Litigation Legal Assistant Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of law, the role of Litigation Legal Assistants has never been more critical.

As the legal landscape evolves, the demand for skilled individuals who can efficiently navigate, support, and protect our litigation processes continues to grow.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Litigation Legal Assistant?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager looking to outline the perfect candidate,
• Or simply intrigued by the multifaceted world of litigation,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Litigation Legal Assistant job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Litigation Legal Assistant Duties and Responsibilities

Litigation Legal Assistants play a crucial role in assisting lawyers with all aspects of the litigation process, from the initial phase of the investigation, through the discovery period, trial, and post-trial findings and appeals.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Assisting in the preparation and filing of legal documents such as complaints, motions, subpoenas, and appeals
• Organizing and maintaining legal files and case documents
• Conducting legal research and assisting in the preparation of legal reports and memorandums
• Maintaining attorney calendars by planning and scheduling conferences, teleconferences, depositions, and travel
• Recording and monitoring case details, including information related to case preparation, case developments, and the associated costs
• Communicating with clients, opposing counsel, judicial administrative staff, and other involved parties
• Preparing for trials by coordinating the assembly of exhibits, preparing trial binders, and assisting with witness preparation
• Performing administrative duties such as answering phone calls, emailing, and managing correspondence
• Complying with all legal standards and regulations

 

Litigation Legal Assistant Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Litigation Legal Assistant to join our team.

The Litigation Legal Assistant will support attorneys in all aspects of litigation management including legal research, document preparation, and trial support.

The ideal candidate will be well-versed in legal terminology, court filing procedures, and have a strong understanding of case management.

Ultimately, the Litigation Legal Assistant’s role is to ensure smooth and efficient functioning of all litigation activities in compliance with legal regulations and the company’s standards.

 

Responsibilities

• Assist attorneys in the preparation of legal documents and court filings
• Conduct legal research and fact-checking
• Maintain organized case files and manage case calendars
• Coordinate depositions, mediations, and attorney meetings
• Communicate with clients, witnesses, court officials, and other attorneys
• Prepare trial binders and exhibits
• Transcribe legal documents and correspondence
• Ensure compliance with legal regulations and company policies

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Litigation Legal Assistant, Legal Secretary, or similar role
• Strong knowledge of legal research methods and legal terminology
• Experience with case management software and MS Office
• Excellent organization and multitasking skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• High level of discretion and confidentiality for dealing with sensitive information
• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in legal studies or a related field

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Litigation Legal Assistant
• Work Environment: Office setting with occasional visits to court. Some travel may be required for depositions or client meetings.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Lead Attorney or Litigation Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $65,000 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 Legal Assistant Do?

Litigation Legal Assistants typically work in law firms, corporate legal departments, or government agencies.

They support attorneys in the litigation process, which involves resolving disputes in court.

They are responsible for organizing and maintaining legal documents related to lawsuits.

This can include drafting pleadings, discovery, and other legal documents.

Litigation Legal Assistants are often tasked with conducting legal research to assist attorneys in preparing their cases.

This includes researching relevant laws, regulations, and legal articles.

They also play a crucial role in preparing for trials.

They may coordinate the logistics of the trial, assist in preparing witnesses, and manage the evidence to be presented in court.

In addition, they also handle administrative tasks such as scheduling meetings, depositions, and court dates.

They may also be responsible for maintaining communication with clients, experts, opposing counsel, and court personnel.

They are expected to have a strong understanding of legal terminology, court rules and procedures, evidentiary laws, and the documentation related to litigation.

Many Litigation Legal Assistants also help lawyers during the trial by handling exhibits, taking notes, or reviewing trial transcripts.

It’s their responsibility to ensure that the litigation process runs smoothly and efficiently.

 

Litigation Legal Assistant Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Litigation Legal Assistant should possess the following qualifications and skills that align with the job role:

• Sound knowledge of legal terminology and litigation process to understand and assist in legal proceedings.
• Excellent organizational skills to manage case files, prepare trial binders, and maintain an efficient document filing system.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for drafting legal documents, correspondences, and liaising with clients, attorneys, and court officials.
• Proficiency in legal research to provide necessary support to attorneys during case preparation.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines while maintaining a high level of accuracy.
• Good interpersonal skills to interact effectively with colleagues, clients, and other professionals in the legal field.
• Proficiency in computer skills, including the use of legal software, MS Office Suite, and electronic legal research tools.
• Experience in court filings, especially electronic filings (e-filing), and the ability to handle service of process.

 

Litigation Legal Assistant Experience Requirements

Litigation Legal Assistants, often referred to as Paralegals, are usually required to have an associate’s degree or certificate in paralegal studies.

They may gain practical experience through internships or part-time roles at law firms while they are still students.

Entry-level Litigation Legal Assistant candidates are typically expected to have 1-2 years of experience in a legal setting, often in the form of internships or part-time roles.

During this time, they can gain experience in legal research, preparation of legal documents, court filing procedures, and other essential tasks.

Candidates with 3-5 years of experience often have more extensive knowledge in the field of litigation.

They may have taken on larger roles in managing case files, conducting client interviews, or assisting attorneys in court proceedings.

Some may have specialized experience in a particular area of litigation, such as personal injury or corporate law.

Those with more than 5 years of experience are often considered for senior or supervisory roles.

They may have experience managing junior legal assistants, coordinating with multiple attorneys, and handling complex litigation cases.

Their experience may also include working on high-profile cases, conducting extensive legal research, or interacting with high-level clients.

 

Litigation Legal Assistant Education and Training Requirements

Litigation Legal Assistants usually require at least an associate degree or certificate in paralegal studies.

A bachelor’s degree in this field or a related discipline like criminal justice can also be advantageous.

These programs typically cover a wide range of legal topics including legal research, legal writing, litigation, contracts, torts, and civil procedure.

Moreover, they provide training in practical skills like document preparation, case management, and legal software applications.

In addition to formal education, most employers also require Litigation Legal Assistants to have some work experience in a legal setting.

This experience can often be gained through internships that are a part of many paralegal education programs.

While not required, many Litigation Legal Assistants decide to become certified through organizations like the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) or the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA).

These certifications may enhance employment prospects and earning potential.

Continuing education is also crucial in this field, as it helps the Litigation Legal Assistant keep up to date with changes in the law and legal practices.

 

Litigation Legal Assistant Salary Expectations

A Litigation Legal Assistant can expect to earn an average salary of $50,000 (USD) per year.

However, the specific salary can vary depending on factors such as years of experience, specialized skills, the complexity of the cases handled, and the location of the law firm.

 

Litigation Legal Assistant Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Litigation Legal Assistant need?

A Litigation Legal Assistant needs to have excellent organizational skills, as they are often managing multiple cases at once.

They should have strong communication skills and be able to work as part of a team.

They should also have good research and analytical skills and be able to work under pressure to meet strict deadlines.

 

Do Litigation Legal Assistants need a degree?

Most employers require Litigation Legal Assistants to have at least an associate’s degree in paralegal studies or a related field.

Some may require a bachelor’s degree.

In addition to the educational requirement, some states may also require certification for legal assistants.

 

What should you look for in a Litigation Legal Assistant’s resume?

Look for a solid educational background in paralegal studies or a related field.

Also, check for experience working in a legal environment, particularly in litigation.

The ability to multitask, meet deadlines and handle stress is important, so look for evidence of these skills in their work history.

 

What qualities make a good Litigation Legal Assistant?

A good Litigation Legal Assistant is highly organized and able to handle multiple tasks at once.

They should be able to work independently but also function as part of a team.

Strong research and writing skills are important, as well as the ability to handle confidential information responsibly.

 

Is it difficult to hire Litigation Legal Assistants?

Hiring Litigation Legal Assistants can be challenging because the role requires a unique combination of legal knowledge and administrative skills.

It’s also a role with high stakes, as these professionals handle critical information related to ongoing litigation.

Therefore, it’s crucial to find candidates who are not only qualified but also dependable, discrete and extremely detail-oriented.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve uncovered the true essence of what it means to be a litigation legal assistant.

And guess what?

It’s not just about assisting attorneys and paralegals.

It’s about paving the path to justice, one legal document at a time.

With our comprehensive litigation legal assistant job description template and real-world examples, you’re well-equipped to make your career move.

But why stop there?

Go beyond the basics with our job description generator. It’s your key to crafting detailed listings or fine-tuning your resume to absolute precision.

Remember:

Every legal document contributes to the broader quest for justice.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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