Litigation professionals participate in every part of the lawsuit. They are called upon to draft pleadings and interrogatories, review and organize client files and gather facts. Often times they request information from clients, adversaries and the courts. Serious involvement in document production, coordination of projects, gathering of data, service of process and summarizing deposition transcripts. Legal research and updating case and statutory citations are usual tasks along with drafting memoranda, letters, briefs and preparing exhibits. Attending conferences and trials, obtaining documents from the court and clerks offices are usual projects of a Litigation Professional.

Real Estate professionals are involved throughout the real property transaction.  Some Paralegals conduct title searches, others are directly involved in the sale of a premises. Analyzing contracts, reviewing zoning regulations, preparing mortgage documents and planning for tax ramifications are usual tasks. Reviewing land surveys, redlining documents, contacting landlords and property owners, sellers and buyers and notarizing closing documents are common tasks done too.

Bankruptcy professionals are responsible in all areas of the bankruptcy area of law. Here, they  are relied on to interview clients and obtain the necessary information to prepare schedules and petitions. Handling all documents in adversary proceedings, reviewing clerk’s docket, maintaining checklists, drafting of motions, and keeping upcoming date schedules. Contact with adverse counsel, creditors and trustees are often a required task as well as attending court hearings. 

Family Law specialists are involved primarily with divorces, custody battles and family issues. Interviewing clients, collecting background information on people, dealing with court and police officials, drafting petitions and motions and determining support amounts are usual jobs expected of such a specialist.  Arranging court hearings, scheduling depositions, organizing case files, finding experts and preparing settlement agreements are also very common tasks.

Immigration specialists interview clients, arrange for translation of documents, prepare and file applications and petitions, draft affidavits and letters, contact the Labor Department for supporting information, become a liaison between attorneys and immigration officials and keep the calendar of upcoming deadlines and timely filing of legal papers.

Intellectual Property professionals are used in the copyright, trademark and patent sections of the law practice. They primarily are called upon to prepare summary reports, draft letters and prepare applications to be filed with governmental agencies. Research existing copyright, patents and trademarks, maintain a docket system, assist the attorneys with opposition and infringement proceedings, review filings and drawings with engineers, and draft licenses and agreements.

Corporate specialists are utilized throughout this practice area. Searching for available corporate names, drafting incorporation documents, obtaining good standing certificates and contact with the Secretary of State. Assist in drafting bylaws, banking resolutions, employment agreements and taking of shareholder minutes. Collect and organize closing documents in corporate mergers and acquisitions, prepare checklists, review and file annual reports, file and search for liens, mortgages, judgments, bankruptcies and UCC filings. Prepare EDGAR and SEC filings, attend meetings and preparation of various reports.

Criminal Law specialists are used to investigate facts, interview clients and make bail arrangements. Sometimes they help prepare for preliminary hearings and grand jury appearances, draft motions to change venue, memoranda of law, interrogatories and conferences. Collecting and organizing evidence items, coordinate the  use of experts, examine and photograph scene, contact with police, prosecutors and other law enforcement agencies , research related law, maintain calendar of upcoming motions, court appearance and depositions.

All in all, no matter what the legal specialty area is, the Legal Specialists found here, play a vital role in the practice of law. These brief descriptions listed above were provided to give you an idea of what to expect in a particular specialty area.

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