Request for Production
A Request for Production is a common legal tool used during the discovery phase of a lawsuit. It's a formal written request from one party to another asking for documents, electronic files, or other physical items related to the case. Think of it as an official way to ask the other side to share important evidence. Legal professionals need to know how to create these requests, respond to them, and manage the documents involved. Similar terms include "Document Requests," "RFP," or "Discovery Requests."
Examples in Resumes
Managed responses to over 100 Request for Production documents annually
Drafted and reviewed Requests for Production in complex litigation cases
Coordinated document collection and response strategy for multiple RFP matters
Supervised team handling Request for Production of Documents in class action lawsuit
Typical job title: "Litigation Paralegals"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Litigation Paralegals
Professional Associations
Online Communities
Job Boards
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you handle a large-scale document production request with tight deadlines?
Expected Answer: A senior professional should discuss project management skills, delegation strategies, use of document review platforms, and quality control processes to ensure accurate and timely production while maintaining privilege protections.
Q: How do you ensure compliance with document retention policies when responding to Requests for Production?
Expected Answer: Should explain understanding of legal holds, document preservation requirements, and coordination with IT teams to ensure all relevant documents are properly preserved and collected.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What steps do you take when reviewing documents for privileged information?
Expected Answer: Should explain process of identifying attorney-client communications, work product, and other privileged materials, creating privilege logs, and consulting with attorneys on questionable documents.
Q: How do you organize and track multiple Requests for Production in different cases?
Expected Answer: Should discuss use of case management systems, tracking deadlines, organizing documents by request number, and maintaining proper documentation of all productions.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is the basic format of a Request for Production?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain that it includes numbered requests, definitions section, instructions, and proper service requirements according to court rules.
Q: What are common objections to Requests for Production?
Expected Answer: Should mention basic objections like overly broad, unduly burdensome, privileged information, and relevance, with basic understanding of when each applies.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic document organization and filing
- Understanding of legal terminology
- Ability to follow document review protocols
- Basic knowledge of discovery rules
Mid (2-5 years)
- Managing document productions independently
- Creating privilege logs
- Coordinating with vendors and IT teams
- Understanding of electronic discovery
Senior (5+ years)
- Project management of large productions
- Training and supervising junior staff
- Advanced knowledge of discovery rules and case law
- Strategic planning for complex cases
Red Flags to Watch For
- No knowledge of basic legal terminology
- Unfamiliarity with document management systems
- Poor attention to detail in document handling
- Lack of understanding about confidentiality and privilege
- No experience with deadline management
