Frederick Community College

 

LA-106–Law and Technology

 

  FALL 2011

 

Class begins: 8/22/2011

Class ends:  12/7/2011

Last Day to Withdraw: 11/2/2011

 

Instructor Information:

 

 

Name:   Graydon Moir

Office:  301-620-6238

E-mail:  gmoir@Frederick.edu

Home:  301-791-5931

Contact Hours: email and  by appointment for in-person meeting

Campus Mail Box #:  

           

Course Information:

 

Credits:  3

On-campus Meetings N/A(Web Based Course)

On-campus Exams:  N/A(Web Based Course)

Prerequisites:  LA 100, COS103

Co requisites: None

 

Course Description:

 

This course will prepare students for the increasing levels of computer literacy demanded by the legal profession.  The course will cover the basic features of a least one commonly used word processing program, database program, spreadsheet program, and calendaring, timekeeping and billing software.  The course covers the basic features of computer assisted legal research and other electronic resources.  The course will incorporate current technological trends utilized by the legal profession.

 

Core Learning Outcomes:

 

Upon completion of this course students will demonstrate

1. Define the importance of computers to the legal field

2. Utilize basic computer terminology and systems

3. Utilize a word processing program to edit, manipulate, and revise text to create legal documents

4. Manage a conflict of interest data base by storing, searching, sorting, and organizing data

5. Prepare a spreadsheet for Dividing Assets in Family Law using  spreadsheet software

6. Utilize legal specific software for timekeeping, billing, and docket control

7. Employ a variety of search engines  to conduct computerized-assisted legal research

 

 

 

 Instructional Methods:

 

1. Online Discussion

2. Interactive Software Demonstration

3. Hands-on Software Application Assignments

 

 How is this course organized:

 
  1. The textbook provides you with 2 CD-ROMs featuring the legal technology software.  You will need to install this software on your computer at the beginning of the semester to ensure that it is working for you.  If you do not have a computer, the software will be available in the computer lab.  
  1. In addition to the legal technology software, this course provides instruction on Microsoft Word 2003/7, Excel 2003/7, Outlook and PowerPoint 2003/7.  If you do not have these software programs at home, please plan to budget your time to work in the computer lab.  I will be instructing and demonstrating the 2003/7 version installed at the college.  If you need to complete your assignments using an older version and experience difficulties, you may contact me at home for additional help.   **Note:  The practical portions of your exam may require you to use 2003/7 Microsoft Office software.
  1. All graded work must have a cover sheet attached to the front indicating the chapter and the assignment number or project number.  A good idea would be to prepare your cover sheet in Word, save it, and use it for each lesson.
  1. The instructor reserves the right to adjust the assignments or schedule.  This may also change the date(s) of one or more of the exams.  Any affected due dates will also be adjusted.  In the event the schedule is adjusted, the student will remain responsible for all the assignments listed in the Assignment Sheet Handout.
  1. If you have any questions or concerns at any time, please feel free to talk with me about them.

 

Text(s) and Course Materials:

 

Matthew S. Cornick.  (2012). Using Computers in the Law Office.  Sixth Edition.  Delamar Learning:  Clifton Park, NY.

(Bundled package includes Text book and  Student Workbook with 1 CD-ROM in each.)

 

Progress Report:

 

By the end of the 4th week of the semester, you will have an opportunity to evaluate your progress in this course and decide if you need to make any adjustments (additional study, tutoring, conference with instructor) to assure your success in this course.

 

 

Evaluation Methods:

 

Tests / Papers / Projects / Participation

Percentage of Grade

Final Grade Scale

2 Exams

Hands On Applications (textbook practice for each software program)

Advanced Exercises, Questions, and Projects

Participation In Discussions

60%

15%

 

15%

10%

 

90-100 = A

80-89  = B

70-79  = C

65-69= D

Below 65= F

 

If the graded performance for online assignments differs significantly from the grade average for proctored assignments, the instructor reserves the right to administer additional tests.

 

Student Services

 

A variety of services are available to assist students in succeeding at FCC. Students can learn more about these services by visiting the Student Services web page: http://www.frederick.edu/student_services/index.aspx.

Students with disabilities who are in need of accommodations or who have questions related to disabilities services should contact the Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) office at 301-846-2408. Students can learn more about these services by visiting the Services for Students with Disabilities web page: http://www.frederick.edu/student_services/disability.aspx.

 

 Participation Policy:

 

 

  1. Unless otherwise indicated, assignments are due each Monday by midnight unless otherwise communicated. For instance, week 1 assignments will be due on the following Monday.    Five points will be deducted from each assignment for every week they are late.
  1. There are two examinations scheduled for this class.   Part of the examinations will include multiple choice and true/false questions.  The major component of each examination will require using the software covered in those chapters.  Student should expect to generate legal documents using the appropriate software.  For example:  In Exam I, you may be expected to create a pleading using Word 2003/7.
  1. Participation points are based on active participation in the threaded discussions, and completion of online software demonstration exercises.

 

 Email Policy:

 

With the exception of MOL students, all FCC students will receive and are expected to use their FCC email address for correspondence with faculty and staff at the college. Students can establish and access their FCC email accounts at https://myfcc.frederick.edu. Email is an instructional tool essential to student-instructor and student-student communication. In the Blackboard environment by default, your email address is available to all students in this course.

However, students are permitted to use email addresses of other students in this course only for the purpose and the duration of this course.

The instructor can be expected to respond to regular student email inquiries (grades, posted assignments, and tests excluded) within the time frame of 24 to 48 hours.

 

Academic Integrity:

 

Work in this course is subject to the provisions of the FCC Code of Academic Integrity. Plagiarism in any form will not be tolerated. As a student, it is your job to practice academic honesty at ALL times.  Make sure that all sources, particularly Internet sources, get proper credit for quotations, paraphrases, and ideas. More information about this and the Student Conduct Code are available at http://www.frederick.edu/student_services/studentpolicies.aspx

You must send your Academic Integrity Pledge to the instructor. The form is available at http://courses.frederick.edu/_utilities/regform.htm
 

 

 

 

 

Topical Outline (ONLINE COURSES)

 

Week

Date

Subject

Content

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

8/22

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

·       Chapter 1:  Computers in the Law Office

 

 

 

 

 

 

THEORY - Chapter 1:

·       Intro. to Computers and Law

·       Elementary Computer Concepts

·       How Computers Can Help the Legal Assistant

·       Legal Technology Trends

·       Legal Ethics and Computer Technology

 

 

2

 

 

 

 

 

 

3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8/29

 

 

 

 

 

 

9/5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

·       Chapter 1:  Computer Hardware and Software

 

 

 

 

THEORY-Chapter 1:

·       A Computer System Overview

·       System Unit Components

·       Peripheral Devices

·       Size Classifications of Computers

·       Local and Wide Area Networks

·       HW/SW Security/Ethics

·       Operating System Software

·       Windows Operating System

·       Utility Software

·       Application Software

·       Kinds of Software

·       Software in Law Firm

4

9/12

·       Chapter 2:  Word Processing (Word 2003/7)

 

 

 

 

 

THEORY - Chapter 2:

·       The Word Processing Cycle

·       Word Processing Systems

·       Word Processing Programs

·       Word Processing Fundamentals

·       Word Processing in the Legal Environment

·       Ethical Considerations

5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9/26

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SOFTWARE - WORD 2003/7

·       Word Rules

·       Editing and Formatting

·       Menu/Toolbars

·       Creating Tables

·       Typing/Editing  a Letter & Pleading

·       Creating Templates

·       Mail Merge Documents

·       Table of Authorities

·       Track Changes

6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10/3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

·       Chapter 3:  Spreadsheet Software (Excel 2003/7)

 

 

THEORY - Chapter 3:

·       What is a Spreadsheet

·       “What If” Analysis

·       Spreadsheet Structure & Organization

·       Spreadsheet Fundamentals

·       Spreadsheet Planning

·       Spreadsheets in the Legal Env.

·       Ethical Considerations

7

10/10

 

SOFTWARE - Excel 2003/7

·       Overview/Basics

·       Numbers/Formulas

·       Budget Spreadsheet

·       Damage Projection Spreadsheet

·       Child Support Payment Spreadsheet

·       Stock Portfolio Spreadsheet

·        

8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10/17

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

·       Chapter 4:  Legal Timekeeping and Billing Software

    (Tabs3)

THEORY – CHAPTER 4

·       Introduction

·       Manual vs. Computerized

·       Legal Fee Agreements

·       Legal Expenses

·       Timekeeping & Billing for LA

·       Functions of Successful Billing

·       Computerized Fundamentals

·       Integrating

9

10/24

·       Chapter 4:  Legal Timekeeping and Billing Software

     (Tabs3)

THEORY – CHAPTER 4

·       Introduction

·       Manual vs. Computerized

·       Legal Fee Agreements

·       Legal Expenses

·       Timekeeping & Billing for LA

·       Functions of Successful Billing

·       Computerized Fundamentals

Integrating

10

10/31

EXAM I (Chapters 1-4)

 

 

Exam I

 

11

11/7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 5: Database, Case Management and Docket Control Software (Amicus Law and Outlook 2003/7 Calendar)

THEORY - Chapter 5:

·       Database, Fields, Records

·       Calendaring, Docket Control, Case Management

·       Manual Docket Control

·       Types of Computerized Systems

·       Docket Cycle

SOFTWARE  - Amicus Attorney

·       Introduction

·       Managing Files

·       Working with Contact Module

·       Using the Calendar Module

·       Managing Timesheets

·       Working with New Matters

12

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11/14

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 6: Electonic Discovery  

THEORY - Chapter 6:

·       Electronic Discovery Overview

·       The Federal Rules of Civil Proceddure and Electronically Stored Information

·       Producing and Receiving ESI

 

13

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11/21

·       Chapter 7:  Litigation Support (Summation iBlaze)

 

 

THEORY – Chapter 7

·       Why Litigation Support

·       Manual and Support Methods

·       Overview of Computerized Litigation S.

·       Types of Computerized L.S. Systems

·       Searching & Retrieving Data

·       Questions and Fears about

SOFTWARE:  Summation iBlaze

·       Introduction

·       Exploring Databases

·       Searching Summation Databases

·       Marking Up a Document

·       Working with Transcripts

·       Working with Case Organizer

·       Customize the Column Core Database View

·       Additional Search Techniques

·       Slideshow

·       Loading a Transcript, pleading and entering a Document Abstract

·       Creating a New Case

 

SOFTWARE:   CaseMap

·       Introduction

·       Working with Facts Spreadsheet

·       Working with Objects Spreadsheet

·       Working with Issues Spreadsheet

·       Advanced Features

·       Creating a New Case

Entering Issues and Facts

·       Finish Software CaseMap

 

14

 

 

 

 

 

 

11/28

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

·       Chapter 8:  The Internet

     and Electronic Mail                                                                                                                                                  (Internet Explorer

·       and  Outlook 2003/7)

 

 

 

THEORY – Chapter 8:

·       Introduction to Internet

·       Use of Internet

·       Searching and Finding on WWW

·       Internet Legal Research

·       Legal Organization Web Pages

·       Intranet

·       Electronic Mail

SOFTWARE - Outlook 2003/7:

Outlook Basics

15

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12/5

 

 

 

 

 

 

·       Chapter 9:  Computer Assisted Legal Research and CD-ROM Legal Database

 

Electronic Courthouse, Automated Courtroom, and Presentation Graphics (PowerPoint 2003/7)

 

 

·       Finish Chapter 9

Students to independently study Software:  TimeMap

THEORY – Chapter 9:

  • CALR
  • WESTLAW
  • LEXIS-NEXIS
  • LOISLAW

 

Electronic Courthouse

Automated Courtroom

Presentation Graphics in Legal Env.

Overview of Pres. Software

 

SOFTWARE – PowerPoint 2003/7

·       Basics

·       Overview of Creating Using Template

·       Creating from Scratch

·       Design Basics

·       Rules for Design and Presenting

·       Tables/Graphs

·       Clip Art

Animation and Slide Transitions

 

15

12/7

Final Exam

Exam II-Final

 

 

 

 

NOTE:  Your instructor reserves the right to make changes to this outline as needed.