogatories, request for production of documents and requests for admissions, maintaining indexes, assist with e-discovery and so much more.

PRE-TRIAL

Being able to communicate and be extremely organized are necessary skills for lit paralegals especially during the pre-trial stage of litigation because of the need to serve as a liaison between the trial team and third parties such as witness, clients, vendors, experts and courtroom personal.

TRIAL

At trial, litigation paralegals are the attorney’s right hand. They handle the exhibits, organizing documents and evidence, set up in the courtroom, prepare and issue subpoenas as requested, evaluate prospective jurors and so much more.