Legal Analysis and Writing for Paralegals » (3rd Edition)

William Putman received his Juris Doctor degree from the University of New Mexico School of Law and has been a member of the New Mexico Bar since 1975. For ten years he was an instructor in the Legal Assistant Studies Program at Central New Mexico Community College in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and the Paralegal Studies Program at Santa Fe Community College, in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Legal Analysis and Writing, third edition, provides the student with in-depth knowledge of the fundamentals of legal analysis and writing, the operation of the elements of the fundamentals in the analysis and writing process, and the manner in which the process guides and assists the student in the production of a finished product, such as an interoffice research memorandum. The text is national in scope and designed for students who have completed introductory legal assistant courses. The focus of the text is on the legal analysis and writing process. The text is divided into three sections, the first of which presents an overview of the analysis process and the basic legal principles involved in that process. The second section provides in-depth coverage of the elements and tools used in the analysis and writing process, while the third section focuses on the application of the principles presented in the previous sections. It also addresses the drafting of legal correspondence, legal research memoranda, and court briefs. This complete text is enhanced by such features as a corresponding website, a student activity CD, online references, key points, and examples.

Chapter 1: Introduction to Principles and Authorities
Chapter 2: Introduction to Legal Analysis
Chapter 3: Statutory Analysis
Chapter 4: Case Law & Case Briefing
Chapter 5: Key Facts
Chapter 6: Issue Identification
Chapter 7: Stating the Issue
Chapter 8: Case Law Application
Chapter 9: Counteranalysis.
Chapter 10: Legal Writing Process - General Considerations
Chapter 11: Fundamentals of Writing
Chapter 12: Office Legal Memorandum - Assignments, Facts, and Issues
Chapter 13: Office Legal Memorandum - Analysis to Conclusion
Chapter 14: External Memorandums
Chapter 15: Correspondence