For both the law student and young lawyer, this guide provides an introduction to the basics of working in a law firm. It discusses how a lawyer can get around within the firm to succeed in law firm practice.

Softbound - New, softbound print book.

Topics covered include organizational and management structure, personnel issues, compensation, office equipment, physical space, automation, research, and billing, among others. The book is replete with a striking forward-looking essay on the future of law practice and law office management.

The contemporary law practice has fundamentally changed. There has been a power shift from law firms to clients due to economic shifts, the impact of technology, and a leveling of information and metrics. Client focus, understanding, and service are more important than ever. It is clear that recent law graduates need to have an astute comprehension of business fundamentals and appreciation of the business drivers underpinning the practice of law. The Business of Contemporary Law Practices provides students—and practicing attorneys—a solid foundation for understanding, adapting to, and thriving in the world of private or in-house law practice. From business development to human resources to technological platforms, this book will simultaneously build a baseline business-world fluency and inform any reader of the various law firm and non-traditional legal environments many will find themselves in. Professors and students will benefit from: Historical backdrop and orientation to the modern context for the private practice of law Introductory business information including essential vocabulary and financial statement fundamentals An in-depth examination of private practice and in-house legal departments Discussion of emerging business models and technology Enough high-level information to gain an appreciation for unfamiliar subject matter with opportunities for more immersive experience in particular areas of professor expertise and student interest.

The Model Rules of Professional Conduct provides an up-to-date resource for information on legal ethics. Federal, state and local courts in all jurisdictions look to the Rules for guidance in solving lawyer malpractice cases, disciplinary actions, disqualification issues, sanctions questions and much more. In this volume, black-letter Rules of Professional Conduct are followed by numbered Comments that explain each Rule's purpose and provide suggestions for its practical application. The Rules will help you identify proper conduct in a variety of given situations, review those instances where discretionary action is possible, and define the nature of the relationship between you and your clients, colleagues and the courts.

Now in its Fifth Edition, Introduction to Law for Paralegals balances substantive law with work-based knowledge and skills. From the basics of the U.S. legal system to personal injury, contracts, and intellectual property, Neal R. Bevans brings it all into focus through clear writing, realistic examples, and engaging exercises. With features like Skills You Need in the Real World and Issues at a Glance, the transition from classroom to law firm will be smooth sailing. New to the Fifth Edition: New and updated cases Discussion of current technology and its use in legal practice New Web Surfing feature with websites for further reading Professors and students will benefit from: Essential paralegal skills and legal procedure, presented in conjunction with substantive areas of law Part I introduces students to the legal system, with coverage of ethics, evidence, working in the law office, trials, and appeals Part II covers substantive law, including torts, contracts, criminal law, administrative law, real property, wills and trusts, family law, intellectual property, and agency law Part III gives an overview of legal research and writing A succinct and direct writing style Exercises that develop paralegal skills, integrated throughout the text A design for learning on every page, including definitions of legal terms and phrases, inset boxes that illuminate concepts, examples, visual aids, chapter summaries, sample documents, case excerpts, and more End-of-chapter exercises and practice questions for test review help students master the material