The Role of a Paralegal in Civil Litigation & Legal Support
A career as a paralegal offers an opportunity to work within the legal field, assisting attorneys and contributing to the judicial process. Paralegals support attorneys in delivering essential legal services across a variety of practice areas, including civil litigation, business law, and transactional matters. Whether in private practice, corporate legal departments, or government agencies, paralegals play an integral role in the legal process.
Sunny Britt, Senior Paralegal and Assistant Compliance Officer at Parton Law, based in Charlotte NC, has been with the firm since 2017. She enjoys working across various practice areas, especially civil litigation and transactional matters, and learning the aspects of different areas of law. Her efforts ensure legal cases are managed efficiently, deadlines are met, and clients receive timely and well-informed representation.
“Working closely with the attorneys means I learn something new every week,” Britt said.
What Do Paralegals Do? Key Responsibilities
Paralegals handle a broad range of responsibilities that support attorneys in preparing and managing cases. While tasks vary by practice area, common responsibilities typically include:
- Legal Research: Investigating case law, statutes, regulations, and legal precedents to assist attorneys in preparing cases.
- Document Drafting: Preparing legal documents such as contracts, wills, pleadings, discovery responses, and court filings under attorney supervision.
- Client Communication: Acting as a liaison between attorneys and clients to gather information, provide updates, or relay attorney instructions.
- Case Management: Organizing and maintaining case files, tracking procedural deadlines, maintaining compliance with local court rules, and managing calendars for court dates and other appointments.
- Trial Preparation: Assisting attorneys in preparing for trials with evidence organization, exhibit preparation, and witness coordination.
- Administrative Support: Overseeing tasks such as billing, file maintenance, office management, and legal correspondence.
It is important to note that while paralegals perform many legal tasks, they are prohibited from practicing law or providing legal advice, as those activities are reserved for licensed attorneys.
Essential Skills for Paralegals in Civil Litigation
According to Traci Fleury, Chief Compliance Officer at Parton Law, important soft skills that help make a paralegal successful include being highly organized and detail oriented.
“Many times, they track several court cases, highlighting a number of important deadlines, and ensuring they are on top of the rules in different counties and practice areas,” Fleury said. “Our paralegals really help us keep the train moving down the track.”
Advice for Aspiring Paralegals
For those considering a paralegal career in a fast-paced legal environment, Britt offers practical insight:
“It comes with a constant flow of information,” she said. “You’ve got to be able to soak in a lot of content in a fast-moving environment. You’re always learning more, which is a great part of the job.”
Paralegals serve as a critical backbone of any legal team, particularly in demanding practice areas like civil litigation. Their work ensures that attorneys are supported, cases are well-prepared, and clients receive informed legal service throughout the litigation process.
If you’re facing a legal dispute or seeking legal guidance, the team at Parton Law is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how our dedicated legal professionals—including our skilled paralegals—can support your case.
