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Creating Standard Operating Procedures for your Litigation Paralegal work can be difficult and take time. That’s why we’ve created these example Litigation Paralegal SOPs so you can jumpstart your SOP creation process. We want to help you set up your Legal systems and processes by taking these sample SOPs and building out your own SOPs template library. By having all your Legal procedures in one place, your team will have the information they need at all times. Let’s look at some Litigation Paralegal SOP examples.
1. Case Intake and Evaluation: The purpose of this SOP is to ensure a systematic and efficient process for evaluating potential litigation cases. It includes gathering initial information from clients, conducting preliminary research, and assessing the viability of the case. The scope of this SOP covers the initial stages of case evaluation. The litigation paralegal is responsible for conducting the intake and evaluation process. This SOP may reference other SOPs such as “Client Interview and Intake” and “Legal Research and Analysis.”
2. Document Management: This SOP aims to establish a standardized system for organizing and managing legal documents throughout the litigation process. It includes procedures for creating, labeling, indexing, and storing documents in a secure and accessible manner. The scope of this SOP covers the entire lifecycle of legal documents, from creation to retention or disposal. The litigation paralegal is responsible for implementing and maintaining the document management system. This SOP may reference other SOPs such as “Electronic Discovery” and “Document Retention and Destruction.”
3. Discovery Process: The purpose of this SOP is to outline the procedures for conducting the discovery phase of litigation. It includes guidelines for drafting and serving discovery requests, managing responses, and organizing the obtained information. The scope of this SOP covers the discovery process, including both written and oral discovery methods. The litigation paralegal is responsible for assisting attorneys in preparing and managing discovery requests and responses. This SOP may reference other SOPs such as “Document Management” and “Deposition Preparation.”
4. Trial Preparation: This SOP aims to ensure a systematic approach to preparing for trial. It includes procedures for organizing trial exhibits, drafting witness lists, coordinating with expert witnesses, and preparing trial binders. The scope of this SOP covers the pre-trial phase, including trial preparation meetings and document organization. The litigation paralegal is responsible for assisting attorneys in trial preparation tasks. This SOP may reference other SOPs such as “Document Management” and “Expert Witness Coordination.”
5. Court Filings and Deadlines: The purpose of this SOP is to establish a reliable process for timely and accurate court filings. It includes guidelines for drafting and formatting legal documents, tracking court deadlines, and coordinating with court personnel. The scope of this SOP covers all court filings and associated deadlines. The litigation paralegal is responsible for preparing and filing court documents, ensuring compliance with court rules and procedures. This SOP may reference other SOPs such as “Document Management” and “Case Intake and Evaluation.”
6. Case Management and Communication: This SOP aims to ensure effective case management and communication within the litigation team. It includes procedures for maintaining case calendars, scheduling meetings, and facilitating communication between attorneys, clients, and other stakeholders. The scope of this SOP covers the overall management of litigation cases and communication processes. The litigation paralegal is responsible for implementing and maintaining case management systems and facilitating communication. This SOP may reference other SOPs such as “Document Management” and “Client Communication.”
7. Ethical and Professional Conduct: The purpose of this SOP is to establish guidelines for ethical and professional conduct in the legal profession. It includes procedures for maintaining client confidentiality, avoiding conflicts of interest, and adhering to professional codes of conduct. The scope of this SOP covers all aspects of ethical and professional conduct relevant to the litigation paralegal’s role. The litigation paralegal is responsible for upholding ethical standards and ensuring compliance with professional rules. This SOP may reference other SOPs such as “Conflicts of Interest” and “Client Confidentiality.”
8. Billing and Timekeeping: This SOP aims to ensure accurate and efficient billing and timekeeping practices. It includes procedures for recording billable hours, preparing invoices, and tracking expenses. The scope of this SOP covers the financial aspects of litigation cases, including timekeeping and billing. The litigation paralegal is responsible for accurately recording billable hours and expenses and assisting in the preparation of invoices. This SOP may reference other SOPs such as “Case Management and Communication” and “Expense Tracking.”
9. Continuing Legal Education (CLE): The purpose of this SOP is to establish guidelines for ongoing professional development through continuing legal education. It includes procedures for identifying relevant CLE opportunities, tracking completed credits, and maintaining compliance with licensing requirements. The scope of this SOP covers the litigation paralegal’s responsibility for maintaining professional competence through CLE. The litigation paralegal is responsible for identifying and completing relevant CLE activities. This SOP may reference other SOPs such as “Ethical and Professional Conduct” and “Case Management and Communication.”
10. Conflict Resolution: This SOP aims to provide a framework for resolving conflicts that may arise within the litigation team or with external parties. It includes procedures for identifying and addressing conflicts, facilitating communication, and seeking resolution through negotiation or alternative dispute resolution methods. The scope of this SOP covers conflict resolution within the context of litigation cases. The litigation paralegal is responsible for identifying and addressing conflicts in a timely and professional manner. This SOP may reference other SOPs such as “Case Management and Communication” and “Ethical and Professional Conduct.”
Looking for SOP templates for your Litigation Paralegal work? We’ve got you covered. You can build out your company SOPs using the sample SOP information above (added to our template) or our team can put together a starter SOPs template based on your Litigation Paralegal work. Get in touch if you’ve got questions about the quickest way to build out your Legal SOPs library.
