Language: English
Short Description: This program offers an in-depth view of the role of legal assistants play within the American legal system, specifically with respect to technology in the law office. Examining the myriad of skills legal assistants use everyday alongside the typical legal working environment, students will explore technology that helps to advance the goals of large law firms and individual attorneys.
This course provides an introduction to computer hardware and software fundamentals necessary to the successful operation of a law office, including an overview of traditional legal software, specialty law office and case management software, and litigation support software. From electronic research to eDiscovery and electronic database discovery (EDD), official eFiling and case management software, students will explore all of the different technological advances that have become standard in the legal industry. Students will also explore various methods for learning and keeping current with software updates as well as the various ethical issues that arise with the use of technology in a legal capacity.
Instructor Description: This class supported by an Educational Mentor. Educational mentors have worked or are working in the subject they mentor. Educational Mentors review student work, student progress, and interact with students as needed. They respond to any questions or concerns you might have, as well as encouraging and motivating you to succeed.
Requirements
All required reference materials are provided with this program. Technical requirements:
Internet Connection
• Broadband or High-Speed (DSL, Cable, Wireless)
Hardware Requirements
• Processor - 2GHz Processor or Higher
• Memory - 1 GB RAM Minimum Recommended
Software Requirements
• Operating Systems - Windows 7, 8 or 10; Mac OS x 10 or higher
• Microsoft Office 2007, 2010 or 2013 or a Word Processing application to save and open Microsoft Office formats (.doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .ppt, .pptx)
• Internet Browsers - Google Chrome is highly recommended
• Cookies MUST be enabled
• Pop-ups MUST be allowed (Pop-up Blocker disabled)
• Adobe PDF Reader
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Lesson 1
Course modules:
• A checklist of technology needs for a law office
• Plans for setting up technology system for a new law firm
• Legal issues using the Internet
• Security and ethical issues related to the use of the Internet in a law office
• Word processing software to prepare documents for a law office
• Electronic spreadsheet software to prepare documents for a law office
• Databases to store, sort and present client and/or case information
• Basic office management system using law office management software
• Case notebooks (using case management software)
• Responses to a discovery request
• Electronic presentations to use at trial
• Advantages and disadvantages of a paperless office
• The impact of federal and court rules on electronic discovery
• Court rules on the use of technology
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