Every law firm, from a solo practice to a large firm or an in-house legal department, hits stretches when the records outrun the staff. Litigation support fills that gap: the reading, organizing, indexing and summarizing that supports counsel's work.
What the work usually covers
- Records organization: logging, Bates numbering and indexing productions and medical records.
- Chronologies: dated, cited timelines of treatment or events.
- Deposition summaries: page-line, topical or narrative.
- Exhibit preparation: lists, binders and bookmarked PDFs.
- Public records research: court, property and corporate records.
How an engagement starts
Counsel describes the matter and the deliverable. The firm replies with a written scope: the work, the format, the deadline and the fee. Nothing begins until counsel approves it.
Direction and review
All litigation support is performed at the direction of the supervising attorney, who reviews every deliverable. A support firm does not give legal advice, contact opposing parties or make strategic decisions. Those stay with counsel.
Confidentiality
Expect a written confidentiality commitment, a clear method for sending and receiving records, and an agreed plan for returning or destroying copies when the matter ends.
Getting the most from it
- Send records in searchable PDF when possible.
- Name the issues you care about so they are flagged.
- Give a real deadline with a little room for review.
Litigation support is performed at the direction of a licensed attorney. We do not give legal advice.
This article is general information, not legal, tax or regulatory advice. Rules change; confirm current requirements with the responsible agency or a licensed professional.
