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Litigation Law and Lawyers

Litigation lawyers probably span more practice areas than any other type of lawyer. As any type of commercial contract or transaction can be the subject of litigation as can be pretty much anything than a business or individual does on a daily basis. Generally litigators work in civil matters but in the US a trial attorney will work in criminal matters as well. An enormous part of litigation is document management, negotiation, mediation and arbitration. Litigators need to be good communicators and be able to effectively manage their case load. You do not necessarily need the strongest of academics you just need to have a robust personality and be tenacious. The exception to this international arbitration law where law firms require the highest academics.

  1. Are these skills transferrable to in-house legal jobs? - Yes. Many corporations and government departments employ litigators. However, you should find out whether you will be a document management, negotiator or enforcement specialist as opposed to an advocate.

  2. Do I need to specialise? - Commercial litigators have generalist skills but many will focus on one are for example insurance or construction.

  3. What type of law firm can I work in? - Litigation departments come in all shapes and sizes and it is probably the practice area that gives you the most choice in choosing what type of law firm that you want to work in.

  4. Can I use my skills as a litigator to get similar jobs overseas? - Although this such a versatile practice area, it does not mean that litigators are in demand in other countries. In fact ironically it can be one of the hardest practice areas to find work in overseas. Hong Kong, the Channel Islands and Australia would offer the best chances.

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