For example, paralegals specializing in labor law may deal exclusively with employee benefits. A growing number of paralegals use computers in their work. The Internet is also used extensively for legal research. In litigation involving many supporting documents, paralegals may use computer databases to organize, index, and retrieve the material. Imaging software allows paralegals to scan documents directly into a database.
Paralegals sometimes use billing programs to track hours billed to clients.
Litigation support specialists are a specialized type of paralegal. Legal firms describe them as part investigator, researcher and paralegal. They generally perform background work for lawyers who specialize in litigation. This involves researching appropriate legal precedents, legal articles and other relevant materials. Litigation support specialists may also be required to prepare legal arguments, file pleading and other documents with the court or clerk's office, and manage case files.