To become a Litigation Support Manager, at least five years of experience in civil litigation and proficiency in document management technology are required. Two years of experience in a multi-office national law firm is preferred. A mix of internal and external team members is common, and entry-level positions typically require a high school diploma or bachelor’s degree. Experience with eDiscovery and vendor management is necessary, along with strong communication skills and the ability to handle pressure.
At least five years of experience working as a civil litigation support specialist and a proficiency in the technological tools used to manage document productions are typically required to become a litigation support manager. Two years of that experience should be at a multi-office national law firm if you want to become an elite-level Litigation Support Manager. Employers will have different secondary requirements, but length and quality of experience with substantial proficiency in document databases are the most important commonalities across all vacancies for this position.
Law firms typically employ a mix of internal and external litigation support team members. A company may have a number of full-time paralegals employed, for example, while also contracting with a human resources agency or specialist firm to provide temporary or contract help. As a result, you can approach the Litigation Support Manager position from any of several directions. You can work as a manager from an in-house paralegal position or work for a human resources agency or litigation support company and gain the experience you need by being assigned to a law firm as a temp on a case or providing expert support to several law firms as clients.
Entry-level litigation support, paralegal or otherwise, will almost always require a high school diploma. Often, a bachelor’s degree is expected. Training can trump specific educational credentials, however. There are many paralegal certificate programs offered at junior or community colleges or through private schools. Vendors who develop the database software used by law firms to manage document productions also offer specialized training that can add significant value to your credentials.
To become a Litigation Support Manager, you must work in entry-level internal or external positions with large law firms in mass civil litigation cases. There is a significant divide between the type and quality of litigation support work at leading corporate defense law firms and the work performed by legal teams of other sizes. If you have enough experience in a law firm it will qualify you for a manager position there or anywhere else.
Most job postings will emphasize knowledge of the various technology options for document management. You will need experience in all major database software and proficiency in document processing and management, as well as an in-depth understanding of the hardware and software requirements for the assessment. To be seriously considered, your experience must demonstrate familiarity with eDiscovery and must show that you can manage vendors and undertake training in the use of technology to support litigation. Written and oral communication skills, professional demeanor, strategic thinking and the ability to handle pressure will be required of any candidate to become a Litigation Support Manager for an elite employer.
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