The intent is to provide not only an overview of the legal principles in a variety of areas of the law, but also to give a practical introduction to the kinds of duties and responsibilities that may face a paralegal in the workplace.Sufficiently comprehensive coverage of the sources of law, the courts system, basic legal terminology, legal research, civil law and discovery, criminal law, real estate, decedents' estates, domestic relations, and contracts.Specifically written for people who would like to know more about paralegal assisting or general subject areas of the law, but have little background in the area.

1. Introduction.
2. The Reading and Briefing of Cases.
3. Legal Analysis.
4. Legal Research.
5. Writing Skills.
6. Ethics.
7. Substantive Civil Law and Procedure.
8. Civil Discovery.
9. Criminal Law, Discovery, and Procedure.
10. Real Estate.
11. Decedents' Estates.
12. Domestic Relations.
13. Contracts.
14. The NALA CLA Examination.
Glossary.
Index.