A Step-by-Step Guide to Launching Your Career as a Litigation Paralegal

Litigation paralegals are often known as the backbone of the trial team. Although their primary responsibilities frequently involve coordinating all the necessary details before, during, and after the trial, they are also responsible for providing support during every phase of the litigation case, such as conducting interviews, legal research, and document filing.  However, while these paralegals  are not authorized to provide legal advice, they do frequently assist with the following tasks:

• Researching statutes, legal articles, constitutions, legal codes, legal articles, and judicial decisions to prepare legal documents, including pleadings, briefs, and appeals for the attorney to use

• Interpreting data, analyzing reports, reviewing records, and reviewing responses sent over by the other side

• Preparing discovery responses for the lawyer to review

• Interpreting information and data, analyzing and reviewing reports, and examining records produced by the opposing side

• Handling communications between parties involved in the litigation

• Organizing case files, documents, and correspondence

• Updating internal legal databases

• Preparing witnesses and other material for trial

• Preparing for and attending depositions

• Preparing and tracking exhibits and court documents 

It is also important to understand that within the legal field, different roles may have similar responsibilities. As a result, many people confuse these positions with one another. For instance, although a litigation paralegal may sometimes be referred to as a legal assistant, these positions are very different. Broadly speaking, a legal assistant is responsible for handling administrative tasks, preparing routine cases and hearings, and conducting factual investigations that are limited in scope. In comparison, a litigation paralegal is responsible for more legal duties and assists attorneys during legal proceedings.
Check out our article detailing the differences between a legal assistant and a paralegal.

If you are interested in becoming a litigation paralegal, before you start your job search, it is important first to determine how much education is recommended for a given position. As mentioned previously, depending on the role, individuals may be asked to earn an associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, paralegal certificate, or, in some instances, at least a high school degree with significant experience. The most common majors for those who want to become a litigation paralegal are political science or legal studies. 

Once their education is complete, many individuals may take on entry-level legal roles, such as legal assistant, entry-level paralegal, or legal support staff, to gain experience in the field. They may also secure litigation paralegal internships to help them obtain the knowledge and familiarity required to perform these positions. However, as these professionals progress in their legal careers, they may specialize in a particular area. For instance, litigation paralegals can work either on the defense or plaintiff side of the case or focus exclusively on insurance or commercial law. They may also look for job opportunities in government agencies, consumer organizations, or a public defender's office. Depending on their aspirations, they could further their education by pursuing additional certifications or attending law school to become an attorney.

According to Zippia, The Career Expert, the job outlook for litigation paralegals is promising. Take, for instance, the following recent statistics for the position:

• The litigation paralegal job growth rate is projected to be around 14% from 2018 to 2028.

• There are about 49,900 new litigation paralegals projected over the next ten years.

• The salaries of litigation parties have increased by 7% in the last five years.

• Over 120,870 litigation paralegals are currently employed in the United States. 

In addition, the average litigation paralegal salary in the United States is approximately $58,484. However, this amount will usually depend on numerous factors, including the type of firm the litigation paralegal is employed at, their job duties, their experience, and the state they are employed in. For example, the top five most common states for litigation paralegals regarding employment opportunities include the District of Columbia, North Dakota, Florida, Massachusetts, and Washington. 

On the other hand, the top highest-paid cities for litigation paralegals include the following:

• San Fransciso, CA: $79,626

• Washington D.C.: $71,135

• Beverly Hills, CA:  $68,792

• Los Angeles, CA: $68,736

• Irvine, CA: $67,935

Creating a strong paralegal resume will be critical when you are ready to start job hunting for a litigation paralegal position. While these resumes should highlight your achievements, work experience, and skills, they should also be tailored to the specific position and include keywords from the job description. For instance, you may want to mention your main strengths and how they align with the requirements of the job. You should also indicate whether you have a Certified Paralegal certification and how you have supported attorneys and other legal professionals in your previous legal roles. 

Preparing for the Interview Process 

When scheduling interviews for a potential litigation paralegal position, it is important to remember that the best candidates are known for their strong attention to detail, multitasking skills, and willingness to learn. Therefore, it is crucial to prepare for these interviews. Although this may not be the most exciting part, it is one of the most critical steps. The preparation process involves researching the firm and the attorneys who will be interviewing you, reviewing potential interview questions, and customizing your answers to fit the needs of the law firm you are applying to. This preparation can help you appear confident during the interview process and demonstrate that you are a highly qualified professional capable of completing the job successfully. 

Networking 

Individuals aspiring to find legal jobs as litigation paralegals can also network to achieve their goals. There are several networking opportunities available today, both online and in person. These include professional association committees such as the American Alliance of Paralegals, the American Association for Paralegal Education AAFPE, and the ABA Standing Committee on Paralegals, as well as annual conventions and meetup groups.

While networking can be easy for some paralegals who are outgoing and extroverted, it may be difficult for others who are more introverted. Yet, despite your personality, networking is crucial for career growth and success as a litigation paralegal. Step out of your comfort zone and connect with other professionals to establish a network of knowledgeable, skilled individuals who can assist you when needed.

Litigation paralegals are an essential part of any legal team. They have an in-depth understanding of the trial preparation process, from the initial requests for documents and other trial "discovery" to more complex tasks such as conducting research and writing legal briefs. They play a crucial role in all phases of the litigation process, providing valuable support to attorneys and ensuring that cases are handled efficiently and effectively.

If you are considering a job as a litigation paralegal or want to learn more about the position, consider pursuing further education and training to help you secure the legal job of your dreams.