Civil Litigation: A Case Study

Using a conversational, step-by-step approach, this book offers readers an ideal opportunity to develop and analyze a trip- and-fall case. The book's premise involves two novice paralegals who have just completed a legal studies program and who are beginning to work on their first case in a law office. One works for a firm that only handles plaintiff cases; the other for a defense law firm. Readers follow the case as it unfolds from the perspective of each paralegal—from development and analysis, to pretrial activity, trial proceedings, testimony, and dialogue. The book is packed with explanations of what, how, and why, and sample documents prepared at each stage of the case, from both sides. Pre-Suit Activity. The Pleadings Stage from the Plaintiff's Perspective. The Pleadings Stage from the Defendant's Perspective. The Written Discovery State. Depositions. Video Deposition of the Surgeon. Continued Negotiations, Physical Examination of the Plaintiff, and Deposition of the Defendant's Expert. Pretrial Motions, Orders of the Court, and Hearings Before the Court. Final Trial Preparations. Voir Dire and Opening Statements. Plaintiff's Case in Chief. Defendant's Case in Chief. Closing Arguments, Jury Deliberations and the Verdict. Post-Trial Motions. For Paralegals.