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| Welcome to the Law Office | |
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| Introduction | |
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| Office Manual | |
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| The Paralegal Handbook: Office Orientation | |
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| The Court Systems | |
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| A Case Roadmap | |
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| Summary | |
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| The Initial Interview | |
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| Introduction | |
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| The Interview Plan | |
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| The Interview | |
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| Summarizing the Interview | |
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| Keeping the Client Informed | |
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| Summary | |
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| Evidence and Investigation | |
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| Introduction | |
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| The Relationship of Evidence Law to Investigation | |
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| Planning the Investigation | |
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| Ethical and Related Considerations | |
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| Gathering the Evidence | |
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| Preserving Evidence | |
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| Reviewing the Informal Investigation | |
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| Summary | |
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| Drafting the Complaint | |
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| Introduction | |
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| The Complaint in Detail | |
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| Exhibits and Appendices | |
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| System Checklist for Drafting a Complaint | |
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| Sample Complaints | |
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| Injunctions | |
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| Summary | |
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| Filing the Lawsuit, Service of Process, and Obtaining a Default Judgment | |
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| Introduction | |
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| Preparing Documents for Filing an Action and for Service of Process | |
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| Filing the Lawsuit | |
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| Service of Process | |
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| Reference Guide and Checklist for Methods of Service | |
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| Obtaining a Default Judgment | |
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| Summary | |
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| Defending and Testing the Lawsuit: Motions, Answers, and Other Responsive Pleadings | |
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| Introduction | |
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| Motions in General | |
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| Motion to Dismiss | |
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| Removal of State Action to Federal Court | |
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| Computation of Time | |
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| Drafting the Answer, Counterclaim, and Cross-Claim | |
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| Third-Party Practice (Impleader) | |
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| Amending and Supplementing the Pleadings | |
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| Motion for Judgment on the Pleadings | |
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| Motion for Summary Judgment | |
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| Keeping a Pleading Record | |
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| Pleadings, Motions, and Time Limits | |
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| Summary | |
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| Discovery: Overview and Interrogatories | |
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| Overview of Discovery | |
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| Interrogatories | |
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| Answering Interrogatories | |
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| Analyzing the Answer and Compelling a Response | |
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| Summary | |
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| Discovery: Depositions | |
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| Depositions | |
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| Digesting Depositions and Other Documents | |
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| Summary | |
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| Discovery: Document Production and Control, Medical Exams, Admissions, and Compelling Discovery | |
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| Introduction | |
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| Production of Documents and Things and Entry Upon Land for Inspection and Other Purposes | |
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| Preparing for Production of Documents and Things | |
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| Production Procedure | |
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| Request for Physical and Mental Examination | |
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| Reviewing and Interpreting Medical Records and Other Technical Documents and Reports | |
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| Request for Admission (Rule 36) | |
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| Objections, Compelling Discovery, and Sanctions | |
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| The Freedom of Information Act | |
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| Organizing Files | |
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| Summary | |
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| Settlement and Other Alternative Dispute Resolutions | |
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| Introduction | |
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| Settlement | |
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| Settlement Forms | |
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| Other Alternative Dispute Resolutions: Arbitration, Mediation, and Summary Trials | |
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| Summary | |
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| Trial Preparation and Trial | |
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| Trial Preparation | |
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| Assistance at Trial | |
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| Summary | |
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| Post-Trial Practice from Motions to Appeal | |
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| Introduction | |
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| Post-Trial Motions | |
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| Judgment and Bill of Costs | |
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| Enforcement of the Judgment | |
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| Appeal | |
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| Summary | |
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| System Folder Contents | |
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| The Substantive Law of Torts | |
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| The Substantive Law of Contracts | |
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| A Mini-Guide for Interpreting Medical Records | |
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| Glossary | |
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| Index | |