Fundamentals of Law for the Legal Professional

An overview of the American legal system, federal and California court systems, and administrative law. Topics include:

• Legal ethics, professional responsibility and the role of the legal professional
• Overview of civil and criminal law, torts, family and probate law, contracts, real property, and business law
• Basic concepts of legal research, analysis and writing, including statutory and case law
• Stages of a lawsuit
• The basics of civil procedure, litigation, pleadings and discovery
• Investigation procedures and interviewing
• Terminology
• Spotting legal issues
• Understanding client relationships
• Law office procedures