Using Computers in the Law Office

by Roper, Brent D.

• ISBN13: 9780314065193
• ISBN10: 0314065199
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1996-03-01
• Publisher: West Group

Table of Contents

Preface	xiii
PART I INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS	1	(80)
Computers in The Law Office	2	(15)
Chapter Objectives	2	(1)
Introduction to Computers and the Law	2	(2)
Elementary Computer Concepts	4	(1)
How Computers Can Help the Legal Assistant	5	(7)
Becoming Computer Literate: Keyboard Skills Are a Must	12	(1)
Summary	13	(1)
Key Terms	13	(1)
Problem-Solving Questions	13	(1)
Special Insert: Introducing Computers into a Law Office	14	(3)
Computer Hardware	17	(28)
Chapter Objectives	17	(1)
History of Computers	17	(2)
A Computer System: An Overview	19	(1)
How Computers Operate	20	(1)
System Unit Components	21	(2)
Peripheral Devices	23	(9)
Size Classifications of Computers	32	(6)
Local and Wide Area Networks	38	(3)
Ethical Considerations	41	(2)
Summary	43	(1)
Key Terms	43	(1)
Problem-Solving Questions	44	(1)
Computer Software	45	(36)
Chapter Objectives	45	(1)
Introduction to Computer Software	45	(2)
Operating System Software	47	(2)
Common Operating Systems	49	(2)
Learning MS-DOS	51	(8)
Utility Software	59	(2)
Application Software	61	(1)
Kinds of Application Software	62	(7)
Software in a Law Firm Information System	69	(1)
Ethical Considerations	70	(1)
Summary	71	(1)
Key Terms	72	(1)
Problem-Solving Questions	72	(1)
Hands-on Exercises: MS-DOS	73	(8)
Case History Experienced Litigation Legal Assistant, Betsy Horn, CLA, of Harris, Finley & Bogle, P.C., Forth Worth, Texas	77	(4)
PART II APPLICATION SOFTWARE	81	(440)
Windows	82	(30)
Chapter Objectives	82	(1)
What Is Windows?	82	(1)
Windows Concepts	83	(2)
Windows 3.1	85	(5)
Windows 95	90	(4)
Summary	94	(1)
Key Terms	95	(1)
Hands-on Exercises: Windows 3.1 in One Hour	96	(8)
Hands-on Exercises: Windows 95 in One Hour	104	(8)
Word Processing	112	(75)
Chapter Objectives	112	(1)
What Is Word Processing?	112	(1)
Typewriters versus Word Processors	113	(1)
The Word Processing Cycle	113	(2)
Word Processing Systems	115	(2)
Word Processing Fundamentals	117	(20)
Word Processing in the Legal Environment	137	(3)
Ethical Considerations	140	(2)
Summary	142	(1)
Key Terms	142	(1)
Problem-Solving Questions	143	(1)
Note	143	(1)
Hands-on Exercises: WordPerfect DOS 5.1/6.0 in One Hour	144	(26)
Hands-on Exercises: WordPerfect for Windows 6.1 in One Hour	170	(17)
Database Management Systems	187	(43)
Chapter Objectives	187	(1)
What Is a Database?	188	(2)
Database Structure	190	(1)
DBMS Functions: An Overview	191	(1)
Database Management Fundamentals	192	(13)
Types of DBMSs	205	(2)
DBMSs in the Legal Environment	207	(7)
Ethical Considerations	214	(2)
Summary	216	(1)
Key Terms	217	(1)
Problem-Solving Questions	217	(1)
Hands-on Exercises: dBASEIV version 2.0 for DOS in One Hour	218	(12)
Case History Robin Saunders Davis, Sole Practitioner's Office of the Farnam Law Firm, St. Louis, Missouri	227	(3)
Spreadsheet Software	230	(57)
Chapter Objectives	230	(1)
What Is a Spreadsheet?	230	(3)
``What if'' Analysis	233	(1)
Spreadsheet Structure and Organization	233	(3)
Spreadsheet Fundamentals	236	(13)
Spreadsheet Planning	249	(2)
Spreadsheets in the Legal Environment	251	(10)
Ethical Considerations	261	(1)
Summary	262	(1)
Key Terms	263	(1)
Problem-Solving Questions	263	(1)
Hands-on Exercises: Lotus 1-2-3 (all versions) in One Hour	264	(23)
Telecommunications, Computer-Assited Research, and CD-ROM Databases	287	(44)
Chapter Objectives	287	(1)
Telecommunications	288	(2)
Computer-Assisted Legal Research	290	(2)
CALR Search Query Techniques	292	(4)
Legal Information Services	296	(11)
Increased Productivity on CALR Systems	307	(1)
Other Information Services	308	(3)
The Internet	311	(4)
Telecommunications and Computer-Assisted Research in the Legal Environment	315	(5)
CD-ROM Legal Databases	320	(2)
Summary	322	(1)
Key Terms	322	(1)
Problem-Solving Questions	323	(1)
Hands-on Exercises: WESTLAW and LEXIS	324	(7)
Legal Timekeeping and Billing Software	331	(70)
Chapter Objectives	331	(1)
Introduction to Timekeeping and Billing	332	(1)
Manual versus Computerized Billing Systems	332	(4)
The Computerized Timekeeping and Billing Process	336	(3)
Kinds of Legal Fee Arrangements	339	(9)
Legal Expenses	348	(1)
Timekeeping and Billing for Legal Assistants	348	(4)
Functions of a Successful Billing System	352	(2)
Fundamentals of Computerized Timekeeping and Billing	354	(7)
Integrated Accounting, Billing, and Timekeeping	361	(1)
What to Look for in Timekeeping and Billing Software	362	(1)
Ethical Considerations	363	(2)
Summary	365	(1)
Key Terms	366	(1)
Problem-Solving Questions	367	(1)
Hands-on Exercises: Timeslips for Windows in One Hour	368	(12)
Hands-on Exercises: Timeslips for DOS in One Hour	380	(21)
Case History A Small Law Firm: Dickson & Pope, P. A.	398	(3)
Docket Control Software	401	(29)
Chapter Objectives	401	(1)
Introduction to Docket Control Software	401	(2)
Manual Docket Control	403	(3)
Computerized Docket Control Systems	406	(6)
Computerized Docket Cycle	412	(2)
Using a Word Processor for Docket Control	414	(1)
Data Entry Screen	415	(1)
Ethical and Malpractice Considerations	416	(4)
Summary	420	(1)
Key Terms	421	(1)
Problem-Solving Questions	421	(1)
Hands-on Exercises: Abacus Law Plus in One Hour	422	(8)
Litigation Support Software	430	(49)
Chapter Objectives	430	(1)
Litigation Documents	430	(4)
Why Litigation Support?	434	(2)
Manual Litigation and Support Methods	436	(1)
Computerized Litigation Support	436	(2)
Types of Computerized Litigation Support Systems	438	(7)
The Litigation Support Process	445	(4)
Fundamentals of Computerized Litigation Support	449	(8)
Litigation Support Tips	457	(1)
Questions and Fears about Computerized Litigation Support	457	(2)
Ethical Considerations	459	(1)
Summary	460	(1)
Key Terms	461	(1)
Problem-Solving Questions	461	(1)
Hands-on Exercises: Summation Blaze with Imaging in One Hour	462	(17)
Specialized Legal Software	479	(15)
Chapter Objectives	479	(1)
Introduction to Legal-Specific Software	479	(1)
Where to Find Legal-Specific Software	480	(2)
Overview of Some Legal-Specific Programs	482	(8)
Issues to Consider when Purchasing Legal-Specific Software	490	(3)
Summary	493	(1)
Key Terms	493	(1)
Problem-Solving Questions	493	(1)
Desktop Publishing Software	494	(27)
Chapter Objectives	494	(1)
What Is Desktop Publishing?	494	(2)
The Benefits of DTP	496	(1)
DTP versus Word Processors	497	(2)
Publishing	499	(1)
DTP Systems Generally	499	(1)
The DTP Process	500	(3)
DTP Fundamentals	503	(8)
DTP Design	511	(2)
DTP in the Legal Environment	513	(5)
Summary	518	(2)
Key Terms	520	(1)
Problem-Solving Questions	520	(1)
Appendix A: IBM-Compatible Software Programs	521	(6)
Appendix B: Apple Macintosh Software Programs	527