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Defense Litigation Paralegal Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Looking for a Litigation defense paralegal for their Vegas office. Your efforts will be rewarded with a 37.50 hour work week (salary - paid for 40 hours), FSA and HSA, discretionary annual bonus ...

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Schedule management: 2 year (Required) * 5-6 years experience as an litigation defense paralegal (Required) Work Location: In person (no remote) Company Description Galloway is a Gulf South-based ...

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Senior Litigation Paralegal

Austin, TX · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Experienced Defense Litigation Paralegal Location: Austin, Texas | Statewide Texas Practice | Hybrid Opportunity **Initially this position will be full-time in-office to acclimate to the team, firm ...

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Defense Litigation Paralegal information

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$40.5K

$55.9K

$64.5K

How much do defense litigation paralegal jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense litigation paralegal in the United States is $55,944.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,500.00 and $60,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a defense litigation paralegal?

Defense litigation paralegals are legal professionals who assist attorneys in defending clients involved in civil or criminal lawsuits. They support lawyers by conducting legal research, drafting documents, organizing case files, managing evidence, and preparing for trial. Their work is essential in building a strong defense, ensuring compliance with legal procedures, and helping attorneys present the best case possible in court. Paralegals in this field often work in law firms, corporate legal departments, or government agencies and must have a strong understanding of litigation processes and defense strategies.

What are the typical responsibilities of a defense litigation paralegal during the discovery phase of a case?

During the discovery phase, a Defense Litigation Paralegal plays a crucial role by organizing and managing large volumes of documents, assisting attorneys with interrogatories and requests for production, and preparing deposition summaries. They often coordinate with clients, witnesses, and opposing counsel to gather evidence and ensure all deadlines are met. This phase requires strong attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to work efficiently under tight timelines, as the information gathered is vital for building a strong defense.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a defense litigation paralegal, and why are they important?

To excel as a Defense Litigation Paralegal, you need a strong grasp of legal research, case management, and document drafting, typically supported by a paralegal certificate or relevant legal studies. Familiarity with litigation management software, e-discovery platforms, and court filing systems is essential. Attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to communicate clearly under pressure are standout soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure efficient case preparation, error-free document handling, and effective support to attorneys in high-stakes legal environments.

What is the difference between Defense Litigation Paralegal vs Civil Litigation Paralegal?

AspectDefense Litigation Paralegal

Defense Litigation Paralegals primarily support attorneys handling legal cases for defendants in civil or criminal cases, focusing on defense strategies, case preparation, and trial support. Civil Litigation Paralegals assist in civil cases for plaintiffs or defendants, often handling document management, discovery, and court filings. Both roles require similar credentials, such as paralegal certification, and work in similar environments like law firms or corporate legal departments. The main difference lies in the side of the case they support—defense versus plaintiff or general civil matters.

How do I become a defense litigation paralegal?

To become a defense litigation paralegal, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with many employers preferring an associate's degree or paralegal certificate from an accredited program. Relevant skills include knowledge of legal procedures, strong organizational abilities, and proficiency with legal software. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions in law firms specializing in litigation can also be beneficial.
More about Defense Litigation Paralegal jobs

What states have the most Defense Litigation Paralegal jobs?

States with the most job openings for Defense Litigation Paralegal jobs include:

Infographic showing various Defense Litigation Paralegal job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,944 per year, or $26.9 per hour.

Key responsibilities

  • Review and manage case files from inception through mediation, arbitration, trial, or settlement.

  • Prepare legal documents such as subpoenas, discovery requests, responses, and trial materials.

  • Assist attorneys in trial preparation, including witness management, exhibit organization, and trial presentation tasks.


Job description

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Openings >> Defense Litigation Paralegal
Defense Litigation Paralegal
Summary
Title: Defense Litigation Paralegal ID: 731229171 Department: Paralegal Location: Dallas, TX Salary Range: N/A Salary Range *Note*: Any offered salary is determined based on internal equity, internal salary range, market data, applicant skills, relevant experience, degrees, or certifications Workplace Type: Hybrid
Description

Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP, a national law firm, currently has an exciting full-time employment opportunity for a Litigation Paralegal with the option to work out of our Houston or Dallas office. We offer competitive compensation and an excellent benefits package.

Position Summary:
The firm is seeking a Litigation Paralegal with experience in the area of general civil and complex litigation who will perform a variety of duties including researching law, investigating facts, and preparing documents for attorneys according to established policies and procedures.   The selected candidate can work in the Houston or Dallas office.  

Responsibilities:

  • Continual review and management of case files from inception through mediation/arbitration/trial/settlement;
  • Prepare subpoenas compelling depositions and/or document productions;
  • Prepare initial discovery, i.e., interrogatories, request for production, request for admissions;
  • Prepare draft responses to discovery, including document productions and corresponding privilege logs;
  • Prepare attorneys for depositions;
  • Prepare depositions summaries/abstracts;
  • Research, vet and engage with subject matter experts;
  • Monitor deadlines for responses and timeliness;
  • Prepare legal documents such as briefs, pleadings, fact/medical chronologies, agreements, and/or trial and/or mediation binders for use by attorneys;
  • Investigate facts as requested by attorneys;
  • Capture and record billable time in compliance with firm policies and client guidelines;
  • Trial preparation- prepare trial subpoenas, trial notebooks, exhibit lists, witness lists; engage in witness management; schedule trial testimony; prepare and manipulate trial presentations and other trial-related tasks as necessary; and
  • Attend trial as necessary.

Qualifications:

  • A minimum of five years of general civil litigation experience.
  • Bachelor's degree is preferred.
  • Experience in the area of transportation, particularly as it pertains to personal injury and property damage is preferred.
  • Computer Skills: Must have working knowledge of internet and proficiency with: Excel, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat Pro, LexisNexis, Pacer, Relativity, Sanction, TrialPad, and iManage.
  • Written Communication: Writes clearly and informatively; edits work for spelling and grammar; varies writing style to meet needs; able to read and interpret written information.
  • Oral Communication: Listens and obtains clarification when necessary; responds well to questions.
  • Problem Solving: Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully.
  • Quality: Demonstrates strong organizational skills, attention to detail, accuracy and thoroughness; looks for ways to improve and promote quality.
  • Dependability: Follows instructions, responds to management direction; commits to additional hours of work when necessary to reach goals.
  • Analytical: Synthesizes complex or diverse information; collects and researches data.
  • Initiative: Takes independent actions and calculated risks; asks for and offers help when needed.
  • Teamwork: Balances team and individual responsibilities; contributes to building a positive team spirit.
  • Interpersonal Skills: Focuses on solving conflict; maintains confidentiality.
  • Professionalism: Accepts responsibility for own actions; follows through on commitments.
  • Knowledge of complex litigation.
  • Experience with trial preparation and participation/attendance, including organization of witness materials and preparation of physical and electronic exhibits; experience with exhibit manipulation software such as Sanction/Trial Director/TrialPad, Relativity and PowerPoint.

Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP is an Affirmative Action EEO Employer.

As an EEO/AA employer, Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant's age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status or disability status or any other factor prohibited by law.

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