Cristina Perez & Rosi Castillo: The Backbone of Litigation: A Paralegal’s Perspective

Episode Summary: The Backbone of Litigation – A Paralegal’s Perspective with Rosi Castillo

In this episode of Verdicts & Vogue, we step behind the curtain of high-stakes litigation with Rosi Castillo, a seasoned paralegal whose two decades in product liability law have made her an indispensable force in the courtroom and beyond. With candor, humor, and heart, Rosi shares how her journey from a receptionist to chairperson of the AIEG Paralegal Division reflects both the grit and grace it takes to thrive in this demanding field.

Rosi begins by recounting her early life in Texas, where determination and resilience shaped her path. From banking and property tax research to answering phones at Leon Russell’s renowned product liability firm, she seized every opportunity to learn. Mentored by Sharon Russell, Rosi immersed herself in reviewing “hot docs”—the hidden, crucial pieces of evidence buried in mountains of corporate paperwork from automotive giants like GM, Ford, and Nissan. She recalls the overwhelming challenge of combing through 100,000+ pages in cases such as Paiz v. General Motors, where the stakes were nothing less than life-altering for clients. That experience ignited her purpose: uncovering the truth for those whose lives had been devastated.

Her reflections highlight the emotional weight paralegals carry. Rosi shares how her role as a single mother deepened her connection to clients, especially parents who could no longer care for their children due to catastrophic injuries. That personal perspective drove her commitment to excellence and reminded her why paralegals are more than just “behind-the-scenes” players—they are lifelines to justice.

Listeners gain a vivid sense of the paralegal life: late nights, endless trial prep, and the responsibility of holding an attorney’s bar license “in your hands.” Rosi emphasizes that success comes from curiosity, resourcefulness, and the courage to ask questions—even ones that feel “dumb.” She underscores the importance of networking, sharing how her involvement with AIEG (Attorneys Information Exchange Group) not only elevated her skills but also gave her the platform to now lead as its paralegal chair, a full-circle moment since Sharon Russell founded the division decades earlier.

One of the most compelling stories Rosi tells is from her first trial in 2007 (Scales v. Nissan), when she was unexpectedly called to the stand over a videotape. That nerve-wracking moment—and the lessons that followed about disclosure and documentation—became a cornerstone of her career philosophy: every trial teaches, and every mistake must become fuel for growth.

Rosi also opens up about balancing family and career, the sacrifices of trial work, and the importance of supportive partners. She discusses the generational differences she sees in the workforce, her own journey as a parent, and the values of accountability and resilience she hopes to instill in her children.

The conversation dives into the technical side of trial practice too, from mastering litigation software like Sanction and Trial Director to working closely with trial techs. Rosi reveals her love of trial work—the adrenaline, the late nights, the puzzle-solving energy that comes with presenting cases to a jury. For her, it’s not a burden but a passion.

As the episode closes, Rosi offers advice to aspiring paralegals: embrace continuous learning, never be afraid to admit when you don’t know something, and above all, love the fight for justice. She leaves listeners with the reminder that success isn’t measured by titles alone but by the smiles on clients’ faces when justice is served.

With wit, vulnerability, and hard-earned wisdom, Rosi Castillo embodies the backbone of litigation. This episode is both an ode to paralegals everywhere and an inspiring roadmap for anyone navigating the demanding but deeply rewarding world of trial law.