Tuesday's Tip: Is a Career in Litigation Support is Right For You?

Litigation support is one of the most in-demand and highest paid career niches in the legal industry. The five tips below can help you determine if a career in litigation support or e-discovery is a good fit for you.

1. You are comfortable with technology. Tech-savvy is a fundamental skill of the litigation support professional. If you have an information technology or related degree or knowledge of litigation technology platforms and software, you can easily transition into the litigation support industry.

2. You have knowledge of legal processes and procedures. An understanding of the substantive and procedural aspects of civil litigation is important in litigation support. Many litigation support professionals begin their careers as paralegals and a growing number of attorneys are jumping into this rising field.

3. You have project management skills. Since litigation support professionals manage cases, projects, budgets, people and vendors. strong project management skills are essential.

4. You enjoy teamwork. Litigation support professionals work in concert with other professionals including attorneys, paralegals, IT professionals, clients, vendors and other litigation support staff. Therefore, working well on a team is important.

5. You have strong communication skills. Solid oral and written communication skills are important in advising attorneys and clients, teaching end users how to use technology, managing people and vendors, drafting reports and interacting with others.