This text is a comprehensive work that examines all facets of civil litigation. The text provides paralegal students with all of the information they will need to work with lawyers in civil litigation and more. Since civil litigation is directed and controlled by the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, this text focuses on the Rules--explains those rules, how they operate, and how they apply to a paralegal's work. Paralegals who master the information in this book will be able to communicate effectively with lawyers about civil litigation matters. They should be able to initiate activity on behalf of the client and provide input, not just carry out directions.

This is the definitive civil litigation book for paralegals. It covers all phases of litigation from the initial client conference to enforcement of judgments. The authors objective is to make paralegals full members of the litigation team, so they understand what is happening and why. Paralegals should feel as though they are contributors, not merely assisting. Therefore, the emphasis is on judicial procedures and rules of law, not generic law office procedures. The book explains important concepts such as jurisdiction, legal duty, cause of action, proximate cause and damages. It explains how an action is commenced and prosecuted, including pleadings, motions, pretrial conferences and trials. It brings together important subjects such as investigation, discovery, and experts. It explains how attorneys go about preparing for trial beginning with development of a legal theory, conducting legal analysis of claims and defenses, and developing trial strategies. Special attention is given to federal and state courts rules of civil procedure, so paralegals can understand and apply them. As chapters unfold, the book gives readers the opportunity to apply their new knowledge to various aspects of a hypothetical case. This book will also serve as a reference work which most paralegals will keep in their libraries for years to come.

Civil Law and Litigation for Paralegals is a comprehensive text designed specifically for paralegal civil litigation courses. Author Neal Bevans not only teaches the basics of civil litigation, but also gives students the opportunity to learn skills they will use in practice. In a balanced approach, Bevans covers all the key topics paralegals need to know in an easy-to-read and engaging style that utilizes numerous examples and illustrations but never overwhelms the student. The text provides students with an in-depth analysis of a wide variety of civil cases, beginning with laying out the basic foundation of the American legal system. It proceeds through the investigation and implementation of a civil case, and follows the case through to appeal. The text balances the theoretical underpinnings of the law with the practical examples and hands-on experience that all students need to completely understand the topic. The helpful pedagogy throughout the book and a comprehensive teaching package make class preparation as easy as possible. Features: Clear introduction to the fundamentals of civil litigation for paralegal students. Provides students with an in-depth analysis of a wide variety of civil cases, laying out the basic foundation of the American legal system, proceeding through the investigation and implementation of a civil case, and following the case through to appeal. Designed to help prepare students for the practical world of divorces, car wreck cases, and medical malpractice claims that they will see every day in civil practice. Each chapter presents students with examples of the important role that paralegals play in every stage of civil litigation, from client intake to bringing an appeal. Understandable writing style with strong pedagogy, resulting in a teachable and accessible text. Each chapter includes Practice Pointers, Search Suggestions, Tech Topics, and Legal Legwork boxes, along with case excerpts, forms, and ethics. Helpful pedagogy includes Chapter Objectives that focus learning and review, Boldfaced key terms and marginal definitions for convenient reference, Review questions at the end of each chapter, and references to web sites that facilitate legal research

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.

Litigation and Trial Practice for the Legal Assistant, sixth edition provides comprehensive coverage of the civil litigation practice for paralegals. This thoroughly revised text covers the litigation process from the pre suit investigation to the appeal. The text provides detailed information on how to assist the attorney at each phase as well as why each step is important to the clients success. Important topics such as litigation principles, lawyer and client relationship and ethics, gathering evidence, depositions, preparation for a civil trial, structure of a civil trial, judgments, appeals, and more are discussed in detail. A case study feature appears throughout the book and provides valuable opportunities for students to learn the practical, real life application of the concepts presented. The book also provides samples of the documents a litigation paralegal will most often be required to prepare. From the complaint and answer, to responses, to written discovery, to simple motions, this resource provides samples that a paralegal can readily adapt to real situations. Other special features of the text include chapter summaries that provide a quick overview of each topic, but with sufficient detail to really help the reader to understand the big picture of each chapter; and highlighted key terminology unique to litigation. A complete resource for the paralegal student, this book will also serve as a reference legal assistants can keep in their library for years to come. Important Notice: Media content referenced within the product description or the product text may not be available in the ebook version.