3 Elements of a Litigation Support Specialist

When looking for a profession that’s going to be around for a while, you may want to entertain entering the legal services field. You may not have a law degree, and luckily, you don’t need one to do some of the most interesting and versatile jobs in a firm. If you enjoy a challenge, keeping things organized and functioning in a fast-paced office environment, then you may want to check into the role of a litigation support specialist. Here are three job functions they commonly perform.

1. Keeps Documents in Order for Cases

In any environment where lawsuits occur, a litigation support specialist can step in and take control of what may be thousands of pieces of paper. The more complex the case, the more documents are drafted and filed. A litigation support specialist gets a handle on the order of materials, sorts them and usually gets them into an electronic case management system. Documents are easily recalled in this type of filing system.

2. Provides Specialized Support to Litigation Team

A litigation support specialist can perform a variety of vital support functions. When cases get litigated, they usually require a lot of research and writing. A support specialist can help paralegals and attorneys conduct this research and put together complex reports and statistical information for the attorney’s use during trial or mediation.

3. Education and Skill Requirements for the Position

If you are interested in becoming a litigation support specialist, you may qualify to apply if you:

  • Have a bachelor’s degree in a related field
  • Have experience as a paralegal, legal secretary or similar position
  • Have excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Have database management experience or certification

Since a litigation support specialist can work in a variety of office environments, the position is quickly gaining speed as an integral part of a trial preparation team.