The Litigation Paralegal: A Systems Approach

by MCCORD

• ISBN13: 9780314202529
• ISBN10: 0314202528
• Additional ISBN(s): 9780314933706, 9780766840553
• Edition: 3rd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1997-03-07
• Publisher: Thomson Delmar Learning
• More Book Details
• Purchase Benefits

Summary

Takes a task-oriented (competency-based) approach throughout, walking students through each state of pre-trial preparation and trial. Students draft documents based on hypothetical law suit and can build an optional detailed systems manual containing forms, documents, and checklists. Thoroughly updated throughout to reflect the most recent changes in Federal Rules of Civil Procedure on Service of Process and Discovery. Also includes updated information on technology to include the most recent applications, software, and Internet resources. The text emphasizes the student's state practice in addition to federal practice. In the Third Edition, these pedagogical features are found at the end of the chapters for ease of use:

Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1 WELCOME TO THE LAW OFFICE	1	(38)
I. Introduction	2	(3)
A. Case I	2	(1)
B. Case II	2	(1)
C. Case III	3	(1)
D. Case IV	4	(1)
E. Case V	5	(1)
II. Office Manual	5	(2)
III. The Paralegal Handbook: Office Orientation	7	(14)
A. Structure and Personnel	7	(2)
B. Important Law Office Procedures	9	(4)
C. Techniques for Thriving in the Law Office	13	(2)
D. The Training Procedure	15	(1)
E. Ethical and Other Professional Responsibilities	16	(3)
F. Your Professional Development	19	(2)
IV. The Court Systems	21	(13)
A. Introduction	21	(1)
B. Basic Components of a Court System	21	(1)
C. Jurisdiction	22	(1)
D. Federal Courts and Their Jurisdiction	23	(4)
E. State Courts and Their Jurisdiction	27	(1)
F. Venue	27	(3)
G. Choosing a Court: The Relationship between Jurisdiction and Venue, and Other Considerations	30	(4)
H. Transfer of Cases	34	(1)
V. A Case Roadmap	34	(1)
VI. Concluding Comments	35	(4)
CHAPTER 2 THE INITIAL INTERVIEW	39	(35)
I. Introduction	40	(1)
II. The Interview Plan	40	(25)
A. Interview Plan Checklist	40	(1)
B. The Interview Plan in Detail	41	(24)
III. The Interview	65	(4)
A. The Introduction	65	(1)
B. Questions on Circumstances of the Accident	66	(1)
C. The Issue of Comparative or Contributory Negligence	67	(1)
D. The Extent of Injury and Sensitive Inquiry	67	(1)
E. Dealing with Difficult Clients	68	(1)
F. Concluding the Interview	68	(1)
G. Confirming the Statute of Limitations	68	(1)
IV. Summarizing the Interview	69	(2)
V. Keeping the Client Informed	71	(3)
CHAPTER 3 EVIDENCE AND INVESTIGATION	74	(56)
I. Introduction	75	(1)
II. The Relationship of Evidence Law to Investigation	75	(9)
A. Introduction	75	(1)
B. Evidence in General	75	(1)
C. Admissible Evidence	76	(1)
D. Inadmissibility of Some Types of Relevant Evidence	76	(2)
E. Privileges	78	(1)
F. Evidence Admissible from a Party	79	(1)
G. Rules Regarding the Testimony of a Witness	79	(3)
H. Rules Regarding Physical Evidence and Authentication	82	(1)
I. Other Evidentiary Concepts	83	(1)
J. Sources for Evidentiary Research	84	(1)
III. Planning the Investigation	84	(10)
A. Introduction	84	(1)
B. Review the File and Other Available Information	85	(1)
C. Identify the Essential Elements of Proof	85	(1)
D. Identify What Facts Will Be Needed	85	(1)
E. Determine What Sources, Including Witnesses, May Provide Facts	85	(6)
F. Methods for Gathering Information or Evidence	91	(1)
G. Record the Investigation Plan	92	(1)
H. Consult with the Supervising Attorney	92	(2)
IV. Ethical and Related Considerations	94	(1)
A. Ethics	94	(1)
B. Attorney's Work Product (Trial Preparation Materials)	95	(1)
C. Revealing Information to a Witness	95	(1)
V. Gathering the Evidence	95	(21)
A. Introduction	95	(1)
B. Gathering Reports, Records, and Other Documents	96	(5)
C. Investigating the Scene of the Accident	101	(3)
D. Acquiring the Statements of Witnesses	104	(12)
VI. Preserving Evidence	116	(9)
A. Identification	116	(3)
B. Physical Evidence	119	(1)
C. Control and Retrieval	120	(1)
D. Storage	121	(1)
E. Testing and Examination	122	(1)
F. Surveillance and Activity Checks	122	(1)
G. Demonstrative Evidence	122	(2)
H. Preserving Recorded Statements	124	(1)
VII. Reviewing the Informal Investigation	125	(1)
VIII. Summary	125	(5)
CHAPTER 4 DRAFTING THE COMPLAINT	130	(36)
I. Introduction	131	(2)
A. The Task: Draft a Complaint	131	(1)
B. Definition and Purpose	131	(1)
C. An Example	131	(2)
II. The Complaint in Detail	133	(21)
A. Caption	133	(4)
B. The Body of the Complaint	137	(7)
C. Remedies and the Prayer for Relief (Demand for Judgment)	144	(2)
D. A Brief Guide to Causes of Action and Remedies	146	(5)
E. Separate Counts	151	(1)
F. Demand for Jury Trial	152	(1)
G. Subscription	153	(1)
H. Verification	153	(1)
III. Exhibits and Appendixes	154	(1)
IV. System Checklist for Drafting a Complaint	155	(2)
A. Preparation	155	(1)
B. Drafting	155	(2)
V. Sample Complaints	157	(5)
VI. Injunctions	162	(2)
VII. Summary	164	(2)
CHAPTER 5 FILING THE LAWSUIT, SERVICE OF PROCESS, AND OBTAINING A DEFAULT JUDGMENT	166	(28)
I. Introduction	167	(1)
A. The Tasks: Filing the Lawsuit, Serving the Summons Obtaining a Default Judgment	167	(1)
B. Purpose of the Tasks	167	(1)
II. Preparing Documents for Filing an Action and for Service of Process	167	(11)
A. Determine What Documents Are Needed	167	(1)
B. Gather and Prepare the Documents Necessary for Filing and Service	168	(8)
C. Obtain the Check for the Filing Fees	176	(2)
III. Filing the Lawsuit	178	(1)
IV. Service of Process	178	(1)
V. Reference Guide and Checklist for Methods of Service	178	(6)
A. Service on Individuals in a State or in a Judicial District of the United States	178	(2)
B. Service on Individuals in a Foreign Country	180	(1)
C. Service on Corporations and Associations	180	(1)
D. Service on the United States	180	(1)
E. Service on a Foreign, State, or Local Government	181	(1)
F. Service Outside the Geographical Boundaries of the State or Federal District Court/Long-Arm Statutes	181	(1)
G. Service in In Rem and Quasi In Rem Cases	182	(1)
H. Immunity from Service of Process	182	(1)
I. Locating "Invisible" Defendants	182	(1)
J. Other Service of Process	183	(1)
K. Filing and Service of Pleadings and Papers Subsequent to the Complaint	184	(1)
L. Keep Good Records of Service	184	(1)
VI. Obtaining a Default Judgment	184	(5)
A. Introduction	184	(1)
B. The Procedure and Necessary Forms	184	(3)
C. Default and Multiple Defendants	187	(1)
D. Checklist for Default Judgment	188	(1)
E. Setting Aside a Default Judgment	189	(1)
VII. Summary	189	(5)
CHAPTER 6 DEFENDING AND TESTING THE LAWSUIT: MOTIONS, ANSWERS, AND OTHER RESPONSIVE PLEADINGS	194	(50)
I. Introduction	195	(1)
II. Motions in General	195	(1)
A. Introduction	195	(1)
B. Purpose	195	(1)
C. Requirements and Components of the Motion	195	(1)
D. Procedure: Filing, Service, and Time Limits	196	(1)
III. Motion to Dismiss	196	(10)
A. Task	196	(1)
B. Purpose	196	(1)
C. Determining What to Attack	197	(1)
D. Drafting the Documents	198	(4)
E. Other Motions to Dismiss	202	(1)
F. Other Motions Attacking the Complaint	202	(2)
G. Ethics Reminder	204	(1)
H. Response to Motions	205	(1)
IV. Removal of State Action to Federal Court	206	(2)
A. Task	206	(1)
B. Purpose	206	(1)
C. Cases That May Be Removed	206	(1)
D. Procedure	207	(1)
V. Computation of Time	208	(1)
VI. Drafting the Answer, Counterclaim, and Cross-Claim	209	(15)
A. Task	209	(1)
B. General Requirements	210	(1)
C. Structure of the Answer	210	(6)
D. Sample Answer, Counterclaim, and Cross-Claim	216	(8)
VII. Third-Party Practice	224	(3)
A. Introduction	224	(1)
B. Task	224	(1)
C. Purpose	224	(1)
D. Procedure	225	(2)
VIII. Amending and Supplementing the Pleadings	227	(2)
A. Purpose	227	(1)
B. Procedure	227	(2)
IX. Motion for Judgment on the Pleadings	229	(1)
A. Task	229	(1)
B. Purpose	229	(1)
X. Motion for Summary Judgment	230	(2)
A. Task	230	(1)
B. Purpose	230	(1)
C. Procedure	230	(1)
XI. Keeping a Pleading Record	232	(1)
XII. Pleadings, Motions, and Time Limits	233	(6)
XIII. Summary	239	(5)
CHAPTER 7 DISCOVERY: OVERVIEW AND INTERROGATORIES	244	(40)
I. Overview of Discovery	245	(7)
A. Introduction	245	(1)
B. Purpose of Discovery	245	(1)
C. Mandatory Disclosure	246	(2)
D. Scope of Discovery	248	(1)
E. Parties' Planning Meeting	249	(1)
F. Supplementing Disclosure and Discovery	250	(1)
G. Ethical Considerations for Discovery and Disclosure	251	(1)
II. Interrogatories	252	(22)
A. Task	252	(1)
B. Purpose of Interrogatories	253	(1)
C. Procedure	253	(1)
D. Planning Interrogatories	254	(4)
E. Drafting Interrogatories	258	(5)
F. Drafting Techniques	263	(9)
G. Concluding Material, Final Preparation, and Service of Interrogatories	272	(2)
III. Answering Interrogatories	274	(5)
A. Note Deadline, Review Case File	274	(1)
B. Review Possible Objections	274	(1)
C. Review Questions	275	(1)
D. Gather and Record Information	275	(2)
E. Review Techniques for Answering Interrogatories	277	(1)
F. Draft Answers and Have Them Reviewed, Signed, and Served	278	(1)
G. Update Answers	278	(1)
IV. Analyzing the Answer and Compelling a Response	279	(1)
V. Summary	280	(4)
CHAPTER 8 DISCOVERY: DEPOSITIONS	284	(43)
I. Depositions	285	(28)
A. Introduction	285	(1)
B. Scope and Limits of the Deposition	285	(1)
C. Types of Depositions	286	(1)
D. Procedure	286	(1)
E. Preliminary Tasks	287	(1)
F. Coordinate the Deposition	287	(6)
G. Prepare for Deposition	293	(18)
H. Attend and Review the Deposition	311	(2)
II. Digesting Depositions and Other Documents	313	(11)
A. Introduction and Definition	313	(1)
B. Purposes for Digesting Depositions	313	(1)
C. Techniques for Digesting Depositions	313	(2)
D. Types of Deposition Digests and Indexes	315	(3)
E. Digest Aids for Complex Cases	318	(1)
F. Automated Deposition Summaries	319	(5)
III. Summary	324	(3)
CHAPTER 9 DISCOVERY: DOCUMENT PRODUCTION AND CONTROL, MEDICAL EXAMS, ADMISSIONS, AND COMPELLING DISCOVERY	327	(48)
I. Introduction	328	(1)
II. Production of Documents and Things and Entry upon Land for Inspection and Other Purposes	328	(5)
A. Introduction	328	(1)
B. Scope	328	(1)
C. Procedure	329	(1)
D. Reviewing for Production and Inspection	329	(1)
E. Drafting the Request for Production and Inspection	330	(1)
F. Service of the Request for Production	331	(2)
III. Preparing for Production of Documents and Things	333	(13)
A. Introduction	333	(1)
B. Procedure	334	(6)
C. Document Production and Computers	340	(6)
IV. Production Procedure	346	(3)
A. Replying to a Request for Production and Inspection	346	(1)
B. Assisting at the Production, Examination, or Inspection	347	(1)
C. Analyzing Documents Produced by the Opponent	348	(1)
V. Request for Physical and Mental Examination	349	(3)
A. Purpose and Scope	349	(1)
B. Procedure	349	(1)
C. Set up the Exam	349	(1)
D. Draft the Documents	350	(1)
E. Inform the Client	350	(1)
F. Request the Report	351	(1)
VI. Reviewing and Interpreting Medical Records and Other Technical Documents and Reports	352	(4)
A. Introduction	352	(1)
B. Medical Record Interpretation	352	(4)
VII. Request for Admission (Rule 36)	356	(4)
A. Purpose and Scope	356	(1)
B. Procedure	356	(1)
C. Preparing the Request for Admission	357	(2)
D. Responding to a Request for Admission	359	(1)
E. Review of and Reply to Response	359	(1)
F. Amending Responses	359	(1)
VIII. Objections, Compelling Discovery, and Sanctions	360	(5)
A. Objecting to Discovery: Protective Orders	360	(1)
B. Compelling Discovery	361	(1)
C. Motion, Order, and Sanctions	361	(1)
D. Procedure for Compelling Discovery	362	(3)
IX. The Freedom of Information Act	365	(1)
A. Definition and Purpose	365	(1)
B. Procedure and Limits	366	(1)
C. The Role of the Paralegal	366	(1)
X. Organizing Files	366	(5)
A. Introduction	366	(2)
B. Small Case File	368	(1)
C. Large Case file	369	(2)
XI. Summary	371	(4)
CHAPTER 10 SETTLEMENT AND OTHER ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTIONS	375	(48)
I. Introduction	376	(1)
II. Settlement	376	(27)
A. Introduction	376	(1)
B. Preparing for Settlement	377	(8)
C. Presenting the Settlement Request	385	(13)
D. Role of the Defendant's or Insurance Company's Paralegal	398	(1)
E. Preparing for the Pretrial Conference	399	(4)
F. Settlement Conference	403	(1)
II. Settlement Forms	403	(6)
A. Releases and Settlement Agreements	403	(3)
B. Stipulation and Order for Dismissal	406	(1)
C. Consent Decree and Order	406	(1)
D. Settlement Distribution Statement	407	(2)
III. Other Alternative Dispute Resolutions: Arbitration, Mediation, and Summary Trials	409	(11)
A. Introduction	409	(1)
B. Arbitration	410	(6)
C. Mediation	416	(3)
D. Early Case Assessment	419	(1)
E. Summary Jury Trial	419	(1)
F. Role of the Paralegal in Alternative Dispute Resolution	419	(1)
IV. Summary	420	(3)
CHAPTER 11 TRIAL PREPARATION AND TRIAL	423	(30)
I. Trial Preparation	424	(21)
A. Introduction and Trial Preparation Checklist	424	(1)
B. Preliminary Trial Preparation Tasks	425	(2)
C. Subpoena Witnesses	427	(2)
D. Jury Investigation	429	(3)
E. Preparing Demonstrative Evidence	432	(3)
F. Trial Notebook	435	(7)
G. Preparing the Client and Witness for Testifying at Trial	442	(3)
H. Additional Preparation	445	(1)
II. Assistance at Trial	445	(6)
A. Introduction	445	(1)
B. Jury Selection	446	(1)
C. Shadow Jury	447	(1)
D. Witness Control	448	(1)
E. Documents and Exhibits	448	(1)
F. Exhibit and Witness Logs	449	(1)
G. Trial Notes	449	(1)
H. Trial Day Review Meetings	449	(1)
I. When the Paralegal Must Testify	449	(1)
J. Polling the Jury	450	(1)
K. Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law	450	(1)
III. Summary	451	(2)
CHAPTER 12 POST-TRIAL PRACTICE FROM MOTIONS TO APPEAL	453
I. Introduction	454	(1)
II. Post-Trial Motions	454	(2)
III. Judgment and Bill of Costs	456	(3)
IV. Enforcement of the Judgment	459	(20)
A. Introduction	459	(1)
B. Locating the Assets of the Judgment Debtor	460	(13)
C. Obtaining the Assets of the Judgment Debtor	473	(6)
V. Appeal	479	(11)
A. Introduction	479	(1)
B. Appellate Procedure	480	(4)
C. Assisting in the Appeal	484	(6)
V. Summary	490
Appendix A System Folder Contents	A-1	(4)
Appendix B The Substantive Law of Torts	A-5	(13)
Appendix C The Substantive Law of Contracts	A-18	(11)
Appendix D A Mini-Guide for Interpreting Medical Records	A-29
Glossary	G-1
Index	I-1