Litigation Paralegal

Title:
Litigation Defense Paralegal

Location:
Major Metropolitan Office (U.S.)

Reports to:
Assigned Attorney

Overview

A well-established civil-defense law firm is seeking an experienced Litigation Defense Paralegal to support its litigation teams. The firm handles complex, high-exposure disputes for corporate, commercial, and institutional clients. This position plays an essential role in case management, discovery, trial preparation, and overall litigation support from case intake through resolution.

Position Summary

The Litigation Defense Paralegal works closely with attorneys to manage active caseloads, coordinate discovery, organize documents, support drafting of litigation materials, and prepare for hearings, depositions, and trials. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, proactive, and comfortable managing multiple deadlines in a fast-paced defense environment.

Key Responsibilities

Case Management

• Maintain well-organized electronic and physical case files.
• Track deadlines, hearings, court dates, and procedural requirements.
• Manage litigation calendars across multiple jurisdictions as needed.

Document Preparation

• Draft and format pleadings, motions, subpoenas, discovery requests and responses, and correspondence (subject to attorney approval).
• Assist in preparing legal memoranda, outlines, summaries, and case-related reports.

Discovery Support

• Review, analyze, and organize discovery materials.
• Coordinate document productions, prepare indexes, and maintain logs.
• Summarize depositions, medical records, expert reports, and other evidence.

Hearing, Deposition & Trial Preparation

• Prepare exhibit lists, binders, witness packets, and trial notebooks.
• Assist with scheduling, court filings, and communications with experts and witnesses.
• Provide support during depositions, hearings, or trials as needed.

Research & Analysis

• Conduct factual and legal research using standard research platforms.
• Compile, organize, and summarize findings for attorney use.

Client & Outside Party Coordination

• Communicate professionally with clients, experts, vendors, and opposing counsel.
• Arrange service of process, e-filings, and logistical tasks required for litigation support.

Administrative & Technical Support

• Update internal databases and case-tracking systems.
• Assist with billing entries, expense tracking, and file maintenance.
• Ensure compliance with confidentiality, ethical rules, and firm protocols.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent; paralegal certificate preferred.
• Prior experience in civil or defense litigation (typically 2–5 years).
• Strong understanding of litigation procedures, court rules, and discovery processes.
• Proficiency with legal research tools, document-management systems, and e-filing platforms.
• Excellent written communication and proofreading skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.
• High level of professionalism, discretion, and attention to detail.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with multi-jurisdictional litigation.
• Familiarity with e-discovery platforms and trial-presentation software.
• Ability to assist attorneys during trial or travel occasionally.

What the Firm Offers

• Opportunity to work on high-exposure, complex defense cases.
• A collaborative team environment with opportunities for professional growth.
• Competitive compensation and benefits (specifics based on experience and internal policies).