How to Become a Litigation Support Specialist

Karasch & Associates has over 35 years of experience in Litigation Support Services and Legal Video Specialists. Below is the guideline how to become a litigation support specialist.

How to Become a Litigation Support Specialist

What is a Litigation Support Specialist?

The term litigation specialist describes both trial lawyers and paralegals, both help lawyers prepare for trial.

Litigation paralegals conduct research and gather evidences to be used during a trial. They also utilize databases to organize evidence and draw up settlement agreements. Travel is also involved sometimes.

What Makes a Litigation Support Specialist Stand Out

Litigation support specialists must have a working knowledge of the rules of civil procedure, judicial council forms, and related procedures for filing. They must also be effective communicators who are well-versed in interview and investigation techniques. Additionally, they must possess the ability to write about legal matters in a clear and concise manner.

Skills that make litigation specialists stand out center around their careful work habits, their ability to organize and keep track of vast amounts of information, and their keen eye for detail. In addition, they demonstrate the ability to conduct legal research using computerized information retrieval and analysis systems. These key skills must be carefully cultivated to ensure success as a litigation support specialist.

Steps Required for Becoming a Litigation Paralegal

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

Paralegals typically need at least an associate’s degree. However, many employers prefer to hire those with a bachelor’s degree. Thus, completing a bachelor’s degree program in paralegal studies might better qualify an individual for litigation specialist jobs.

These programs generally require four years of study. Classes cover topics like legal research and writing, litigation, substantive law, document drafting, civil procedure, business associations, torts, and legal ethics. Elective classes can include administrative law, law and society, criminal procedure, and constitutional criminal procedure.

Success Tip:

Complete an internship. Some schools require paralegal studies students to complete internships. During an internship, a student might complete tasks that paralegals regularly perform, such as organizing file materials and checking court records. This experience might impress employers, allow students to network with other paralegals, and provide an understanding of a litigation specialist’s job tasks.

Step 2: Gain Work Experience

As a litigation paralegal, you’ll gather and analyze information like discovery documents and legal pleadings. You’ll also research laws and regulations, draft legal correspondence, and investigate case facts. Experience often is needed for voluntary certification, which could improve your job opportunities.

Paralegals can obtain certification from associations like the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) or the American Alliance of Paralegals, Inc. (AAPI). To be eligible for certification from NALA, an individual must have graduated from a bachelor’s degree program in paralegal studies. AAPI certification requires a bachelor’s degree and five years of work experience. Both organizations also require that certification candidates pass an exam.

Additionally, NALA offers paralegals the ability to earn advanced certification in 12 areas, including trial practice, discovery, and criminal litigation. Possessing advanced certification might impress potential employers.

To recap, litigation paralegals are a type of litigation specialist. These professionals typically need a bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies. Voluntary certification could boost your prospects in this career.