Amazon no longer offers textbook rentals. We do!

The Litigation Paralegal: A Systems Approach

by: MCCORD

The Litigation Paralegal: A Systems Approach

by: MCCORD

ISBN 13:
9780314202529
ISBN 10:
0314202528
Edition: 3rd
Format: Paperback
Copyright: 03/07/1997
Publisher: Thomson Delmar Learning
Newer Edition

Rent

Sorry, this item is currently unavailable.

Note: Supplemental materials are not guaranteed with Rental or Used book purchases.

Extend or Purchase Your Rental at Any Time

Need to keep your rental past your due date? At any time before your due date you can extend or purchase your rental through your account.

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:

CHAPTER 1 WELCOME TO THE LAW OFFICE

(38)

I. Introduction

(3)

A. Case I

(1)

B. Case II

(1)

C. Case III

(1)

D. Case IV

(1)

E. Case V

(1)

II. Office Manual

(2)

III. The Paralegal Handbook: Office Orientation

(14)

A. Structure and Personnel

(2)

B. Important Law Office Procedures

(4)

C. Techniques for Thriving in the Law Office

(2)

D. The Training Procedure

(1)

E. Ethical and Other Professional Responsibilities

(3)

F. Your Professional Development

(2)

IV. The Court Systems

(13)

A. Introduction

(1)

B. Basic Components of a Court System

(1)

C. Jurisdiction

(1)

D. Federal Courts and Their Jurisdiction

(4)

E. State Courts and Their Jurisdiction

(1)

F. Venue

(3)

G. Choosing a Court: The Relationship between Jurisdiction and Venue, and Other Considerations

(4)

H. Transfer of Cases

(1)

V. A Case Roadmap

(1)

VI. Concluding Comments

(4)

CHAPTER 2 THE INITIAL INTERVIEW

(35)

I. Introduction

(1)

II. The Interview Plan

(25)

A. Interview Plan Checklist

(1)

B. The Interview Plan in Detail

(24)

III. The Interview

(4)

A. The Introduction

(1)

B. Questions on Circumstances of the Accident

(1)

C. The Issue of Comparative or Contributory Negligence

(1)

D. The Extent of Injury and Sensitive Inquiry

(1)

E. Dealing with Difficult Clients

(1)

F. Concluding the Interview

(1)

G. Confirming the Statute of Limitations

(1)

IV. Summarizing the Interview

(2)

V. Keeping the Client Informed

(3)

CHAPTER 3 EVIDENCE AND INVESTIGATION

(56)

I. Introduction

(1)

II. The Relationship of Evidence Law to Investigation

(9)

A. Introduction

(1)

B. Evidence in General

(1)

C. Admissible Evidence

(1)

D. Inadmissibility of Some Types of Relevant Evidence

(2)

E. Privileges

(1)

F. Evidence Admissible from a Party

(1)

G. Rules Regarding the Testimony of a Witness

(3)

H. Rules Regarding Physical Evidence and Authentication

(1)

I. Other Evidentiary Concepts

(1)

J. Sources for Evidentiary Research

(1)

III. Planning the Investigation

(10)

A. Introduction

(1)

B. Review the File and Other Available Information

(1)

C. Identify the Essential Elements of Proof

(1)

D. Identify What Facts Will Be Needed

(1)

E. Determine What Sources, Including Witnesses, May Provide Facts

(6)

F. Methods for Gathering Information or Evidence

(1)

G. Record the Investigation Plan

(1)

H. Consult with the Supervising Attorney

(2)

IV. Ethical and Related Considerations

(1)

A. Ethics

(1)

B. Attorney's Work Product (Trial Preparation Materials)

(1)

C. Revealing Information to a Witness

(1)

V. Gathering the Evidence

(21)

A. Introduction

(1)

B. Gathering Reports, Records, and Other Documents

(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

Amazon no longer offers textbook rentals. We do!

The Litigation Paralegal: A Systems Approach

The Litigation Paralegal: A Systems Approach

9780314202529

0314202528

Summary

Table of Contents

Supplemental Materials

Write a Review

Amazon no longer offers textbook rentals. We do!

The Litigation Paralegal: A Systems Approach

The Litigation Paralegal: A Systems Approach

9780314202529

0314202528

Summary

Table of Contents

Supplemental Materials

Write a Review

Related Products