The Role of a Litigation Paralegal Before, During, and After Trial
Litigation Paralegals provide valuable assistance to attorneys during the litigation process and are a vital part of the trial team. The role of a litigation paralegal can be vital for a number of reasons. They are responsible for coordinating the tasks that must be accomplished before, during and after trial. Below is an overview of the major duties and responsibilities of the Litigation Paralegal from investigation to appeal. Continue reading to learn more about the important role of a Litigation Paralegal.
Investigation
Litigation Paralegals typically take the lead during pre-claim investigation. They are responsible for locating and interviewing witnesses, taking statements from witnesses, gathering evidence, creating case investigation folders, and preparing a chronology of facts for the case.
Pleadings
The role of a Litigation Paralegal varies depending on whether he or she is working for the plaintiff or the defense. Litigation Paralegals on the plaintiff side may assist with preparing pleadings including the summons, complaint, and supporting affidavits. Paralegals on the defense side work with clients to investigate allegations and prepare responses.
Discovery
A majority of the Litigation Paralegal’s time is spent during the discovery process of a case. Litigation Paralegals assist attorneys in preparing interrogatories and requests for other discovery. Paralegals on the defense side are responsible for locating people within the client organization to help develop responses to interrogatories. The Litigation Paralegal is also responsible for conducting factual research and gathering relevant information from a variety of resources, including libraries, newspapers, police and fire departments, and the media.
Pre-Trial
Litigation Paralegals play an extremely important role during the pre-trial process. This is where the Paralegal’s communication and organization skills are the most valuable. The Litigation Paralegal is responsible for organizing and indexing exhibits, preparing trial binders, and managing important files. Litigation Paralegals also serve as a liaison between the trial team and third parties, including clients, witnesses, vendors, experts and courtroom personnel.
Trial
During trial, Paralegals are responsible for setting up exhibits in the courtroom, preparing and issuing subpoenas, assisting in preparing witnesses, and researching and evaluating prospective jurors. The Litigation Paralegal also continues to serve as a liaison between clients, witnesses, experts, vendors, and the trial team during the trial.
Settlement
Litigation Paralegals often assist attorneys with case settlement after the trial. Their role includes gathering and organizing data needed for settlement, creating settlement brochures, distribution statements, and negotiation checklists.
Appeal
Litigation Paralegals help identify issues for appeal by gathering and organizing documents for a record on appeal, indexing cases for a table of authorities, assisting in the research and drafting of appellate documents, and filing documents with the court.
If you think a Litigation Paralegal career is right for you, you will need to obtain proper training. Fremont University is one of only 28 ABA-approved Paralegal schools in California. When you enroll in the Paralegal program at Fremont University, you will get the chance to conduct actual legal research and get the real-world legal training you need to pursue a career as a Litigation Paralegal. In addition, you can earn a Paralegal Studies degree in just 15 months. Don’t wait any longer – apply for the Paralegal program at Fremont University today to begin your exciting career as a Litigation Paralegal!
Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.
