Foundations of Legal Research and Writing

Author: Carol M. Bast, J.D.; Margie A. Hawkins
Edition: 005
Product Type: Bound Book
ISBN 13: 9781133278290
ISBN 10: 1133278299
Copyright: 2013

Price: $179.95

Request a Review Copy

Description:

FOUNDATIONS OF LEGAL RESEARCH AND WRITING, Fifth Edition is the ideal resource for paralegals. The book's up-to-the-minute coverage tackles the ever-evolving areas of computer-assisted research and Cyber law, in addition to traditional legal research, analysis, and writing. Extensive research chapters address primary and secondary sources, citating, Lexis/Nexis, the Internet, and more, while writing sections center on drafting client opinion letters, pleadings, contracts, office memos, memoranda of law, and appellate briefs. Every chapter gives you practice writing opportunities, as well as traditional and computer-assisted research assignments to help develop your skills. Detailed case excerpts, samples, tips, and discussions further support the assignments, and illustrate the many perils of inadequate research and poor legal writing. Readers everywhere agree that FOUNDATIONS OF LEGAL RESEARCH AND WRITING, Fifth Edition delivers the concepts you need for success in the most demanding law firms and legal departments today.

Features:

All-new material on electronic filing, discovery, the duty to prevent spoliation of evidence (and pertinent rule changes), and coverage of the H.I.P.A.A. standards helps students grasp the importance of relatively new practice areas.
Updates to the law, rules of procedure, evidence, ethics standards, and other legal foundations give students and instructors the latest information available.
Discussions of LexisNexis and Westlaw include added research tips and exhibits to deliver a better understanding of these well-used legal research tools. Updated examples of Internet legal research websites also show readers the importance of computer-assisted research in the practice of law today.
New and revised forms, task examples, Web resources, tables, and charts add depth to the material while helping readers decipher complex topics.
More analysis problems, study features, review questions, and Internet applications enhance the topics and help readers of all learning styles get ahead.
The text examines legal research, analysis, and writing from the working paralegal's perspective, and uses a hands-on approach to teach the skills readers need for successful careers.
Written for the reader with little or no legal experience, the book delivers topics using a conversational tone that easily draws students into the material.
Intriguing examples of actual situations where inadequate research and writing caused professional problems helps readers identify hazards in the workplace—and avoid career-limiting mistakes.
Annotated sample documents include tips for writing more effectively, while building confidence through practice.
The updated appendices provide supplemental information on a variety of legal subjects—from Mechanical Errors and Citation Rules to Technology and Web resources— making it a great reference for the classroom and beyond.
The "Research Tip," "Legal Analysis Tip," "Writing Tip," and "You be the Judge" features throughout the text highlight important advice and procedures.