Most law firms specialize in a few specific areas of law, or focus on them. Many law firms also specialize in litigation, or courtroom legal proceedings such as pursuing or defending lawsuits or defending criminal charges. A litigation support manager is frequently employed by firms that handle a large volume of litigation. A litigation support manager’s duties and responsibilities vary depending on the size and caseload of the law firm; however, in most cases, a litigation support manager supervises paralegals and other support staff, as well as coordinates and oversees all of the litigation team’s technological support.
A law firm that specializes in, or regularly handles, litigation typically has a sophisticated system in place to handle the massive amount of court filings, discovery requests, and evidence preparation required to competently represent a client in court. Filing a complaint, or responding to a complaint, is usually only the first step in the process of properly litigating a lawsuit. Several motions, as well as requests for document production and interrogatories, may need to be prepared and filed. Witnesses must be tracked down, interviewed, and prepared for the trial. The trial will also necessitate the creation of trial exhibits.
A litigation support manager is in charge of supervising paralegals, secretaries, and other support staff, among other things. Individuals who have completed training in administrative and secretarial duties required in a legal environment are known as paralegals. A paralegal may be in charge of conducting legal research, communicating with clients, or drafting legal documents. Secretaries handle a variety of tasks, such as typing letters dictated by attorneys or organizing files. Someone in charge of filing paperwork, a receptionist, and an in-house investigator are examples of other support staff.
Each member of the office staff plays a critical role in the case’s litigation. A litigation support manager is frequently required because attorneys must focus their efforts on the legal maneuvering required to litigate a case. In most cases, the litigation support manager keeps all of the support staff members organized and performing according to the attorneys’ needs.
In addition to supervising employees, a litigation support manager may be responsible for ensuring that the law firm’s technology is up to date. In today’s digital age, a law firm’s efficiency is often reliant on technology. Client accounts and files are typically updated and stored electronically, and many documents are even filed with the court or sent to opposing counsel electronically. As a result, the litigation support manager must ensure that all office technology is up to date and working properly.