PURPOSE
The Civil Litigation credential documents the essential competencies for related to tort law and civil litigation which covers most legal issues that fall under civil lawsuits.
AUDIENCE
This credential is appropriate for paralegals and legal assistants who assist attorneys in civil litigation or court trial activities.
JOB/CAREER REQUIREMENTS
Civil litigation attorneys provide counsel and represent in court a variety of individuals who have been accused of violation of civil law and business professionals that are responsible for ensuring that businesses comply with the law and take actions to prevent negligent behaviors as well as those involved in areas in which product liability is a potential issue, in family-related torts, in privacy related issues, in contractor and employment relationships, and in other business-related activities. Paralegals and legal assistants must understand the civil litigation process and related procedures including their role in assisting the attorney and use of management technology. They must additionally understand their role in activities related to planning for trial such as obtaining and using evidence in the trial, assisting in interviewing and interrogation activities, preparing pleadings, drafting complaints, drafting summons, preparing and using motions before and during the trial, creating documents required to responding to a complaint, and completing forms related to discovery, depositions, physical and mental examinations, etc. They also must understand the activities involved in post-trial procedures.
CIVIL LITIGATION WORKPLACE TASKS
- Paralegals and legal assistants investigate facts of a case and conduct research on relevant laws, regulations, and legal articles related to civil legal matters.
- Paralegals and legal assistants organize and maintain documents, gather and arrange evidence and other legal documents, and write reports to help lawyers in civil legal matters.
- Paralegals and legal assistants draft correspondence and legal documents to help lawyers in civil legal matters.
- Paralegals and legal assistants handle exhibits, take notes, and review trial transcripts to assist lawyers during trials in family civil matters.
- Paralegals and legal assistants file exhibits, briefs, appeals, and other legal documents with the court and opposing counsel in civil matters.
- Paralegals and legal assistants call clients, witnesses, lawyers, and outside vendors to schedule interviews, meetings, and depositions in civil legal matters
- Paralegals and legal assistants assist attorneys in collecting fees and activities related to appealing and enforcing judgments
- Paralegals and legal assistants use a variety of technologies involved in pre-trial, trial, and post-trial activities
EXAM STRUCTURE OVERVIEW
Number of Questions in Exam: 125
Total Time: 120 minutes
Overall Passing Score: 70%
(All sections require an individual passing score of 70%)
