Litigation Lawyer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the ever-evolving legal landscape, the focus on litigation lawyers is sharper than ever.

As dispute resolution mechanisms continue to grow in complexity, the demand for skilled litigators who can navigate, advocate, and protect our legal rights heightens.

But what exactly is expected from a litigation lawyer?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the nuances of this role,
• A hiring manager drafting the ideal profile for a candidate,
• Or simply intrigued by the intricate world of litigation law,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we reveal a customizable litigation lawyer job description template, designed for seamless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s delve right into it.

Litigation Lawyer Duties and Responsibilities

Litigation Lawyers represent plaintiffs and defendants in civil lawsuits.

They manage all phases of the litigation from the investigation, pleadings, and discovery through the pre-trial, trial, settlement, and appeal processes.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Conducting initial case investigation to determine, in the plaintiff’s case, if enough evidence exists for a lawsuit, or in the defendant’s case, what evidence exists to defend a potential suit
• Drafting pleas and motions on behalf of the plaintiff or defendant
• Conducting discovery of legal facts and evidence, which may include drafting requests for production of documents, depositions, interrogatories, and requests for admissions
• Performing legal research to determine the legal implications of the case and identify the laws relating to the case
• Creating and maintaining a case strategy based on the legal issues, laws, and the client’s goals
• Representing clients in court proceedings, including hearings, trials, and arbitration
• Negotiating settlements to avoid a trial, if it is in the best interest of the client
• Appealing a decision or judgment, if necessary
• Communicating with clients to keep them informed of case progress and legal advice

 

Litigation Lawyer Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a competent Litigation Lawyer to represent clients in legal proceedings, draw up legal documents, and manage or advise clients on legal transactions.

The prospective Litigation Lawyer will be responsible for investigating and prosecuting cases, analysing evidence, legal articles, and managing litigation cases.

Our ideal candidate is well-versed in civil and business law, court procedures and has excellent negotiation skills.

The role requires a deep understanding of the legal system, excellent problem-solving skills and a meticulous attention to detail.

 

Responsibilities

• Represent clients in court or before government agencies
• Present evidence to defend clients or prosecute defendants in criminal or civil litigation
• Select jurors, argue motions, meet with judges, and question witnesses during the course of a trial
• Study and interpret laws, rulings, and regulations for individuals and businesses
• Present and summarize cases to judges and juries
• Prepare legal briefs and opinions, and file appeals in state and federal courts of appeal
• Analyze the probable outcomes of cases, using knowledge of legal precedents
• Evaluate findings and develop strategies and arguments in preparation for presentation of cases
• Advise clients concerning business transactions, claim liability, advisability of prosecuting or defending lawsuits, or legal rights and obligations

 

Qualifications

• Proven working experience as a litigation lawyer
• J.D. degree from an accredited law school and passed the bar exam
• Applicable knowledge of motions, discovery, evidence, litigation documentation, court rules and procedures, practices etc
• High degree of professional ethics, integrity and gravitas
• Excellent communication, negotiation and public speaking skills
• Round the clock availability to attend to client needs
• Current license to practice law and in good standing

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Continuing legal education opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Litigation Lawyer
• Work Environment: Office environment with court visits. Some travel may be required for client consultations or court proceedings.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Lead Litigation Lawyer or Legal Department Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $70,000 minimum to $180,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Litigation Lawyer Do?

Litigation Lawyers, also known as litigators, are attorneys who specialize in resolving disputes through the court system.

They represent clients across a broad spectrum of associated proceedings, including pretrial hearings and depositions, as well as arbitration or mediation before administrative agencies or court personnel.

Their primary duties involve gathering evidence, conducting legal research, and formulating legal arguments.

They are also responsible for drafting pleadings and motions to be filed with the court, as well as managing discovery procedures, which is the phase of a lawsuit where both parties exchange relevant information.

They also represent their clients during the trial by presenting evidence and making arguments that support their client’s perspective.

They cross-examine witnesses, rebut evidence, and try to convince the judge or jury to view the case from their client’s viewpoint.

Post-trial, they might conduct post-trial interviews, identify and appeal court errors, and enforce the implementation of a judgment.

They handle the entire process from initial consultation and investigation through appeal procedures, if necessary.

Whether the case is civil or criminal, a litigation lawyer will typically represent one party in a case and take on the most communicative role, inside and outside the courtroom.

Their ultimate goal is to achieve the best possible outcome for their client.

 

Litigation Lawyer Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Litigation Lawyer should have the skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:

• Strong knowledge of civil litigation procedures, rules, and laws to provide effective legal representation and advice to clients.
• Exceptional research and analytical skills to gather and interpret complex information, construct a compelling case and make informed decisions.
• Excellent negotiation skills to help clients resolve disputes outside of court and achieve favorable settlements.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to articulate complex legal issues and strategies clearly and effectively to clients, colleagues, judges, and juries.
• Interpersonal skills to build relationships with clients and collaborate with legal professionals, witnesses, and court personnel.
• Problem-solving skills to identify critical issues and develop strategies that can lead to successful resolution of cases.
• Time management and organizational skills to handle heavy caseloads, meet deadlines, and balance multiple tasks and cases simultaneously.
• A high degree of professionalism and adherence to legal ethics.

 

Litigation Lawyer Experience Requirements

Aspiring Litigation Lawyers must first earn a Bachelor’s degree, followed by three years of Law School to obtain a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.

Upon graduation, they must pass the bar examination in the state where they plan to practice.

Entry-level Litigation Lawyers typically have less than a year of experience, often gained through internships or clerkships while in law school.

These roles allow them to gain practical experience in a legal environment, often working on case research, legal document drafting, and trial preparation under the guidance of experienced lawyers.

Candidates with 1 to 3 years of experience are usually considered Junior Litigation Lawyers.

They typically have experience working in law firms or legal departments, handling small disputes or assisting senior lawyers in more significant cases.

They often have developed skills in legal research, writing, negotiation, and courtroom procedures.

Mid-level Litigation Lawyers, with 3 to 7 years of experience, are generally skilled in managing cases independently, from the investigation phase through to trial, settlement, or appeal.

They have honed their litigation strategies, client communication, and legal argumentation skills.

Senior Litigation Lawyers, with more than 7 years of experience, have a proven track record of successful case resolutions.

They often have significant courtroom experience and have demonstrated the ability to handle high-stakes or complex legal disputes.

At this level, lawyers might have managerial responsibilities, overseeing junior lawyers and paralegals, and often play a key role in business development and client relationship management.

 

Litigation Lawyer Education and Training Requirements

To become a Litigation Lawyer, one must first complete a bachelor’s degree in any field, although a pre-law or legal studies degree may provide a good foundation.

Following this, aspiring Litigation Lawyers must attend law school to earn a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.

Law school typically takes three years to complete and covers general law education, as well as specialized courses in civil litigation, trial advocacy, and dispute resolution.

In order to practice law, all lawyers must pass the bar examination in the state where they plan to work.

The bar exam is a rigorous and comprehensive test of knowledge in all areas of law.

It’s also common for Litigation Lawyers to complete a clerkship, which is a type of on-the-job training where they work under the supervision of an experienced lawyer.

This can provide valuable experience and networking opportunities in the legal field.

Furthermore, some Litigation Lawyers opt to become board certified in civil trial law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy.

This certification demonstrates a lawyer’s expertise and commitment to the field of litigation, and may enhance their professional reputation.

Lastly, ongoing education is crucial in this field as lawyers must stay updated with changes and developments in the law.

Therefore, continuing legal education (CLE) courses are often a requirement for maintaining licensure.

 

Litigation Lawyer Salary Expectations

A Litigation Lawyer can expect to earn an average salary of $120,910 (USD) per year.

This figure can vary significantly based on factors such as experience, level of specialization, geographical location, and the size of the employing firm.

 

Litigation Lawyer Job Description FAQs

What skills does a litigation lawyer need?

Litigation lawyers should possess excellent verbal and written communication skills as they will have to argue cases, negotiate settlements, and write legal documents.

They should have strong analytical skills for complex problem-solving and understanding legal issues.

Other important skills include research skills for preparing legal strategies, interpersonal skills for interacting with clients and other legal professionals, and organizational skills for managing multiple cases at once.

 

What are the educational requirements for a litigation lawyer?

To become a litigation lawyer, one must have a bachelor’s degree, followed by a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.

After graduating from law school, aspiring lawyers must pass the bar exam in the state where they wish to practice.

Some lawyers may further specialize in a particular area of law by pursuing advanced legal degrees or certifications.

 

What should you look for in a litigation lawyer’s resume?

A litigation lawyer’s resume should highlight their educational credentials, including their law school and any additional legal training.

It should also list their bar admission(s).

Work experience is crucial, and the resume should detail the nature of cases they have handled, their responsibilities, and the results they achieved.

Also, consider any relevant skills, such as negotiation, research, or public speaking.

 

What qualities make a good litigation lawyer?

A good litigation lawyer should be tenacious and comfortable with confrontation, as litigation often involves adversarial situations.

They should also be detail-oriented to spot potential issues in cases and manage complex legal documents.

Strong ethical judgement is critical for maintaining trust with clients and upholding the law.

Lastly, a good litigation lawyer should have excellent stress management skills, as litigation can be a high-pressure field.

 

Is it difficult to hire litigation lawyers?

Hiring litigation lawyers can be challenging due to the high level of expertise required for the role.

It’s crucial to find a candidate who is not only qualified but also a good fit for your team and clientele.

Offering a competitive salary, opportunities for career progression, and a supportive work environment can help attract top litigation lawyer candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we unveiled the true essence of being a litigation lawyer.

And guess what?

It’s not just about winning cases.

It’s about advocating for justice, one courtroom battle at a time.

With our comprehensive litigation lawyer job description template and realistic examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why end here?

Delve further with our job description generator. It’s your guide to creating precise job listings or refining your resume to excellence.

Remember:

Every case you handle is a part of the broader legal landscape.

Let’s champion justice. Together.

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