Designed for anyone considering a career as a paralegal, the 7th edition of PARALEGAL TODAY: THE ESSENTIALS provides students with a comprehensive introduction to the legal system through real-world examples, practical applications, ethical dilemmas, and hands-on assignments. With thorough coverage of the basic, key areas of paralegal studies, this text ensures that students develop a comprehensive understanding of the laws in our society, the importance of ethical and professional responsibility, and the skills needed to thrive in the legal environment. The text includes increased coverage of technology in the workplace, including critical topics such as confidentiality issues, e-mail policies, technology in the courtroom, and the use of social media in crime detection and enforcing delinquent court judgments.

PART I: THE PARALEGAL PROFESSION.
1. Today's Paralegal Profession.
2. Career Opportunities.
3. The Inner Workings of the Law Office.
4. Ethics and Professional Responsibility.
5. Sources of American Law.
6. The Court System and Alternative Dispute Resolution.
PART II: LEGAL PROCEDURES AND PARALEGAL SKILLS.
7. Legal Research and Analysis.
8. Online Legal Research.
9. Legal Writing: Form and Substance.
10. Civil Litigation: Before the Trial.
11. Conducting Interviews and Investigations.
12. Trial Procedures.
13. Criminal Law and Procedures.
NALA's Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility.
NALA's Model Standards and Guidelines for Utilization of Legal Assistants.
NFPA's Model Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility and Guidelines for Enforcement.
NALS Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility.
Paralegal Associations.
Information on NALA's CP Program.
Information on NFPA's PCCE™ and PACE® Examinations.
Information on NALS Certification.
The Constitution of the United States.
Spanish Equivalents for Important Legal Terms in English.

Designed for anyone considering a career as a paralegal, the 7th edition of PARALEGAL TODAY: THE ESSENTIALS provides students with a comprehensive introduction to the legal system through real-world examples, practical applications, ethical dilemmas, and hands-on assignments. With thorough coverage of the basic, key areas of paralegal studies, this text ensures that students develop a comprehensive understanding of the laws in our society, the importance of ethical and professional responsibility, and the skills needed to thrive in the legal environment. The text includes increased coverage of technology in the workplace, including critical topics such as confidentiality issues, e-mail policies, technology in the courtroom, and the use of social media in crime detection and enforcing delinquent court judgments. Enhanced discussion of law firm e-mail policies and social media strategies help students prepare for today's workplace. Extensively revised coverage of online legal research tools, including detailed discussions of the costs and benefits of WestlawNext, Lexis Advantage, Bloomberg Law, and Google Scholar, gives students an overview of the array of tools they can use on the job. Designed for anyone considering a career as a paralegal, the 7th edition of PARALEGAL TODAY: THE ESSENTIALS provides students with a comprehensive introduction to the legal system through real-world examples, practical applications, ethical dilemmas, and hands-on assignments. With thorough coverage of the basic, key areas of paralegal studies, this text ensures that students develop a comprehensive understanding of the laws in our society, the importance of ethical and professional responsibility, and the skills needed to thrive in the legal environment. The text includes increased coverage of technology in the workplace, including critical topics such as confidentiality issues, e-mail policies, technology in the courtroom, and the use of social media in crime detection and enforcing delinquent court judgments. DEVELOPING PARALEGAL SKILLS. This feature allows students to see how what they are learning is put into practice. REAL-WORLD RELEVANCE. Real-world examples and Featured Contributors add multiple perspectives and bring concepts to life. PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY. A strong ethical focus emphasizes the paralegal's professional responsibility in every aspect of the law. For example, "Ethics Watch" features take students into hypothetical situations that present an ethical problem. In addition, "In the Office" features provide tips on how paralegals can be more productive and professional. VISUAL APPEAL. Engaging, highly visual content gives students a thorough introduction to not only the legal system in general, but to specific areas of the law and the paralegal's integral role as a member of the legal team. STUDY TOOLS. Numerous features and exhibits throughout the text and comprehensive end-of-chapter activities emphasize applying concepts. Internet-based end-of-chapter research questions provide students opportunities for hands-on practice. TECHNOLOGY IN THE WORKPLACE. Materials and features throughout the text demonstrate how the latest developments in technology are affecting the law, the legal workplace, and paralegal tasks. Topics include confidentiality issues, e-mail policies, technology in the courtroom, and the use of social media in crime detection and in the enforcement of delinquent court judgments.