| Aspect | Litigation | Paralegal |
|---|
| Required Credentials | Juris Doctor (JD), Bar Admission | Associate's degree or paralegal certificate |
| Work Environment | Law firms, courts, corporate legal departments | Law firms, legal departments, courts |
| Job Responsibilities | Represent clients in court, draft legal documents, manage cases | Legal research, document preparation, case organization |
Litigation involves practicing law, representing clients, and appearing in court, requiring a JD and bar admission. Paralegals support litigation by conducting research and preparing documents but do not practice law or appear in court. Both roles work in legal environments but differ significantly in responsibilities and credentials.