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Paralegal Career For Dummies®
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Paralegal Career For Dummies®
by Lisa Zimmer Hatch, Scott A. Hatch
Paralegal Career For Dummies, 2nd Edition
Cover
Introduction
About This Book
Foolish Assumptions
Icons Used in This Book
Where to Go from Here
Part 1: A Snapshot of the Exciting and Lucrative Paralegal Profession
Chapter 1: Discovering the Paralegal Profession
Almost a Lawyer: What a Paralegal Does
On the Job: Where Paralegals Work
What It Takes: The Skills, Knowledge, and Training You Need
Chapter 2: Membership Has Its Privileges: Paralegal Associations and Their Certification Exams
To Join or Not to Join
Deciding Whether to Get Certified
Chapter 3: The Hunt Is On: Securing a Paralegal Position
Finding the Perfect Job
Creating the Documentation
Setting Up Shop: Starting a Freelance Paralegal Business
Part 2: Important Legal Concepts Every Paralegal Should Know
Chapter 4: “All Rise”: The American Judicial System
Everything Old Is New Again: The Importance of Legal Precedence
Checks and Balances: Branches of U.S. Government
Playing Fair: Levels of the U.S. Judicial System
Judge and Jury: The U.S. Jury System
Chapter 5: The Big Three: Categories of Law
Cutting Through the Red Tape: Administrative Law
Eliminating Any Reasonable Doubt: The Nature of Criminal Law
Maintaining Polite Society: Civil Law
Chapter 6: Taking a Case to Trial: The Litigation Process
Constructing the Criminal Case
Carrying Through a Civil Case
Chapter 7: How It’s Done: Important Rules of Civil Procedure and Evidence
Distinguishing Between Procedural Law and Substantive Law
Following the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure
Sticking to State Procedural Rules
Figuring Out Federal Rules of Evidence
Chapter 8: Because I Said So: The Categories of Legal Authority
Déjà Vu All Over Again: Review of Stare Decisis
Who’s the Boss? The Premises of Primary and Secondary Authority
Applying the Law: Mandatory and Persuasive Authority
Helpful But You Can’t Rely On It: Nonauthority
Chapter 9: The Substantive Law Areas Most Commonly Practiced by Paralegals
Facing the Family: Domestic Law and Estate Planning
Building the Boom and Blanketing the Bust: Business and Bankruptcy Law
Compensating for Pain and Suffering: Personal Injury and Medical Malpractice
Getting It in Writing: Entertainment and Real Estate Law
Protecting Assets: Tax and Intellectual Property Law
Part 3: Putting It into Practice: The Paralegal in the Civil Litigation Process
Chapter 10: The Paper Chase: Preparing Documents
Communicating in Writing: Types of Legal Documents
Making the Case: Effective Document Drafting
Chapter 11: Elementary My Dear Watson: Legal Investigation
Searching for Clues: Gathering Evidence
Keeping Track: Identifying and Protecting Evidence
Keeping Order: Organizing the Evidence
Chapter 12: Chewing the Fat: Legal Interviewing
Gauging Whether the Case Is Valid: Initial Client Interviews
Completing the Story: Witness Interviews
Preparing Clients and Witnesses for Testimony
Chapter 13: Burning the Midnight Oil: Legal Research
Conducting Legal Research
Relying On Tools of the Trade
Getting Technological: Computerized Legal Research
Citing Cases Properly: Citation Format
Chapter 14: Where the Rubber Hits the Road: Trial Performance
Creating the Ultimate Source of Information: The Trial Notebook
Selecting the Jury: The Paralegal and Voir Dire
Keeping Track of Witnesses
Weighing Testimony: The Paralegal’s Take on the Jury’s Reaction
Preparing Questions for the Attorney
Settling Up: Preparing the Cost Bill
Blood from a Turnip: Collecting a Difficult Judgment
Chapter 15: The Official Word: Ethical Codes for Legal Professionals
Doing What’s Right: The Importance of Ethics
Abiding by the Rules of Professional Conduct
Sorting through the Codes of Paralegal Associations
Part 4: Identifying the Skills Paralegals Need to Soar
Chapter 16: Presenting a Clear, Concise Legal Writing Style
Corresponding Carefully
Grammar: Grasping the Foundation of an Effective Writing Style
Sentence Structure: Positioning the Sentence’s Elements
Punctuation and Mechanics: Mastering the Rules
Organization: Structuring the Finished Product
Proofreading: Polishing the Finished Product
Avoiding Plagiarism
Chapter 17: Using Technology in Law
Operating Computer Hardware and Networks in the Law Office
Getting Savvy on Software Applications for the Law Office
Surfing the Net: Online Resources for Legal Professionals
Carting Computers into the Courtroom
Chapter 18: Law Office Management 101
Buying Time: Management Systems
Keeping Account: Billing Systems
A Place for Everything: File Management
Part 5: The Part of Tens
Chapter 19: The Ten Most Important Rules of Ethics
Avoiding the Unauthorized Practice of Law
Maintaining Client Confidentiality
Disclosing Your Paralegal Status
Reporting Ethics Violations of Other Legal Professionals
Disclosing Information to Prevent Death or Serious Bodily Harm
Sharing Information with Your Supervising Attorney
Avoiding Conflicts of Interest
Obeying All Applicable Attorneys’ Ethics Rules
Giving Something to the Community: Pro Bono Services
Making Your Voice Heard: Supporting Efforts to Improve the Legal System
Chapter 20: Ten Things Every Paralegal Should Know
How to Ask for Help
Your Role
How to Communicate Effectively
The Value of Being Organized
Your Limitations
How to Research
How to Use Technology
The Rules of Professional Responsibility
How to Draft Fundamental Legal Documents
How to Weigh the Value of Paralegal Organizations
Chapter 21: Ten Survival Tips to Thrive in the Legal Environment
Continue Your Education
Keep a Good Legal Dictionary Nearby
Maintain the Integrity of Your Profession
Be Polite and Patient with Court Clerks
Take a Mind Reading Course
Enjoy Problem Solving
Refrain from Badmouthing Other Paralegals and Attorneys
Never Act as though You’re Irreplaceable
Don’t Count on a Normal Work Schedule
Resist the Urge to Gossip about Clients
Part 6: Appendixes
Appendix A: Glossary of Important Legal Terms: A Mini Legal Dictionary
Appendix B: What You’ll Find Online
Documents Online
Links to Websites
Index
About the Authors
Advertisement Page
Connect with Dummies
End User License Agreement
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Prev
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Title Page
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Introduction
Paralegal Career For Dummies®
To view this book's Cheat Sheet, simply go to
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Table of Contents
Cover
Introduction
About This Book
Foolish Assumptions
Icons Used in This Book
Where to Go from Here
Part 1: A Snapshot of the Exciting and Lucrative Paralegal Profession
Chapter 1: Discovering the Paralegal Profession
Almost a Lawyer: What a Paralegal Does
On the Job: Where Paralegals Work
What It Takes: The Skills, Knowledge, and Training You Need
Chapter 2: Membership Has Its Privileges: Paralegal Associations and Their Certification Exams
To Join or Not to Join
Deciding Whether to Get Certified
Chapter 3: The Hunt Is On: Securing a Paralegal Position
Finding the Perfect Job
Creating the Documentation
Setting Up Shop: Starting a Freelance Paralegal Business
Part 2: Important Legal Concepts Every Paralegal Should Know
Chapter 4: “All Rise”: The American Judicial System
Everything Old Is New Again: The Importance of Legal Precedence
Checks and Balances: Branches of U.S. Government
Playing Fair: Levels of the U.S. Judicial System
Judge and Jury: The U.S. Jury System
Chapter 5: The Big Three: Categories of Law
Cutting Through the Red Tape: Administrative Law
Eliminating Any Reasonable Doubt: The Nature of Criminal Law
Maintaining Polite Society: Civil Law
Chapter 6: Taking a Case to Trial: The Litigation Process
Constructing the Criminal Case
Carrying Through a Civil Case
Chapter 7: How It’s Done: Important Rules of Civil Procedure and Evidence
Distinguishing Between Procedural Law and Substantive Law
Following the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure
Sticking to State Procedural Rules
Figuring Out Federal Rules of Evidence
Chapter 8: Because I Said So: The Categories of Legal Authority
Déjà Vu All Over Again: Review of Stare Decisis
Who’s the Boss? The Premises of Primary and Secondary Authority
Applying the Law: Mandatory and Persuasive Authority
Helpful But You Can’t Rely On It: Nonauthority
Chapter 9: The Substantive Law Areas Most Commonly Practiced by Paralegals
Facing the Family: Domestic Law and Estate Planning
Building the Boom and Blanketing the Bust: Business and Bankruptcy Law
Compensating for Pain and Suffering: Personal Injury and Medical Malpractice
Getting It in Writing: Entertainment and Real Estate Law
Protecting Assets: Tax and Intellectual Property Law
Part 3: Putting It into Practice: The Paralegal in the Civil Litigation Process
Chapter 10: The Paper Chase: Preparing Documents
Communicating in Writing: Types of Legal Documents
Making the Case: Effective Document Drafting
Chapter 11: Elementary My Dear Watson: Legal Investigation
Searching for Clues: Gathering Evidence
Keeping Track: Identifying and Protecting Evidence
Keeping Order: Organizing the Evidence
Chapter 12: Chewing the Fat: Legal Interviewing
Gauging Whether the Case Is Valid: Initial Client Interviews
Completing the Story: Witness Interviews
Preparing Clients and Witnesses for Testimony
Chapter 13: Burning the Midnight Oil: Legal Research
Conducting Legal Research
Relying On Tools of the Trade
Getting Technological: Computerized Legal Research
Citing Cases Properly: Citation Format
Chapter 14: Where the Rubber Hits the Road: Trial Performance
Creating the Ultimate Source of Information: The Trial Notebook
Selecting the Jury: The Paralegal and Voir Dire
Keeping Track of Witnesses
Weighing Testimony: The Paralegal’s Take on the Jury’s Reaction
Preparing Questions for the Attorney
Settling Up: Preparing the Cost Bill
Blood from a Turnip: Collecting a Difficult Judgment
Chapter 15: The Official Word: Ethical Codes for Legal Professionals
Doing What’s Right: The Importance of Ethics
Abiding by the Rules of Professional Conduct
Sorting through the Codes of Paralegal Associations
Part 4: Identifying the Skills Paralegals Need to Soar
Chapter 16: Presenting a Clear, Concise Legal Writing Style
Corresponding Carefully
Grammar: Grasping the Foundation of an Effective Writing Style
Sentence Structure: Positioning the Sentence’s Elements
Punctuation and Mechanics: Mastering the Rules
Organization: Structuring the Finished Product
Proofreading: Polishing the Finished Product
Avoiding Plagiarism
Chapter 17: Using Technology in Law
Operating Computer Hardware and Networks in the Law Office
Getting Savvy on Software Applications for the Law Office
Surfing the Net: Online Resources for Legal Professionals
Carting Computers into the Courtroom
Chapter 18: Law Office Management 101
Buying Time: Management Systems
Keeping Account: Billing Systems
A Place for Everything: File Management
Part 5: The Part of Tens
Chapter 19: The Ten Most Important Rules of Ethics
Avoiding the Unauthorized Practice of Law
Maintaining Client Confidentiality
Disclosing Your Paralegal Status
Reporting Ethics Violations of Other Legal Professionals
Disclosing Information to Prevent Death or Serious Bodily Harm
Sharing Information with Your Supervising Attorney
Avoiding Conflicts of Interest
Obeying All Applicable Attorneys’ Ethics Rules
Giving Something to the Community: Pro Bono Services
Making Your Voice Heard: Supporting Efforts to Improve the Legal System
Chapter 20: Ten Things Every Paralegal Should Know
How to Ask for Help
Your Role
How to Communicate Effectively
The Value of Being Organized
Your Limitations
How to Research
How to Use Technology
The Rules of Professional Responsibility
How to Draft Fundamental Legal Documents
How to Weigh the Value of Paralegal Organizations
Chapter 21: Ten Survival Tips to Thrive in the Legal Environment
Continue Your Education
Keep a Good Legal Dictionary Nearby
Maintain the Integrity of Your Profession
Be Polite and Patient with Court Clerks
Take a Mind Reading Course
Enjoy Problem Solving
Refrain from Badmouthing Other Paralegals and Attorneys
Never Act as though You’re Irreplaceable
Don’t Count on a Normal Work Schedule
Resist the Urge to Gossip about Clients
Part 6: Appendixes
Appendix A: Glossary of Important Legal Terms: A Mini Legal Dictionary
Appendix B: What You’ll Find Online
Documents Online
Links to Websites
Index
About the Authors
Advertisement Page
Connect with Dummies
End User License Agreement
List of Tables
Chapter 8
TABLE 8-1 Primary and Secondary Authority
Chapter 11
TABLE 11-1 Sources of Information
List of Illustrations
Chapter 3
FIGURE 3-1: A sample cover letter.
FIGURE 3-2: Sample resume that highlights skills over law office experience.
Chapter 4
FIGURE 4-1: Branches of the federal government.
FIGURE 4-2: The federal and state judicial systems.
Chapter 10
FIGURE 10-1: A sample demand letter.
FIGURE 10-2: A sample complaint with the Colorado caption format. Remember to ch...
FIGURE 10-3: A sample answer with the Colorado caption format.
FIGURE 10-4: The caption of a memo of law, including a statement of the assignme...
FIGURE 10-5: A statement of facts.
FIGURE 10-6: A statement of the issues.
FIGURE 10-7: A portion of a legal analysis of an issue.
FIGURE 10-8: A conclusion to a memo of law.
FIGURE 10-9: A recommendations section of a memo of a law.
FIGURE 10-10: A sample motion for summary judgment.
FIGURE 10-11: Sample interrogatories.
Chapter 12
FIGURE 12-1: You have options when it comes to seating arrangements.
FIGURE 12-2: An attorney’s memo requesting an initial client interview.
FIGURE 12-3: A narrative police report in the Cary Careless case.
FIGURE 12-4: Attorney’s memo requesting a prospective witness interview.
FIGURE 12-5: Checklist for a witness interview.
Chapter 14
FIGURE 14-1: A trial preparation checklist, like this one for a criminal trial, ...
FIGURE 14-2: A jury panel seating chart can help your supervising attorney keep ...
FIGURE 14-3: A master witness list can come in handy. You never know when you’ll...
Chapter 18
FIGURE 18-1: A master calendar such as this one is where you record all the key ...
FIGURE 18-2: An individual calendar helps you keep track of your own schedule or...
FIGURE 18-3: Your daily to-do list helps you prioritize your tasks and work towa...
Guide
Cover
Table of Contents
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