PRL 104 - Legal Tech and eDiscovery

Credits: 3
Lecture Hours: 45
Lab Hours: 0
Practicum Hours: 0
Work Experience: 0
Course Type: Voc/Tech

This course will cover the fundamentals of how to use computer technology to accomplish tasks performed by paralegals in the legal industry. Topics examined include software applications involving document creation, assembly and management. Practical experience will be gained with Microsoft Office, presentation tools, legal timekeeping and billing software, case management, docket control software and litigation support software that includes E-filing, electronic discovery and ethical considerations.
Competencies

Examine Technology in the Legal Environment
1. Explain how Technology is used in the Legal Industry
2. Identify Potential Benefits, Risks and Issues Arising out of the use of Technology in the Legal Industry
Describe Future Trends in Law Office Technology
1. Investigate Ethical Considerations in Technology
2. Explain the Impact of Technology on the Duty of Confidentiality
3. Discuss the Impact of Technology on the Duty of Competency
Compare Word Processing, PDF File Creation and Document Assembly in the Legal Environment
1. Demonstrate the Ability to Create, Edit, Format, Share and Publish Common Legal Documents of Professional Quality
2. Explain how Legal Professionals use Word Processing Software
Distinguish Spreadsheet Software in the Legal Environment
1. Demonstrate the Ability to Create, Use and Format Spreadsheets,including using Formulas and Creating Charts and Graphs
2. Explain how Legal Professionals use Spreadsheets
Research the Internet, Email, Emerging Technologies and Social Networking
1. Explain the use of the Internet in the Legal Environment
2. Demonstrate Effective and Professional Use of Email and Other Computer-Based Communication Systems
3. Identify the Opportunities, Advantages and Risks Associated with the Use of the Internet, Email, Social Networking Websites and Emerging Technologies in the Legal Environment.
Evaluate Filing and Managing Cases Electronically with Court Database Systems
1. Describe the Characteristics of Electronic Filing and Case Management
2. Explain the Process of Searching for, Filing and Retrieval of Documents Electronically from the Court System’s Database
Contrast Legal Timekeeping and Billing Software
1. Discuss Automated Timekeeping and Billing Systems
2. Explain the Different Types of Legal Fee Agreements
Outline Docket Control, Case Management and Calendaring Systems
1. Define Docket Control, Case Management and Calendaring Systems
2. Demonstrate Entry of Data, Search and Retrieval and Generation of Reminders and Reports Using Automated Docket Control, Case Management and Calendaring Systems
Evaluate Electronic Discovery
1. Explain the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure Relating to Discovery of Electronically Stored Information (ESI)
2. Describe the Process of Requesting, Producing and Reviewing ESI
3. Discuss the Process of Preparing for Electronic Discovery