Objective:
The objective of this lesson is to equip paralegals with an in-depth understanding of how technological advancements impact the paralegal profession and to provide them with actionable skills to adapt to and leverage these changes. By the end of this lesson, learners will be able to identify key technological tools and processes in the legal field, understand their practical applications, and implement them to enhance their work efficiency and effectiveness.
Comprehensive Content Overview:
Paralegal skills have traditionally included competencies such as research, document preparation, case management, and communication. However, with the advent of new technologies, these skills have expanded to include proficiency with legal software, electronic discovery, case management platforms, and more. This technological shift demands that paralegals not only learn to use these tools but also develop an understanding of how they can transform legal services.
In-depth Explanations with Actionable Insights:
Legal Research Software: Tools like Westlaw and LexisNexis have revolutionized legal research. Paralegals must learn to use Boolean search logic, filter results effectively, and leverage the software’s citation tools to work more efficiently.
Example: When tasked with finding case law on “negligence in the workplace,” a paralegal can use the following search string in Westlaw or LexisNexis: “negligence /s workplace /p damages.” This search will return cases where negligence and workplace are ...
