Final Prep Flashcards
What is a paralegal?
A legal professional who works under the direct supervision of an attorney
Formal recognition of a paralegal
NALA, NFPA, NALS
What does AAfPE stand for?
American Association for Paralegal Education
AAfPE is an organization that represents paralegal education programs.
What does ABA stand for in the context of paralegal education?
American Bar Association
ABA establishes guidelines and standards for paralegal education.
What is the significance of the year 1974 in paralegal education?
Introduction of educational regulations for paralegals
This year marked important developments in the formal recognition and regulation of paralegal education.
What is paralegal certification?
Formal recognition for being a paralegal
Certification can enhance a paralegal’s professional credibility and job prospects.
What are some organizations that offer paralegal certification?
- NALS
- NAPI
- State Certification Organizations
These organizations provide various certification programs for paralegals.
Fill in the blank: The law that is mooted in the case is referred to as _______.
[the law]
This term refers to the legal principles or statutes that are discussed in a legal case.
What does APC stand for in the context of paralegal certification?
Advanced Paralegal Certification
APC is a credential that signifies advanced knowledge and skills in the paralegal profession.
True or False: NALS is an organization related to paralegal education and certification.
True
NALS stands for the National Association of Legal Assistants and offers certification and education for paralegals.
What does the term ‘coverage of substantio’ likely refer to?
[the coverage of substantive law]
This likely pertains to the area of law that paralegals are educated about and work with.
What does ‘Substantive law’ establish?
Principles of law that govern rights and duties
Substantive law defines the legal relationship between individuals and the state.
What is ‘Procedural law’?
Sets the rules and methods for enforcing substantive law
Procedural law outlines the process for legal proceedings.
Fill in the blank: Substantive law establishes principles of _______.
[law that govern rights and duties]
True or False: Procedural law is concerned with the enforcement of rights and duties.
True
Procedural law provides the framework for how rights and duties are enforced in a court.
What are the two main categories of law discussed?
- Substantive law
- Procedural law
What is the Rule of Threes in relation to profit?
3 - profit
The Rule of Threes suggests a framework for understanding profit structures.
What does the term ‘sole proprietorship’ refer to?
A business owned and run by one individual
In a sole proprietorship, the owner keeps all profits but is also personally liable for all debts.
What is a key mistake associated with sole proprietorship?
Keeping all personal and business debts intertwined
Mixing personal and business finances can lead to legal and financial complications.
What type of business structure involves multiple owners?
Partnerships
Partnerships can be structured in various ways, including general partnerships and limited partnerships.
What is a professional contract?
A written agreement outlining the terms of a professional relationship
Professional contracts help to clarify the expectations and responsibilities of each party.
What are office filing procedures?
Organized methods for storing and retrieving documents
Effective office filing procedures enhance efficiency and ensure compliance with legal requirements.
Fill in the blank: The agreement is a _______.
[written contract]
Written contracts are essential for formalizing agreements and protecting the parties involved.
What is the purpose of a retainer agreement?
To outline the terms under which a client engages a professional for ongoing services
Retainer agreements specify the services provided and the payment structure.
True or False: A sole proprietorship limits the owner’s personal liability.
False
In a sole proprietorship, the owner is personally liable for all business debts.
What does a paralegal do?
A paralegal performs tasks that an attorney does but at a lower billable rate.
What is the APC?
Advanced Paralegal Certification.
What is a key term associated with the legal field?
Contingency Fee Agreement.
Fill in the blank: A paralegal is someone who _______.
assists attorneys in legal tasks.
What does ‘real section’ refer to in legal terms?
It is not clearly defined in the text.
What is one financial aspect of a paralegal’s work?
They typically generate less revenue for law firms compared to attorneys.
True or False: Paralegals can operate independently of attorneys.
False.
What is the certification for an interned legal practitioner?
Paralegal Certification.
What is the benefit of a lower billable rate for paralegals?
It makes legal services more affordable.
What type of agreement is commonly associated with personal injury cases?
Contingency Fee Agreement.
What are Mort codes?
State based or a Canno
Mort codes may refer to legal codes or regulations governing specific actions or behaviors in a state context.
What are formal sanctions against attorneys?
Penalties imposed for misconduct
Formal sanctions can include reprimands, suspensions, or disbarments depending on the severity of the misconduct.
Define reprimand in a legal context.
Formal scolding of a lawyer
A reprimand is typically issued by a legal authority as a warning for improper conduct.
What does suspension mean in legal terms?
Temporary removal from practice
Suspension can occur for a specified period during which the attorney is not allowed to practice law.
What is the purpose of calling in legal contexts?
To ensure proper legal procedures are followed
Calling serves as a formal mechanism to address legal matters.
What does ‘liable’ refer to in legal terms?
Being legally responsible for something
Liability can arise from various circumstances, including contracts and torts.
What is meant by ‘the states of the employer’s property’?
The condition and status of property owned by the employer
This can include physical assets, intellectual property, and real estate.
Fill in the blank: The legal principle of _______ implies that one can be held accountable for their actions.
liability
True or False: Calling is irrelevant in legal proceedings.
False
Calling is essential for ensuring adherence to legal standards.
What must be carefully followed in legal proceedings?
Legal procedures
This includes following statutory requirements and procedural rules.
What does ‘employer’s property’ encompass?
Physical assets, intellectual property, real estate
Employer’s property can include all tangible and intangible assets owned by the employer.
Fill in the blank: An employer can be held _______ for damages caused by their employees.
liable
What is the consequence of failing to properly call in legal contexts?
Potential legal repercussions
Not following legal calling procedures may lead to invalidation of claims or defenses.
What is a paralegal?
A paralegal is a professional who assists lawyers in their legal work, including research and document preparation.
Fill in the blank: The communication as appropriate relates to the _______ of the employer’s property.
[employer’s property]
True or False: Paralegals can represent clients in court.
False
What role do paralegals play in the legal field?
Paralegals provide support to lawyers by conducting research, drafting documents, and organizing case files.
Fill in the blank: Paralegals must adhere to _______ regarding client confidentiality.
[rules and ethical standards]
List three tasks that paralegals typically perform.
- Conducting legal research
- Drafting legal documents
- Assisting in case preparation
What is the importance of communication in a paralegal’s role?
Effective communication is crucial for relaying information between clients and attorneys.
Fill in the blank: Paralegals are often involved in _______ to ensure compliance with legal standards.
[document preparation and review]
True or False: Paralegals can give legal advice to clients.
False
What is a key responsibility of paralegals concerning employer’s property?
To manage and protect the confidentiality of the employer’s property.
What is the main topic of Week 3 in the agenda?
Introduction to Paralegal Studies
What activity is scheduled for Week 3?
Discuss LK 3 and take the LK 3 quiz
What is the purpose of ‘Void Ab Initio’?
To declare a legal act invalid from the outset
Fill in the blank: The agenda for Week 3 includes ___ discussions.
LK 3
True or False: The Week 3 agenda includes a quiz.
True
Jurisdiction
The court must have personal jurisdiction and property and subject matter jurisdiction
Massachusetts long arm statute
Bring a lawsuit against a non resident with minimum contacts can be prosecuted in Mass
ADR
Alternative dispute resolution
Standing to sue
A sufficient stake in a controversy to bring a lawsuit, plaintiff must show damages and injury
Justiciable controversy
A controversy that is real as opposed to hypothetical or academic
Jurisdiction
The power of a court to hear a case
Subject matter jurisdiction
What kind of cases the court hears
Probate court
Court that handles possessions when u pass away
Appellate jurisdiction
Court of appeal
Concurrent jurisdiction
Court that hears both federal and state courts can hear the case
Exclusive jurisdiction
Only state or federal cases heard
Docket
List of cases heard by the court that day
Arbitration
Like mediation but arbitrator makes decision
Hearing
Where evidence is heard
Binding mediation
If parties don’t agree mediator makes decision
Mini trial
Private proceedings assist disputing parties in determining whether case goes to trial
Collaborative Law
All parties with attorneys meet to resolve issues without litigation
ODR
Online dispute resolution
Cost of ADR for those that can’t afford it
Free
No fault divorce
Divorce is granted no grounds needed
Legal custody
Decision making child custody
Physical custody
Children live with
Custodial parent
Child lives with
UCCJEA
Uniform child custody jurisdiction enforcement act
Vacuum last resort jurisdiction
Jurisdiction based on the fact that no other state is willing and in the child’s best interest
Legal standards in custody decisions
Availability, stability, and gender is not deciding factor
Emergency jurisdiction
Temporary jurisdiction based on a child’s physical presence and a need for emergency protection
Parent Education course
Divorcing parents of minor children must take
Guardian ad litem
Court appointed guardian to speak and advocate for a child in a hearing
Parents patriae doctrine
“Parent of the country “ that the government has a standing to act on the benefit of a child
Pleadings
The complaint, answer to the complaint,any cross complaints
Motion for summary judgment
Court knows all evidence inf it needs,no reason for trial
Formal discovery
A set of procedures that parties can use to gain information about each other
Types of fee arrangements for attorneys
Flat fee, hourly rate, contingent ( attorney gets % of damages) split fee; divided fee among attorneys
Ethical rules
Standards of conduct to which members must uphold
Malpractice complaints
Failure to properly advise, failure to investigate all assets, failure to protect pensions and retirement
A pleading
Filed by a defendant in response to a complaint