Two different types of legal professionals are referred to as “litigation specialists.” One is a litigation attorney, a lawyer who focuses on representing clients in court; in some jurisdictions, such as England, a litigation specialist is referred to as a barrister. The other is a legal support professional who is not admitted to the bar but assists lawyers with case preparation and prosecution.
Attorneys who are qualified to practice law usually choose to specialize in a particular area or type of law. Some lawyers choose to pursue a career in litigation. Litigation entails taking court-bound cases and either bringing them to trial or negotiating a settlement with an opponent. Litigation specialists have extensive courtroom experience and are more likely to accept certain types of cases, such as personal injury, antitrust, and other similar cases. Working with a litigation specialist rather than a general attorney or an attorney who splits his or her time between chambers and court can result in a better result.
A litigation specialist is a member of the support team who is not a lawyer. Paralegal and investigation experience are common among these legal professionals. They assist in the gathering of evidence, the review of case information, the preparation of documents, and the writing of opinions. They can also assist with case-related tasks such as filing and copying. Attorneys rely on litigation specialists to lay the groundwork for a more successful trial.
Some litigation specialists work as part of a law firm’s staff. Others may work for firms that are frequently involved in legal disputes, such as insurance firms. Individual company litigation specialists are usually intimately familiar with the company and the industry in order to provide legal support that is highly relevant to the case. Those with investigative backgrounds may also be involved in field work to gather data that will be used in court.
These types of litigation specialists can sometimes work out the terms of a settlement with the help of a lawyer, allowing their employers to settle a case without going to court. This is usually a job for people who have a lot of experience and are well-versed in the law. Litigation specialists interested in obtaining professional qualifications can seek certification from professional organizations. Certification can increase someone’s employability and lead to better pay and benefits on the job, especially if the litigation specialist has a lot of experience.