Frederick Community College

LA106-Law and Technology

Summer 2009

 

Instructor Information:

 

Name:   Graydon Moir

Phone Number: 301-620-6238

            HOME: 301-791-5931

E-mail:  gmoir@frederick.edu

 

 

Lab Room –Web Based Course

 

Course Information:

 

Credits: 3

Last Day to Withdraw: June 22, 2009  

Prerequisites:  LA 100, COS103

Co-requisites: None

Meeting Day(s):  N/A(Web Based Course)

Meeting Time(s): N/A(Web Based Course)

 

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:

 

By the completion of the course students will:

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:

Online Discussion

Interactive Software Demonstration

Hands-on Software Application Assignments

 

 

 

Text(s) for Course:

 

Roper, Brent.  (2008). Using Computers in the Law Office.  Fifth Edition.  Delamar Learning:  Clifton Park, NY.

(Includes 2 CD-ROM Sample Applications)

 

Evaluation Methods: 

Tests / Papers / Projects

Percentage of Grade

Final Grade Scale

 

2 Exams

60%

A= 90-100%

Hands On Applications (textbook practice for each software program)

15%

B= 80-89%

Advanced Exercises, Questions, and Projects

15%

C= 70-79%

Participation In Discussions

10%

D= 60-69%

 

 

F= 59% or below

 

 

Progress Report:

By the end of the third 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.

 

 

Attendance Policy:  

Students are expected to attend all scheduled class sessions except in cases of serious illness, emergency, religious holidays, or mandatory participation in official College functions.  Make-up work will be allowed for excused absences at the instructor’s discretion.  This is a web based course but you will be required to complete one proctored exam at the Frederick Community College Testing Center.  Date to be deterimined.

 

CLASS PROCEDURES AND NOTES:

 
  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, Access, 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.   This is a hands-on class and access to the appropriate software is imperative.  You may use older versions of the software, such as 2000.  However, please expect to find significant differences in certain features.  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 will 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.
  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.

 

 

Students with Disabilities:

 

FCC provides reasonable accommodations to otherwise qualified students with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) and amendments.  Students with disabilities who are in need of accommodations must contact the Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) office at 301-846-2408 (A Building, Room 106A) in order to request and apply for services.  The SSD office will require appropriate documentation of a disability.  Questions related to accommodations or services can be directed to the SSD office.  Additional information related to services can be viewed at the following FCC web page:  http://www.frederick.edu/student_services/disability.aspx. 

If you currently receive services from the SSD office, please submit your Student Success Plan to me and make an appointment with me to discuss your accommodations and needs in class.  I will hold any information you share with me in strict confidence unless you give me permission to do otherwise.

 

TOPICAL OUTLINE

 

Sect.

Date

Subject

Content

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

5/30

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

·         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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5/30

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

·         Chapter 2:  Computer Hardware and Software

 

·         Appendix A (and supplemental lecture/demonstration) Windows XP

 

 

THEORY-Chapter 2:

·         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

3

6/1

·         Chapter 3:  Word Processing (Word 2003/7)

 

 

 

 

 

THEORY - Chapter 3:

·         The Word Processing Cycle

·         Word Processing Systems

·         Word Processing Programs

·         Word Processing Fundamentals

·         Word Processing in the Legal Environment

·         Ethical Considerations

4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6/1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6/8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

·         Chapter 4:  Spreadsheet Software (Excel 2003/7)

 

·          

THEORY - Chapter 4:

·         What is a Spreadsheet

·         “What If” Analysis

·         Spreadsheet Structure & Organization

·         Spreadsheet Fundamentals

·         Spreadsheet Planning

·         Spreadsheets in the Legal Env.

·         Ethical Considerations

6

6/8

 

SOFTWARE - Excel 2003/7

·         Overview/Basics

·         Numbers/Formulas

·         Budget Spreadsheet

·         Damage Projection Spreadsheet

·         Child Support Payment Spreadsheet

·         Stock Portfolio Spreadsheet

·          

7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6/15

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

·         Chapter 5:  Database Management Systems (Access 2002)

Theory – Database Management Systems

Software – Access 2003/7

·         What is Database?

·         Database Structure

·         DBMS Programs

·         Functions

·         Planning and Design

·         Creating a Table

·         Entering & Editing Data

·         Creating Forms

·         Searching, Sorting, and Querying the Database

·         Creating Reports

·         Types of DBMSs

8

6/15

·         Chapter 6:  Legal Timekeeping and Billing Software (PC Law)

 

THEORY – CHAPTER 6

·         Introduction

·         Manual vs. Computerized

·         Legal Fee Agreements

·         Legal Expenses

·         Timekeeping & Billing for LA

·         Functions of Successful Billing

·         Computerized Fundamentals

Integrating

9

6/15

EXAM I (Chapters 1-6)

 

 

Exam I

 

10

6/22

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 7: Case Management and Docket Control Software (Amicus Attorney and Outlook 2003/7 Calendar)

THEORY - Chapter 7:

·         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

11

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6/22

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 8: Electonic Discovery

THEORY - Chapter 8:

·         Electronic Discovery Overview

·         The Federal Rules of Civil Proceddure and Electronically Stored Information

·         Producing and Receiving ESI

·          

12

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6/22

·         Chapter 9:  Litigation Support (Summation iBlaze)

 

 

THEORY – Chapter 9

·         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

 

13

 

 

 

 

 

 

6/29

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

·         Chapter 10:  The Internet

     and Electronic Mail                                                                                                                                                  (Internet Explorer

·         and  Outlook 2003/7)

 

 

 

THEORY – Chapter 10:

·         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

14

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6/29

 

 

 

 

 

7/2

·         Chapter 11:  Computer Assisted Legal Research and CD-ROM Legal Database

 

 

Begin Chapter 12:  Electronic Courthouse, Automated Courtroom, and Presentation Graphics (PowerPoint 2003/7)

 

 

·         Finish Chapter 12

Students to independently study Software:  TimeMap

THEORY – Chapter 11:

  • CALR
  • WESTLAW
  • LEXIS-NEXIS
  • LOISLAW

 

THEORY – CHAPTER 12

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

7/2

·         Chapter 13 Legal Software

 

·         Exam II (Chapters 7, 8, 9,10,11,12and 13)

 

THEORY – CHAPTER 13

Specialized Legal Software

 

EXAM II