Paralegal Today: The Essentials

Description

Designed for anyone considering a career as a paralegal, the 7th edition of PARALEGAL TODAY: THE ESSENTIALS provides you with a comprehensive introduction to the legal system through real-world examples, practical applications, ethical dilemmas, and hands-on assignments. With thorough coverage of the basic, key areas of paralegal studies, this text ensures that you will develop a comprehensive understanding of the laws in our society, the importance of ethical and professional responsibility, and the skills needed to thrive in the legal environment. The text includes increased coverage of technology in the workplace, including critical topics such as confidentiality issues, e-mail policies, technology in the courtroom, and the use of social media in criminal and civil litigation. Brief Contents Contents Preface Skill Prep: A Paralegal Skills Module Welcome Part 1: The Paralegal Profession Ch 1: Today's Professional Paralegal Introduction What is a Paralegal? What Do Paralegals Do? Paralegal Education Paralegal Skills and Attributes The Future of the Profession Ch 2: Career Opportunities Introduction Where Paralegals Work Paralegal Specialties Paralegal Compensation Planning Your Career Locating Potential Employers Marketing Your Skills Using Social Media Effectively Ch 3: The Inner Workings of the Law Office Introduction The Organizational Structure of Law Firms Law Office Management and Personnel Employment Policies Filing Procedures Law Firms and Financial Procedures Communications and Social Media Tools Law Office Culture and Politics Ch 4: Ethics and Professional Responsibility Introduction The Regulation of Attorneys Attorney Ethics and Paralegal Practice The Indirect Regulation of Paralegals The Unauthorized Practice of Law Should Paralegals Be Licensed? The Ethical Paralegal Ch 5: Sources of American Law Introduction The Framework of American Law Case Law and the Common Law Tradition Constitutional Law Statutory Law Administrative Law National and International Law Ch 6: The Court System and Alternative Dispute Resolution Introduction Judicial Requirements State Court Systems The Federal Court System Alternative Dispute Resolution Part 2: Legal Procedures and Paralegal Skills Ch 7: Legal Research and Analysis Introduction Researching Case Law-The Preliminary Steps Finding Relevant Cases The Case Reporting System Analyzing Case Law Researching Constitutional and Statutory Law Analyzing Statutory Law Researching Administrative Law Ch 8: Online Legal Research Introduction Free Legal Resources on the Internet Lexis and Westlaw Alternative Legal Research Sources Conducting Online Research Ch 9: Legal Writing: Form and Substance Introduction Receiving a Writing Assignment Writing Well Pleadings, Discovery, and Motions General Legal Correspondence The Legal Memorandum Ch 10: Civil Litigation: Before the Trial Introduction Civil Litigation-A Bird's-Eye View The Preliminaries The Pleadings Traditional Discovery Tools The Duty to Disclose under FRCP 26 Discovery of Electronic Evidence Maintenance of Electronic Records Pretrial Motions Ch 11: Conducting Interviews and Investigations Introduction Planning the Interview Interviewing Skills Interviewing Clients Interviewing Witnesses Planning and Conducting Investigations Ch 12: Trial Procedures Introduction Preparing for Trial Pretrial Conference Jury Selection The Trial Posttrial Motions and Procedures Enforcing the Judgment Ch 13: Criminal Law and Procedures Introduction Defining Crime Elements of Criminal Liability Types of Crimes Cyber Crimes Social Media and Criminal Justice Constitutional Safeguards Criminal Procedures Prior to Prosecution The Prosecution Begins The Trial Appendices Appendix A: NALA's Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility Appendix B: NALA's Model Standards and Guidelines for Utilization of Paralegals Appendix C: NFPA's Model Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility and Guidelines for Enforcement Appendix D: NALS Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility Appendix E: Paralegal Associations Appendix F: Information on NALA's CP Program Appendix G: Information on NFPA's PCCE and PACE Examinations Appendix H: Information on NALS Certification Appendix I: The Constitution of the United States Appendix J: Spanish Equivalents for Important Legal Terms in English Glossary Index