Introduction to Paralegal Studies : A Critical Thinking Approach

by Currier, Katherine A.; Eimermann, Thomas E.

• ISBN13: 9780735529069
• ISBN10: 073552906X
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2002-11-01
• Publisher: Wolters Kluwer

Summary

This concise introduction to law for paralegals is clearly the work of two highly experienced teachers, writers, and legal professionals. One of the most successful author teams in the field, Currier and Eimermann have a special gift for blending theory and practice- especially in their hypothetical cases, which illustrate key principles, while incorporating the sort of details paralegals deal with on the job. The opening chapters of this edition have been reorganized, So students now explore career options earlier in the text, followed by streamlined orientation on the general structure and principles of law. This best-selling author team sharpens students' analytical skills with: an overview of the legal system And The paralegal's role, presented in a clearly organized four-part structure, explaining the Paralegal Profession, The American Legal System, Legal Analysis and Research, and Paralegal Skills and Responsibilities a critical thinking framework that encourages students to develop their analytical skills through examples, hypothetical cases, and reasoning exercises, As they learn the basics of legal research, writing, and interviewing, and investigation superior writing and hypothetical cases with a proven blend of coverage and depth pedagogy designed for reinforcing critical thinking appendix guides to writing and legal citation - now updated to include in the ALWD Citation Manual This Edition Includes: An early chapter on Paralegals And The Work World' to motivate students right from the start, encouraging them to progress through the text with a clear idea of how legal issues relate to their career choices online and electronic coverage updated throughout the entire text, with text-related websites throughout -- plus, explanations of online and computer techniques for research, investigation, and case management

Author Biography

Thomas E. Eimermann is Professor of Political Science and Director of the Legal Studies Program at Illinois State University. Katherine A. Currier is the chair of the Department of Paralegal and Legal Studies at Elms College.

Table of Contents

List of Illustrations	xxxi
Preface	xxxv
Acknowledgments	xxxix
PART 1 Paralegals and the American Legal System	1	(84)
Introduction to the Study of Law and the Paralegal Profession	3	(8)
Introduction	3	(1)
The Distressed Grandfather	4	(1)
The Harassed Student	4	(1)
The Cases of the Distressed Grandfather and Harassed Student	4	(1)
Practice Tip	5	(1)
Critical Thinking Skills	5	(3)
The Initial Client Interview and Fact Gathering	6	(1)
Legal Research: Identifying the Appropriate Legal Rules	6	(1)
NetNote	6	(1)
Applying the Legal Rules to the Facts	7	(1)
Discussion Questions	8	(1)
Reporting the Results	8	(1)
Taking Actions on Behalf of the Client	8	(3)
Ethics Alert	9	(1)
Legal Reasoning Exercise	9	(1)
Summary	9	(1)
Review Questions	10	(1)
Paralegals and the Legal System	11	(26)
Introduction	11	(1)
The Definition of Paralegal	12	(5)
Traditional Paralegals and Legal Assistants	12	(3)
Discussion Questions	15	(1)
Freelance Paralegals	15	(1)
Paralegal Profile	15	(1)
Legal Technicians, Lay Advocates, and Typing Services	16	(1)
Independent Paralegals	17	(1)
Law Clerks and Document Clerks	17	(1)
Discussion Questions	17	(1)
Paralegal Education	17	(3)
Basic Qualifications	18	(1)
Formal Paralegal Education	19	(1)
The ABA Approval Process	19	(1)
American Association for Paralegal Education	19	(1)
Paralegal Professional Associations	20	(1)
Practice Tip	20	(1)
Registration, Certification, and Licensure	21	(5)
Registration	21	(1)
Certification	21	(1)
Ethics Alert	22	(1)
Licensing: Paralegals Who Work Under the Supervision of an Attorney	23	(1)
Licensing: Legal Technicians and Paralegals Who Do Not Work Under the Supervision of an Attorney	24	(1)
Indirect Regulation through Approval of Billing for Paralegal Time	25	(1)
Conclusion	25	(1)
Discussion Questions	26	(1)
What Paralegals Do	26	(2)
Communications with Clients	26	(1)
Ethics Alert	27	(1)
Research	27	(1)
Practice Tip	27	(1)
Drafting	28	(1)
Case Management	28	(1)
Where Paralegals Work and Law Office Personnel	28	(9)
The Law Office Environment	28	(1)
Types of Private Practice Arrangements	28	(1)
Traditional partnership	29	(1)
Professional corporation (PC)	29	(1)
Limited liability partnership (LLP)	30	(1)
Sole proprietorship	30	(1)
Office-sharing arrangements	30	(1)
Law Office Personnel	30	(1)
Law clerks, investigators, and librarians	31	(1)
Clerical support	31	(1)
Managers and administrators	31	(1)
Office Procedures Manual	31	(1)
Areas of Specialization	32	(1)
Other Forms of Practice	32	(1)
Legal Department of a Business	32	(1)
Legal Department in Government Agencies	33	(1)
Paralegal Profiles	33	(1)
Other Variations	33	(1)
Discussion Questions	34	(1)
Summary	34	(1)
Review Questions	35	(1)
Netnote	35	(2)
Functions and Sources of Law	37	(12)
Introduction	37	(1)
Defining Law	37	(1)
The Pregnant Waitress	38	(1)
Functions of Law	38	(1)
Discussion Questions	39	(1)
Sources of Law	39	(10)
Constitutional Law	39	(2)
NetNote	41	(1)
Statutory Law	41	(1)
Practice Tip	41	(2)
Administrative Law	43	(1)
Practice Tip	43	(1)
Judicial Interpretation and the Common Law	44	(2)
Discussion Questions	46	(1)
Summary	47	(1)
Review Questions	48	(1)
Classification of the Law	49	(18)
Introduction	49	(1)
Federal versus State Law	50	(5)
Federal Law	51	(3)
State Law	54	(1)
Discussion Questions	55	(1)
Criminal Law versus Civil Law	55	(9)
Comparison of Criminal and Civil Law	55	(1)
Type of Harm	55	(1)
Names of the Parties and the ``Prosecutor'' of the Claim	56	(1)
Standard of Proof	56	(1)
Judgment	57	(1)
Sanctions/Remedies	57	(1)
Practice Tip	57	(1)
Sources of Law	58	(1)
Criminal Law	58	(1)
Types of Crimes	58	(1)
Establishing a Prima Facie Case	59	(1)
Discussion Questions	59	(1)
Defenses	60	(1)
Civil Law	60	(1)
Establishing a Prima Facie Case	60	(1)
Defenses	61	(1)
Damages	61	(1)
Areas of Civil Law	61	(1)
Contracts	62	(1)
Property	62	(1)
Torts	62	(1)
Mr. Whipple	63	(1)
Ethics Alert	63	(1)
Discussion Questions	64	(1)
Substantive versus Procedural Law	64	(3)
Summary	65	(1)
Review Questions	65	(2)
Structure of the Court System	67	(18)
Introduction	67	(1)
Trial versus Appellate Courts	67	(5)
Alibi to a Murder	69	(2)
Discussion Questions	71	(1)
Federal and State Court Systems	72	(10)
The Federal System	72	(1)
The Primary Federal Courts	73	(2)
NetNote	75	(2)
Discussion Questions	77	(1)
Other Federal Courts	77	(1)
State Court Systems	78	(1)
Practice Tip	79	(2)
Exclusive and Concurrent Jurisdiction	81	(1)
Discussion Question	82	(1)
Court Personnel	82	(3)
Practice Tip	83	(1)
Summary	83	(1)
Review Questions	84	(1)
PART 2 Substance of the Law	85	(180)
Civil Law	87	(52)
Introduction	87	(1)
Torts	88	(19)
Intentional Torts	89	(1)
Assault and Battery	89	(1)
False Imprisonment	90	(1)
Discussion Question	91	(1)
Defamation	91	(1)
Discussion Question	92	(1)
Ethics Alert	92	(1)
Invasion of Privacy	92	(1)
Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress	93	(1)
Discussion Question	93	(1)
Harm to a Person's Property	93	(1)
Other Intentional Torts	93	(2)
Practice Tip	95	(1)
Legal Reasoning Exercise	95	(1)
Negligence	95	(1)
Practice Tip	95	(1)
The Elements of Negligence	95	(1)
Duty	95	(1)
Discussion Questions	96	(1)
Breach	96	(1)
Ethics Alert	97	(1)
Discussion Questions	97	(1)
Cause	97	(1)
Legal Reasoning Exercise	98	(1)
Harm	99	(1)
NetNote	99	(1)
Defenses to Negligence	99	(1)
Contributory negligence	100	(1)
Assumption of the risk	100	(1)
Legal Reasoning Exercise	101	(1)
Comparative negligence	101	(1)
Practice Tip	102	(1)
Immunities	102	(1)
Strict Liability	103	(1)
Inherently Dangerous Activities	104	(1)
NetNote	104	(1)
Products Liability	104	(1)
Discussion Questions	105	(1)
Remedies and the Choice of Whom to Sue	106	(1)
Practice Tip	106	(1)
Ethics Alert	106	(1)
Discussion Question	107	(1)
Contracts	107	(13)
Practice Tip	107	(1)
NetNote	107	(1)
Ethics Alert	108	(1)
Elements of a Contract	108	(1)
Offer	108	(2)
Legal Reasoning Exercise	110	(1)
Acceptance	111	(1)
Consideration	111	(1)
Defenses in Contract Cases	112	(1)
Lack of Contractual Capacity	112	(1)
Discussion Question	112	(1)
Lack of Genuineness of Assent	113	(1)
Illegal Contracts and Those That Violate Public Policy	114	(1)
Warranties	114	(1)
Practice Tip	115	(1)
Discussion Question	116	(1)
Lack of Proper Format---Writing	116	(1)
Ethics Alert	116	(1)
Third-Party Rights	117	(2)
Remedies for Breach of Contract	119	(1)
Property	120	(6)
Real Property and Personal Property	120	(1)
Ownership of Real Property	121	(1)
Discussion Questions	122	(1)
Rental of Real Property	122	(1)
Practice Tip	123	(1)
Transfer of Real Property	123	(1)
Practice Tip	124	(1)
Ethics Alert	124	(1)
Transfer of Personal Property	125	(1)
Discussion Questions	126	(1)
Applied Specialty Areas of Civil Law	126	(13)
Business Organizations	126	(1)
NetNote	127	(2)
Commercial Transactions and Bankruptcy	129	(1)
Employment Law	129	(1)
Intellectual Property	130	(1)
Real Estate	130	(1)
Practice Tip	130	(1)
Estate Planning and Probate	130	(1)
Practice Tip	131	(1)
Practice Tip	131	(1)
Ethics Alert	132	(1)
Practice Tip	132	(1)
NetNote	132	(1)
Personal Injury and Products Liability	132	(1)
NetNote	133	(1)
Family Law	133	(1)
NetNote	133	(1)
Practice Tip	134	(1)
Administrative Law	134	(1)
Summary	134	(1)
Review Questions	135	(4)
Civil Litigation and Its Alternatives	139	(48)
Introduction	139	(1)
Practice Tip	140	(1)
Civil Procedure	140	(31)
The Pretrial Stage	140	(2)
NetNote	142	(1)
Preliminary Matters	142	(1)
Legal grounds for the suit	142	(1)
Practice Tip	143	(1)
Discussion Questions	143	(1)
Parties to the suit	143	(1)
Selection of the court	144	(2)
Statutes of limitations	146	(1)
Exhaustion of administrative remedies	146	(1)
Practice Tip	146	(1)
Discussion Questions	146	(1)
Pleadings	147	(1)
The complaint	147	(2)
Discussion Question	149	(1)
The summons	149	(1)
Ethics Alert	149	(1)
Practice Tip	149	(2)
The answer	151	(3)
Pretrial Motions	154	(3)
Discovery	157	(1)
Interrogatories	157	(1)
Practice Tip	157	(1)
Depositions	158	(1)
Practice Tip	159	(1)
Requests for admissions	159	(1)
Requests for documents and physical examinations	159	(1)
Enforcing discovery rights	159	(1)
Discussion Questions	160	(1)
Settlement or Pretrial Conference	160	(1)
Practice Tip	160	(1)
The Trial	160	(1)
The Right to a Jury Trial	160	(1)
Ethics Alert	161	(1)
Jury Selection	161	(1)
Practice Tip	162	(1)
Discussion Questions	163	(1)
Opening Statements	163	(1)
Presentation of Evidence	164	(1)
Practice Tip	164	(1)
NetNote	165	(1)
Discussion Questions	166	(1)
Closing Arguments	166	(1)
Jury Instructions	166	(1)
Jury Deliberation, Verdict, and Judgment	166	(1)
Post-Trial Motions	167	(1)
The Appeal	167	(1)
The Timing of the Appeal	168	(1)
The Scope of the Review	168	(1)
Filing the Appeal	169	(1)
Oral Arguments	169	(1)
The Decision and Its Publication	170	(1)
Further Appeals	170	(1)
Administrative Procedure	171	(7)
Prehearing Procedures	172	(1)
Commencing the Action	173	(1)
Notice of Alleged Violations	173	(1)
Investigation	173	(1)
Initial Determination	174	(1)
Notice of Hearing	174	(1)
Hearings	175	(1)
The Participants	175	(1)
Hearing Procedures	176	(1)
The Form of the Decision	176	(1)
Appeals	177	(1)
NetNote	177	(1)
Alternative Dispute Resolution	178	(9)
NetNote	178	(1)
Arbitration	179	(1)
Practice Tip	179	(1)
Mediation	179	(1)
Cases Most Suitable for Mediation	180	(1)
Mediation Formats and Styles	180	(2)
Mandatory Mediation Programs	182	(1)
Mediation Training	182	(1)
Summary Jury Trials	183	(1)
Role of Paralegal in ADR	183	(1)
Evaluation of ADR Techniques	183	(1)
Ethics Alert	183	(1)
Discussion Questions	184	(1)
Summary	184	(1)
Review Questions	185	(2)
Criminal Law and Procedure	187	(46)
Introduction	187	(1)
NetNote	188	(1)
Criminal Law	188	(14)
Ethics Alert	188	(1)
Practice Tip	188	(1)
Classification of Crime	188	(2)
Practice Tip	190	(1)
NetNote	191	(1)
Elements of a Crime	191	(2)
Legal Reasoning Exercise	193	(1)
Parties to the Crime	194	(1)
Defenses	194	(1)
Practice Tip	195	(1)
Practice Tip	195	(2)
Practice Tip	197	(2)
Practice Tip	199	(1)
Legal Reasoning Exercise	200	(1)
The Practice of Criminal Law	200	(1)
Ethics Alert	201	(1)
Discussion Questions	201	(1)
Practice Tip	202	(1)
Criminal Procedure	202	(31)
NetNote	202	(2)
Investigation of the Crime	204	(1)
Stage I: People v. Grant	204	(1)
Search and Seizure	204	(1)
Stop and frisk	205	(1)
Stage II: People v. Grant	205	(1)
Arrest	206	(1)
Search and seizure of evidence	206	(1)
Practice Tip	206	(1)
Stage III: People v. Grant	207	(1)
Discussion Questions	208	(1)
Questioning Suspects	208	(2)
Stage IV: People v. Grant	210	(3)
Ethics Alert	213	(1)
Practice Tip	213	(1)
Legal Reasoning Exercise	213	(1)
The Court System	214	(1)
Formal Charges, Initial Appearances, and Bail	214	(1)
Stage V: People v. Grant	215	(1)
Preliminary Hearings and Grand Juries	215	(1)
Stage VI: People v. Grant	216	(1)
Arraignments, the Exclusionary Rule, and Pretrial Motions	217	(1)
Stage VII: People v. Grant	217	(1)
Ethics Alert	218	(1)
Practice Tip	218	(1)
Ethics Alert	218	(3)
Discussion Question	221	(1)
Legal Reasoning Exercise	222	(1)
Plea Bargaining	222	(1)
Stage VIII: People v. Grant	222	(1)
The Right to a Jury Trial	223	(1)
Practice Tip	223	(1)
Trial Procedures	223	(1)
Practice Tips: Preparing for Trial	224	(2)
Practice Tip	226	(1)
Discussion Question	226	(1)
Sentencing	226	(3)
Discussion Questions	229	(1)
Appeal	230	(1)
Summary	230	(1)
Review Questions	231	(2)
Legal Ethics	233	(32)
Introduction	233	(2)
Ethics Rules	235	(2)
NetNote	236	(1)
Legal Reasoning Exercise	237	(1)
The Big Three: Confidentiality, Conflict, of Interest, and the Unauthorized Practice of Law	237	(21)
Client Confidentiality	237	(1)
Practice Tip	238	(1)
Discussion Question	239	(1)
Practice Tip	239	(3)
Conflict of Interest	242	(2)
Concurrent Representation/Actual Conflict	244	(1)
Concurrent Representation/Potential Conflict	244	(1)
Successive Representation	245	(1)
Vicarious Representation	246	(2)
Practice Tip	248	(1)
The Unauthorized Practice of Law	248	(2)
Justifications for Restrictions	250	(1)
Defining the Practice of Law	251	(1)
Prohibited Tasks	252	(1)
Courtroom and administrative agency representation	252	(1)
Preparation of legal documents	252	(2)
Giving legal advice	254	(1)
Appropriate Paralegal Tasks	255	(1)
Contact with clients and people outside the office	255	(1)
Participation in legal proceedings	255	(1)
Drafting legal documents	255	(1)
Nature of the Supervision	256	(1)
NetNote	257	(1)
Discussion Question	258	(1)
Practice Tip	258	(1)
Money Matters	258	(2)
Clients Funds	259	(1)
Charging Clients for Paralegal Time	259	(1)
Fee-Splitting	260	(1)
Avoiding Solicitation	260	(1)
Overzealous Representation	260	(1)
Talking to the Opposing Party or Jurors	260	(1)
Avoiding Deception	261	(1)
Enforcement	261	(1)
Tort Law of Negligence	262	(3)
Discussion Questions	262	(1)
Legal Reasoning Exercise	263	(1)
Summary	263	(1)
Review Questions	263	(2)
PART 3 Legal Analysis and Research	265	(174)
Finding and Interpreting Statutory Law	267	(32)
Introduction	267	(1)
Locating the Appropriate Statute	268	(2)
Practice Tip	269	(1)
NetNote	270	(1)
The Format of Statutes	270	(2)
Ambiguity in Statutes	272	(1)
Steps to Statutory Interpretation	273	(1)
The Four Basic Steps to Statutory Interpretation	273	(13)
Get the Facts	273	(1)
The Clearance Sale	274	(1)
Locate a Relevant Statute	274	(1)
NetNote	274	(1)
Analyze the Statute	275	(1)
Divide the Statute into Its Elements	275	(1)
Determine the Issues and Develop Arguments for Each Side	275	(1)
Think creatively	276	(1)
Legal Reasoning Exercise	277	(1)
Methods for finding legislative intent	277	(3)
Legal Reasoning Exercises	280	(2)
Practice Tip	282	(3)
Conclude	285	(1)
The Case of the Unhappy Customer	286	(3)
The Unhappy Customer	286	(2)
Legal Reasoning Exercises	288	(1)
Written Analysis---The Use of IRAC	289	(6)
The Book Battery	290	(1)
Issue	291	(1)
Rule	291	(1)
Analysis	291	(1)
Conclusion	292	(1)
Legal Reasoning Exercises	293	(2)
Locating and Interpreting Administrative Regulations	295	(1)
Locating and Interpreting Constitutions	296	(3)
Summary	297	(1)
Review Questions	298	(1)
Finding and Interpreting Court Opinions	299	(56)
Introduction	299	(1)
Types of Court Opinions	300	(4)
Locating Court Opinions	304	(3)
NetNote	306	(1)
The Elements of a Court Opinion	307	(3)
Preliminary Material and West Editorial Features	307	(1)
Facts of the Case	307	(1)
Law Analyzed	308	(1)
Issues Raised	309	(1)
Decisions Reached	309	(1)
The Reasoning	309	(1)
Concurring and Dissenting Opinions	310	(1)
Case Briefing	310	(40)
An Overview of Case Briefing	310	(1)
Format for a Case Brief	311	(1)
Jim Jones v. Sam Smith	311	(1)
Case Citation	311	(1)
Facts	312	(1)
Rule	313	(1)
Issue	313	(1)
Holding	314	(2)
Reasoning	316	(1)
Criticism	316	(1)
Practice Tip	316	(1)
Six Hints for Better Brief Writing	317	(1)
Practice Tip	317	(1)
Read the Case First, Then Brief	317	(1)
Develop a Workable Style	317	(1)
Write Based on the Needs of Your Reader	318	(1)
Cross-reference	318	(1)
Paraphrase	319	(1)
Use a Dictionary	319	(1)
A Sample Case Brief	319	(1)
People v. Blair	320	(1)
Briefing Cases Involving Statutes	321	(1)
Interpreting a Statute	321	(5)
Discussion Questions	326	(1)
Ruling on a Statute's Constitutionality	326	(1)
Texas v. Johnson	327	(4)
Discussion Questions	331	(1)
Briefing Cases Involving the Common Law	331	(1)
Applying Established Law	332	(1)
Memorandum	332	(1)
Keller v. DeLong	333	(2)
Legal Reasoning Exercise	335	(1)
Creating New Law	335	(1)
Memorandum	335	(6)
Discussion Questions	341	(1)
Legal Reasoning Exercise	341	(9)
Discussion Questions	350	(1)
Legal Reasoning Exercise	350	(1)
The Power of the Courts to Make New Law	350	(5)
Summary	352	(1)
Review Questions	352	(3)
Finding the Law	355	(58)
Introduction	355	(1)
Overview of the Researching Process	356	(1)
The Five Steps of Legal Research	357	(41)
Identify Your Search Terms	357	(1)
Practice Tip	357	(1)
Practice Tip	358	(1)
Go to Secondary Authority (Optional)	358	(1)
National Legal Encyclopedias	358	(3)
State-Specific Encyclopedias	361	(6)
Legal Reasoning Exercise	367	(1)
Special Subject Encyclopedias, Treatises, and Restatements	367	(1)
Legal Periodicals and Newspapers	367	(1)
American Law Reports Annotated	368	(1)
Citing Secondary Authority	368	(1)
Ending You Secondary Research and Relying on Secondary Sources	368	(1)
Practice Tip	369	(1)
Go to Primary Authority	369	(1)
NetNote	370	(1)
Practice Tip	370	(1)
A note on Lawbook Publishers	371	(1)
Finding Statutes	371	(1)
NetNote	371	(1)
Starting with the citations	372	(1)
Starting with an index	372	(1)
Practice Tip	372	(1)
Reading an annotated statute	372	(4)
Checking the pocket part	376	(1)
Finding State Agency Regulations	376	(1)
Practice Tip	376	(1)
Finding Court Opinions	376	(3)
Starting with a citation or name	379	(2)
Using a summary following a statute	381	(1)
Using a digest	381	(3)
Practice Tip	384	(3)
Summary of the Steps for Locating Primary Authority	387	(1)
Update Your Research	387	(1)
Using the Digest Topics and Key Numbers	388	(2)
Using Shepard's	390	(6)
Using Both Digests and Shepard's	396	(2)
Decide When to Stop Researching	398	(1)
Research Involving Federal Statutes and Regulations	398	(4)
Computer-Assisted Research	402	(8)
CD-ROM versus Books	402	(1)
Major On-line Providers	402	(1)
The Major Commercial Databases: Lexis, Westlaw, and LoisLaw	402	(1)
Lexis	403	(1)
Westlaw	403	(1)
LoisLaw	403	(1)
Other Internet-Based Resources	403	(1)
NetNote	404	(1)
Computer Search Techniques	404	(1)
Determining Which Database to Use	404	(1)
Searching within a Database	405	(1)
Terms and connectors	405	(2)
Practice Tip	407	(1)
Natural language	407	(1)
Variation among services	408	(1)
Updating with Lexis, Westlaw, and LoisLaw	408	(1)
Beyond Researching Primary Authority	408	(1)
NetNote	408	(1)
Ethics Alert	409	(1)
Legal Reasoning Exercise	409	(1)
Practice Tip	409	(1)
The Interrelationship of Researching Materials	410	(3)
Summary	410	(1)
Review Questions	410	(3)
Applying the Law	413	(26)
Introduction	413	(1)
Predicting the Outcome in Your Client's Case	413	(5)
Looking for Analogies and Distinctions	413	(1)
Determining Whether the Governing Rules of Law and Issues Are the Same in Both Cases	414	(1)
Decide Which Facts Are the Key Facts in the Prior Case	414	(1)
Decide How Those Facts Are Similar to or Different from the Facts of Your Client's Case	414	(1)
Explain Why Those Similarities or Differences Matter	415	(1)
Selecting among Precedents	415	(1)
Chambers v. Maroney	416	(2)
A Note on Logic	418	(3)
The Format for a Written Analysis	421	(9)
Using IRAC	421	(1)
Ethics Alert	421	(3)
Legal Reasoning Exercise	424	(3)
Practice Tip	427	(1)
Synthesizing Cases	427	(1)
Legal Reasoning Exercise	428	(2)
Internal Office Memoranda	430	(9)
Format and Content	431	(1)
Heading	431	(1)
Question Presented (Issue)	431	(1)
Brief Answer	432	(1)
Facts	432	(1)
Applicable Statutes	432	(1)
Discussion	432	(1)
Practice Tip	433	(1)
Conclusion	433	(1)
Sample Law Office Memorandum	434	(2)
Summary	436	(1)
Review Questions	437	(2)
PART 4 Paralegals and the Work World	439	(66)
Interviewing	441	(26)
Introduction	441	(1)
The Distressed Grandfather	442	(1)
Communication Skills	442	(6)
Communication as a Two-way Street	442	(1)
Nonverbal Communication	443	(1)
Active Listening	444	(1)
The Influence of Ethnic, Racial, and Gender Differences	445	(1)
Practice Tip	445	(1)
Discussion Questions	446	(1)
Establishing a Comfortable Interview Setting	447	(1)
Listening as Hard Work	448	(1)
The Initial Client Interview	448	(11)
Practice Tip	449	(1)
Starting the Interview	449	(1)
The Distressed Grandfather (continued)	449	(1)
Ethics Alert	450	(1)
Taking Notes	450	(1)
The Distressed Grandfather (continued)	450	(1)
Asking Questions	451	(1)
The Distressed Grandfather (continued)	452	(1)
Practice Tip	452	(1)
Discussion Questions	453	(1)
Keeping the Interview Going	453	(1)
The Distressed Grandfather (continued)	454	(1)
Discussion Question	454	(1)
Ending the Interview	454	(1)
The Distressed Grandfather (continued)	455	(1)
After the Interview Is Over	456	(1)
Ethics Alert	457	(1)
Discussion Question	458	(1)
Interviewing Witnesses	459	(8)
Types of Witnesses	459	(1)
Locating Lay Witnesses	459	(1)
Locating Expert Witnesses	460	(1)
NetNote	460	(1)
Practice Tip	460	(1)
Setting Up Appointments	461	(1)
Locating of the Interview	461	(1)
Practice Tip	461	(1)
Interview Format	461	(1)
The Distressed Grandfather (continued)	462	(1)
Reluctant and Hostile Witnesses	462	(1)
Practice Tip	463	(1)
Taking Statements from Witnesses	463	(1)
Ethics Alert	463	(2)
Discussion Question	465	(1)
Summary	465	(1)
Review Questions	466	(1)
Evidence and Investigations	467	(22)
Introduction	467	(1)
Practice Tip	468	(1)
Rules of Evidence	468	(10)
NetNote	468	(1)
Forms of Evidence	468	(1)
The Distressed Grandfather (continued)	469	(1)
Discussion Question	470	(1)
Types of Evidence	470	(1)
Legal Reasoning Exercise	471	(1)
Relevance and Materiality	471	(1)
Competency	472	(1)
Hearsay and It's Exceptions	472	(2)
Legal Reasoning Exercise	474	(1)
Facts versus Opinions	474	(2)
The Distressed Grandfather (continued)	476	(1)
Practice Tip	476	(1)
Authentication	476	(1)
Legal Reasoning Exercise	477	(1)
Investigation	478	(11)
Planning and Investigation	478	(1)
Identifying Needed Facts	479	(1)
The Distressed Grandfather (continued)	479	(1)
Developing a Coordinated Plan	480	(1)
Discussion Question	480	(1)
Gathering Physical Evidence	480	(1)
Taking Photographs	480	(1)
Preparing Diagrams	481	(1)
Obtaining Documents and Information from Public Records	481	(1)
Practice Tip	482	(1)
Medical Records	482	(2)
Paralegal Profile	484	(1)
Government Documents	485	(1)
Practice Tip	485	(1)
Practice Tip	486	(1)
Trade Association Documents	486	(1)
Researching Miscellaneous Empirical Information	486	(1)
Library Reference Sources	487	(1)
Computer Databases	487	(1)
Reporting the Results of the Investigation	487	(1)
Summary	487	(1)
Review Questions	488	(1)
Computers and Case Management	489	(16)
Introduction	489	(1)
The Distressed Grandfather (continued)	490	(1)
Performing a Conflicts Check	490	(1)
Setting Up a Client Case File	491	(2)
Practice Tip	491	(2)
Timekeeping and Billing	493	(4)
Alternative Fee Structures	493	(1)
Fixed Fees	493	(1)
Contingency Fees	493	(1)
Hourly Basis	494	(1)
Discussion Questions	495	(1)
Time and Expense Records	495	(2)
Calendaring and Docket Control	497	(2)
Practice Tip	497	(2)
Computerized Litigation Support Programs	499	(6)
The Distressed Grandfather (continued)	499	(1)
NetNote	500	(1)
Summary	500	(1)
Review Questions	501	(4)
Appendix A Excerpts from the United States Constitution	505	(6)
Appendix B Ethical Codes	511	(10)
National Association of Legal Assistants Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility	511	(2)
NFPA Model Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility	513	(4)
ABA Model Guidelines for the Utilization of Legal Assistant Services (Guidelines and Selected Comments)	517	(4)
Appendix C NetNotes	521	(4)
Business Information	521	(1)
Citation Rules	521	(1)
Commercial On-line Providers	521	(1)
Government Sites	522	(1)
Information on the Court System	522	(1)
Legal Ethics	522	(1)
Legal News	522	(1)
Legal Search Engines	523	(1)
Organizations	523	(1)
Primary Material	523	(1)
Torts	524	(1)
Uniform Laws	524	(1)
Glossary	525	(24)
Table of Cases	549	(2)
Index	551