The Role of a Litigation Support Professional 2021

1. The Role of a Litigation Support Professional 2021 Litigation support professionals help attorneys manage large-scale litigation. They design and implement databases to manage, order, index, summarize and coordinate the large volumes of data produced in major litigation, particularly in preparation for trial. Litigation support professionals can also develop data management strategies, assist with technology in the courtroom, provide user support and training on proprietary and proprietary software, and coordinate with technology vendors. Some litigation data support professionals are paralegals / IT hybrids who perform traditional paralegal duties while assuming information technology roles. Educational requirements Litigation support professionals generally possess a four-year bachelor's degree in a related field, as well as advanced technical skills and training in litigation and database support applications. Some litigation support professionals have advanced degrees, sometimes even law degrees. It is not uncommon for a practicing attorney to shift their efforts to this side of the practice. Understanding the discovery process is critical, so anyone with prior experience in this area, such as a paralegal, would have an advantage. In many law firms, educational requirements may be less important than acquired skills. Related legal experience in the range of four to seven years is preferable. Skills needed Solid IT knowledge and familiarity with document management systems and trial presentation software, hardware, and graphics applications are important. Litigation support professionals must have strong communication skills because the position involves great interaction with attorneys, staff, and vendors. It also requires excellent organizational skills, critical thinking skills, and attention to detail. Practice environments Litigation support professionals are primarily employed in law firms, corporations, and legal consulting firms. Salary Ranges

2. The median annual salary for professional’slitigation support services is $ 84,000 as of June 2017. This is somewhere in the middle of the national salary levels for this position ranging from a low of $ 69,000. to a maximum of approximately $ 95,000 per year. This may vary by firm and the area of law in which the firm predominantly practices, as well as by its location. Salaries are generally higher with litigation support services companies in metropolitan areas. Litigation support professionals often work in a management role, overseeing IT staff, salespeople, litigation support staff, paralegals, junior attorneys, and teams of document coders, extractors, and data entry personnel. Directors and litigation support managers earn salaries in the six figures. Job outlook: With recent changes in federal laws causing a proliferation of electronically stored information, litigation support professionals are in high demand. As the industry evolves and litigation support technology becomes increasingly complex, the need for litigation support ediscovery with specialized legal and technological skills must continue to grow. Additional Resources This new industry has recently established the Association of Litigation Support Professionals (ALSP), dedicated to promoting the profession and contributing to the professional development of professionals around the world. Litigation Support Today is a magazine dedicated to the litigation support industry.