Litigation and Trial Practice for the Legal Assistant

This book is the most comprehensive text available and examines all facets of civil litigation. This is the only litigation text for the paralegal that makes an effort to explain legal theory and trial strategy. The focus is on judicial procedures and rules of law, not generic law office procedures. The authors' objective is to make paralegal full members of the litigation team so they know what is happening and what the next step should be. Paralegals should feel as though they are contributors, not merely assisting. Since civil litigation is directed and controlled by the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, this book 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.

William Hart devotes his practice to appellate law, focusing on insurance coverage and general litigation matters. He has been voted a Minnesota Superlawyer and is currently listed in the top 100 of Minnesota Superlawyers and in the top 10 of Minnesota¿s appellate practitioners. He is also a frequent lecturer on appellate practice and procedure.

Roderick Blanchard has been a litigator for over twenty-five years. He previously taught civil litigation to paralegals at the University of Minnesota and is now a practicing attorney.

Janis Walter, J.D., is a professor of Paralegal Studies at the University of Cincinnati where she coordinates and teaches in the university's ABA-approved paralegal program, a position she has held since 1988. She has served as the chair of the American Bar Association's Approval Commission on Paralegals since 2012 and previously served as a commissioner and on the Standing Committee for Paralegals. In addition, she has chaired and served as the educational representative on many site teams evaluating paralegal programs. An active member of the American Association for Paralegal Education, Professor Walter has developed model syllabi and served as editor of the PARALEGAL EDUCATOR. She has presented at many different forums on topics ranging from teaching effectiveness to handling adoptions. She is also the author of THE OHIO COURTS, widely popular CD case studies covering civil litigation, criminal law, and family law, and developed three learning labs for a virtual law office. Professor Walter holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science and a law degree from Salmon P. Chase College of Law. She is licensed to practice in Kentucky and Ohio and before the United States Supreme Court.