Litigation Paralegal Career Path
Litigation Paralegal Career Path
Courtroom dramas make for an exciting night at the movies or an afternoon in front of the TV, watching litigation attorneys battle for their clients’ rights or freedoms. What’s often not shown (but should be) is the critical role litigation paralegals play in helping shape the outcome of those cases. Paralegals who focus their careers on litigation matters are often the unsung heroes behind their supervising attorneys’ success stories.
Litigation paralegals support attorneys through every phase of the litigation process – pre-trial, trial, settlement and appeal – by handling essential tasks of case preparation such as legal research, document preparation, evidence organization and case coordination. They are instrumental in tracking and meeting strict deadlines and managing the large volume of paperwork that accompanies most legal disputes. By ensuring that all procedural steps are followed accurately and efficiently, litigation paralegals allow attorneys to focus on strategy, advocacy and courtroom performance. This career path offers dynamic, fast-paced work and a vital place within the legal team.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
The first step toward a career as a litigation paralegal is to become a paralegal. Most legal employers require candidates to have a two-year paralegal studies degree, earned through an institution whose program is approved by the American Bar Association. If you already have a degree in another field, you may be able to work as a litigation paralegal after completing a paralegal certificate program.
In addition to general paralegal training courses — covering topics including legal research and writing, civil procedure, criminal law and procedure, and legal ethics — litigation paralegals must be skillful communicators, organized and detailed and comfortable with technology. Much of the work paralegals do involves using online research tools and databases, as well as using systems to help with document preparation and filing.
Some candidates also choose to pursue litigation-specific paralegal certification programs offered through various industry associations including the National Federation of Paralegal Associations and the National Association of Legal Assistants.
TYPICAL LITIGATION PARALEGAL RESPONSIBILITIES
What do litigation paralegals do and what does this type of legal job description look like? Litigation paralegals’ job responsibilities vary, but they usually handle much of the behind-the-scenes work leading to trials and appeals, as well as with cases that settle outside the courtroom.
Common tasks within a litigation paralegal job description include the following:
- Conduct thorough legal research on case law, statutes and procedural rules
- Review and organize discovery materials, then summarize depositions and witness statements
- Manage case files and evidence to support attorneys during all phases of civil litigation.
- Assist with client and witness interviews to gather facts and background information
- Maintain detailed notes and documentation for use in case development and trial preparation.
- Organize and maintain large volumes of case information, including legal documents, correspondence and discovery materials, ensuring easy access and accuracy throughout the litigation process
- Draft and prepare legal documents such as pleadings, motions, subpoenas and notices
- Ensure all documents comply with court formatting standards and local filing rules and file documents with appropriate courts in a timely and accurate manner
- Prepare trial exhibits and binders, coordinate trial logistics and support attorneys during courtroom proceedings
- Manage litigation calendars, including deadlines for filings, court appearances, depositions and meetings, to ensure cases proceed without delays
A REWARDING CAREER FOR QUALIFIED PARALEGALS
Litigation paralegals who enjoy their jobs usually thrive on the satisfaction that comes from conducting thorough research, ensuring no detail is overlooked, and working to help their supervising attorneys and firms win clients’ cases.
Compensation for legal jobs can differ greatly — depending on the size of the law firm, geographic location and legal specialty area. In general, however, paralegals who choose this career option can expect to be rewarded financially for their work. Litigation paralegals are in consistent demand across law firms, government agencies and corporate legal departments, and offer plentiful opportunities for advancement into senior roles, legal project management or further specialization.
As of 2023, the median annual wage for all paralegals and legal assistants was $60,970. Litigation paralegals’ compensation is generally slightly higher than this figure, with a reported annual average base litigation paralegal salary of $68,496 as of 2025.
CHOOSE GENERATIONS COLLEGE FOR YOUR PARALEGAL STUDIES DEGREE
At Generations College, we have been preparing some of the Chicago area’s most capable and successful paralegals since 1973. Home to the first paralegal studies program in Illinois, our program is recognized for its academic excellence and is proudly approved by the American Bar Association (ABA), a mark of quality and rigor in legal education. We offer flexible learning options, including online, day and evening classes, to accommodate a wide range of schedules and life commitments. With small class sizes of just 10–20 students, our students benefit from hands-on skill development and personalized instruction through close mentorship from experienced legal professionals.
Generations also maintains strong partnerships with legal employers across various sectors, supporting a robust 95% job placement rate through internships and career placement opportunities. Our graduates enter the workforce with confidence, ready to contribute meaningfully in law firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies and beyond.
Please note that paralegals may not practice law or otherwise provide legal services directly to the public except as permitted by law.
Contact Generations College in Chicago to learn more about how you can pursue a career as a litigation paralegal or work in any of the many exciting paralegal job opportunities available to graduates of our two-year Paralegal Studies Degree Program. Ready to begin the next chapter of your life? We make it easy to get started. Apply online today!