Using Computers in the Law Office
Product Description
Using Computers in the Law Office, fifth edition provides up-to-date information regarding the use of technology by paralegals in all types of legal organizations. It includes basic computer concepts, including hardware and major software programs such as Word and Excel, and also addresses more complex skills and software programs available. Important topics covered include electronic discovery, Internet legal/factual research, legal timekeeping and billing, litigation support software, and case management and docket control software. A variety of other topics are also covered including: mobile computing, document management, security, ethics, the electronic courthouse and many other trends in legal computing. Each topic is presented in a clear and organized manner and includes many examples of how the software is actually used by the paralegal on-the-job. With more than ten hands-on tutorials, students have the opportunity to apply what it presented … More >>
Using Computers in the Law Office
I had to buy this book for a required class at my educational institution. Reading the preface, I was morally outraged to find that the author is married to Shirley Phelps-Roper. The Phelps-Ropers head the Westboro Church in Kansas and intentionally create mental anguish and grief to families of fallen American soldiers by standing outside of the deceased’s funerals with signs stating “God is dead” and other hateful, hurtful slogans. Needless to say, this has colored my opinion of the text and I have no respect for the author. I decided many years ago to never burn a book, but as this text is just an operating software manual, I may revise that decision.
I am very happy that as of this date, my educational institution is examining other texts for the class for the next quarter. ^_^
Rating: 1 / 5
This book was required for one of my classes. It is very easy to follow and informative. I like that it comes with three CDs so you can actually try out software demos. The most useful part of the book is the hands-on exercises. I have learned so much already, and the semester is just half over.
Rating: 5 / 5
Contains a broad overview of law-related software but concentrates primarily on the ways Microsoft Office is used. Most chapters are divided into information and practice exercises. The practice exercises walk you through in minute detail, almost too-much if you have any experience with the programs, but then it’ll mention a feature you’ve never used, and the explicit directions are helpful. The writing style of the informative sections is a little awkward, and “Exhibits,” “Examples,” and “Tables” are often on different pages than the text that refers to them. Since they’re numbered separately by type, you might have to flip forward and back a few pages before you find them, which isn’t something I’d expect from a well-designed text.
Rating: 3 / 5
I bought a used copy of this and found out afterward that it has CD’s in it that can only be downloaded ONCE. Also, the cd’s will eventually degenerate so you can’t just have the software for free. I had to have these cd’s for a class, which meant I had to buy ANOTHER, new copy of this book. So be forewarned.
JC in SF
Rating: 3 / 5
Do Not Buy This Book Used!!!! The CDs have executable files that “dissolve” after the first installation. So, if you buy this book and CDs used, the software will not load. I learned the hard way and had to purchase a new book after I’d bought a new one.
Rating: 4 / 5