| Class Hours: 3.0 | Instructor: |
| Laboratory Hours: 0.0 | Office No.: |
| Credit Hours: 3.0 | Phone No.: |
| Date Revised: 09-2008 | E-mail: |
Goldman, Thomas F., Technology in the Law Office, Pearson Education, 2008.I. WEEK/UNIT/TOPIC BASIS:
II. COURSE OBJECTIVES:
WEEK UNIT TOPIC(S) 1 Chapter 1 Introduction (0.5 hr.); Tech Support in the Law Office (1.0 hr.);Ethical Issues of Confidentiality, Security, Work Product (1.0 hr.); Future Trends (0.5 hr.) 2 Chapter 2 Computer Hardware- How a computer works (1.5); Software & Compatibility (1.0 hr); E-mail (0.5 hr). 3 Chapter 3 The Internet- development & function (0.5 hr.) Cookies, Pop-ups, hackers and computer security: firewalls, anti-virus software, pop-up blockers (1.0 hrs); Introduction to Phone-slips program (1.5 hours). 4 Chapters 4 and 5 Electronic Research (1.0 hr); Word Processing, templates, and file formats (1.0 hr); Security Features and on-line Word security modules (1.0 hr). 5 Chapters 6-8 Electronic Spreadsheets and templates (0.5); Databases (0.5 hr.); Electronic Document Storage (0.5 hr). E-filing and Federal Court CM/ECF (1.5 hr.) 6 Chapter 9 Basics of Office Management Software(1.0 hr); Calendar Maintenance Programs: Abacus Law software(2.0 hr) 7 → Timekeeping software: Tabs 3 software (2.0 hrs); Accounting software: Quickbooks (1.0 hr). 8 Chapter 10 Case Organization Management Software: CaseMap (2.0 hrs); Time-line graphics programs: TimeMap (1.0 hrs.) 9 Chapter 11 Integration of Case Organization Mgmt & time-line programs (0.5 hrs); E-Discovery (0.5 hr); Adobe Acrobat in law practice(2.0 hrs) 10 Chapter 12 Litigation Support: document processing (0.5 hr) & redaction (0.5 hr); Ethical issues in document delivery (1.0 hr). Use of scanners (1.0 hr); Summation software (3.0 hrs). 12 Chapter 13 Intro to Presentation and Trial Graphics(0.5 hr); Powerpoint for Litigators (2.0 hrs) 13 Chapters 14-15 The Electronic Courthouse: Use of the Document Camera (1.0 hr); Electronic equipment in the courtroom (1.0 hr); Working with courthouse tech staff, Federal Court tech training (0.5 hr.); Equipment compatibility issues (0.5 hr). 14 Chapter 14 Project: Preparing the Trial Presentation (3.0 hours) 15 → Final Examination
III. INSTRUCTIONAL PROCESSES:
- Demonstrate a complete and thorough understanding of legal ethics. I, III, V
- Demonstrate a thorough understanding of development of client forms. II, III, IV, V
- Demonstrate a complete and thorough understanding of the use of document management program basic functions. II, III, IV
- Demonstrate a complete and thorough understanding of the use of spreadsheets basic functions. II, III, IV
- Demonstrate a complete and thorough understanding of the use of the basic functions of databases. II, III, IV
- Demonstrate a complete and thorough understanding of the use of billing applications. II, III, IV
- Develop a complete and thorough understanding of the use of litigation support programs. II, III, IV
- Develop a complete and thorough understanding of the use of electronic court filing requirements. II, III, IV
- Develop a complete and thorough understanding of the use of online docket programs. II, III, IV
- Demonstrate a complete and thorough understanding of trial preparation software. II, III, IV, V
- Solve basic law office computer problems inherent in the daily operation of hardware and software. III, IV, V
- Develop Internet skills necessary for the law office. I, II, III, IV, V
- Demonstrate an understanding of the impact of the Rules of Civil Procedure on electronic documents and the use of technology in the law. I, II, III, IV, V
- Develop an understanding of the role of the technology support staff. I, III, V
The student will:IV. EXPECTATIONS FOR STUDENT PERFORMANCE:
- Practice elements of the work ethic such as professionalism, preparedness, punctuality, honesty, cooperation, dependability, contribution, effectiveness, good manners, etc. (Transitional Strategy, Personal Development Outcome, Cultural Diversity and Social Development Outcome)
- Refine reading skills and expand legal vocabularies through completion of weekly guided reading exercises that allows more effective communication with lawyers, legal professionals, and software providers. (Communication Outcome, Transitional Outcome)
- Carry out course assignments such as team discussions, team case studies, experiential exercises, oral, written, PowerPoint, Word, AbacusLaw, Lexis Nexis CaseMap, Tabs3, Trial Director, and other law-based software applications, Internet skills development, etc. that help develop a respect for diversity. (Communication Outcome, Personal Development Outcome, Information Literacy Outcome, Problem Solving and Decision Making Outcome, Cultural Diversity and Social Adaptation Outcome, Technological Literacy Outcome, Transitional Strategy, Active Learning Strategy)
- Take part in course assignments such as team discussions, team case studies, experiential exercises, oral, written, PowerPoint, Word, AbacusLaw, Lexis Nexis CaseMap, Tabs3, Trial Director,and other law-based software applications, Internet skills development, etc. that help develop teamwork, leadership, and followership skills. (Communication Outcome, Personal Development Outcome, Problem Solving and Decision Making Outcome, Cultural Diversity and Social Adaptation Outcome, Information Literacy Outcome, Transitional Strategy, Active Learning Strategy)
- Perform course assignments such as team discussions, team case studies, experiential exercises, oral, written, PowerPoint, Word, AbacusLaw, Lexis Nexis CaseMap, Tabs3, Trial Director, and other law-based software applications, Internet skills development, etc. that help develop critical thinking, problem solving, goal setting, and planning skills. (Communication Outcome, Personal Development Outcome, Problem Solving and Decision Making Outcome, Cultural Diversity and Social Adaptation Outcome, Information Literacy Outcome, Technological Literacy Outcome, Transitional Strategy, Active Learning Strategy)
- Listen to guest speakers from the legal community to learn the demands for law office computer software skills in the work world. (Personal Development Outcome, Problem Solving and Decision Making Outcome, Transitional Strategy.)
The student should be able to:V. EVALUATION:
- Recognize and avoid acts that constitute unethical behavior. (A)
- Use Word processing to prepare documents, letters and correspondence. (A, B, C, D, E, F)
- Use electronic spreadsheets to perform financial calculations and financial presentations. (B, C, D, E)
- Manage firm financial records, payroll, and client escrow accounts using accounting programs (B, C, D, E)
- Use calendaring to set deadlines, appointments, and hearing dates. (B, C, D, E, F)
- Prepare persuasive presentations with graphic presentation software. (G, I)
- Use trial presentation software to organize trial presentation. (G, I)
- Use internet search engines to find accurate and current legal information as well as factual information to support a case. (B, C, D, F)
- Maintain records and documents through databases. (C, D, G)
- Convert documents to electronic format. (G, I)
- Use document search features to locate relevant material in documents and exhibits. (C, D, E, G)
- Record accurate client time and billing with time and billing programs. (B, G, H)
VI. POLICIES:
- Testing Procedures:
Students are evaluated primarily on the basis of projects.
- Laboratory Expectations:
N/A
- Field Work:
Students will complete several skills projects. A supplementary syllabus describing the skills projects will be distributed the first week of class.
- Other Evaluation Methods:
- Class participation, group work, and homework will also comprise the final grade for the course. The instructor will provide full details the first week of class via a syllabus supplement.
- All tests and papers will be graded for spelling and English usage in addition to content and format.
- Any student encountering academic difficulty during the term is strongly encouraged to meet with the instructor to discuss options and solutions.
- Grading Scale:
A 93-100 B+ 88- 92 B 83- 87 C+ 78- 82 C 73- 77 D 65- 72 F 64 and below
- Attendance Policy:
Pellissippi State Technical Community College expects students to attend all scheduled instructional activities. As a minimum, students in all courses must be present for at least 75 percent of their scheduled class and laboratory meetings in order to receive credit for the course. [NOTE: No differentiation is noted for excused/unexcused absences. These will be treated as an absence.] (Pellissippi State 2006-2008 Online Catalog)
- Academic Dishonesty:
Plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of academic dishonesty are prohibited. Students guilty of academic misconduct, either directly or indirectly through participation or assistance, are immediately responsible to the instructor of the class. In addition to other possible disciplinary sanctions which may be imposed through the regular Pellissippi State procedures as a result of academic misconduct, the instructor has the authority to assign an F or a zero for the exercise or examination or to assign an F in the course. (Pellissippi State 2006-2008 Online Catalog)
- Computer Usage Guidelines:
College-owned or –operated computing resources are provided for use by students of Pellissippi State. All students are responsible for the usage of Pellissippi State's computing resources in an effective, efficient, ethical and lawful manner. (Pellissippi State 2006-2008 Online Catalog)
- Accommodation for Disabilities:
If you need accommodations because of a disability, if you have emergency medial information to share, or if you need special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please inform the instructor immediately. Please see the instructor privately after class or in his/her office. Students must present a current accommodation plan from a staff member in Services for Students with Disabilities (SSWD) in order to receive accommodations in this course. Services for Students with Disabilities may be contacted by going to Goins 127 or 131 or by phone: 694-6751 (Voice/TTY) or 539-7153.
- Late Work:
Late papers will not be accepted nor will make-up tests be given without specific approval of the instructor.