Foundations of Legal Research and Writing - Softcover

Bast, Carol M.; Hawkins, Margie A.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1133278299 ISBN 13: 9781133278290

Publisher: Cengage Learning, 2012

Synopsis

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.

About this title

About the Author:

Carol M. Bast is Associate Professor in the Department of Legal Studies at the University of Central Florida. She has won several professional awards, frequently presents at legal and academic conferences, and is an active member of the American Society of Writers on Legal Subjects and the Legal Writing Institute. Her many published works include articles on legal research, legal writing, eavesdropping, and wiretapping, as well as Foundations of Law and Florida Courts, a textbook. Carol Bast earned an M.B.A. from University of Central Florida, a Ph.D. in Spanish from University of Florida, and a J.D. from the New York Law School.

Margie Hawkins is a librarian with national law firm Holland & Knight LLP, and has expertise in computer-assisted legal research and the Internet. A member of the American Association of Law Libraries (A.A.L.L.) and the Orange County Bar Association, she also served on the Advisory Committee for the Valencia Community College Paralegal Studies Program for more than fourteen years. Ms. Hawkins received her Masters of Library and Information Science degree from the University of South Florida, and is a member of Beta Phi Mu, the international library and information science honor society. She holds undergraduate degrees in History and Legal Studies from the University of Central Florida.

Review:

1. Law and Sources of Law. 2. Legal Reasoning and Analysis. 3. Secondary Sources and Finding Tools. 4. The Judicial Branch and Cases. 5. Primary Sources: Constitutions, Statutes, Court Rules, and Administrative Law. 6. Citators. 7. Overview of the Research Process and Ethical Considerations. 8. Computer-Assisted Legal Research. 9. Introduction to Legal Writing. 10. Fundamentals of Writing. 11. Transmittal Letter and Client Opinion Letter. 12. Writing Contracts. 13. Pleadings. 14. Law Office Memo. 15. Memorandum of Law. 16. Appellate Brief. Appendices.

About this edition

• Publisher: Cengage Learning
• Publication date: 2012
• ISBN 10: 1133278299
• ISBN 13: 9781133278290
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 5
• Number of pages: 624