California Paralegal Manual

The California Probate Paralegal, Second Edition, is a comprehensive textbook for students and practicing paralegals in California. It covers the nuts and bolts of probate, estate planning and administration using a balanced approach of theory and application. The textbook includes the history of probate and estate planning, as well as the most current, up-to-date information about estate planning and administration. This textbook provides state specific statutes, rules, and procedures and step-by-step guidance in preparing California Judicial Council forms and pleadings. Forms and practical examples are used throughout the book as they apply to typical probate and estate issues a paralegal will face in the law firm. The book is written for all levels - students as well as practicing paralegals. Readers will enjoy this topical and easy to follow textbook and will refer to it again and again as a valuable desk reference in their daily work as a probate/estate planning paralegal. PowerPoint slides are available upon adoption. Sample slides from the full 30-slide presentation are available to view here. Email [email protected] for more information.

Designed to simplify material while maximizing student interest, California Property Law for Paralegals is a well-organized, clearly written, practical text. This concise yet comprehensive book will provide students the tools they need but will not overwhelm them because it is geared specifically to the needs of paralegal students. Written so that class lectures can be prepared with ease, this text features: Practical problem solving exercises and hypotheticals presented in an interesting and attention-grabbing style with an eye to engaging the reader Ethical issues discussed throughout the text that challenge the students and prepare them for practice An option for instructors to encourage students to draft assignments in IRAC form to better prepare students for the workplace and to make grading easier for instructors Chapters ending with a review of important terms, concepts, definitions, and chapter review questions. The author engages both students and instructors with four special features intended to facilitate mastering the law through practical application: Judge for a Day uses a paraphrased judicial opinion or fact pattern that does not reveal the holding of the case. Students are asked to predict the judge's ruling. These can be used to trigger classroom discussion or used in a mock trial. The Client Comes Calling presents a challenge or task that a paralegal may encounter in the course of an ordinary day in a law firm. This feature spotlights ethical considerations and also introduces students to the business side of the practice of law. Sharpening the Saw: An Exercise in Issue Spotting trains paralegals to think like legal professionals. Students are asked to read a set of facts and then to identify and effectively convey the issue in writing. This feature is presented in such a way that an instructor can determine how much emphasis to place on legal writing. Out of the Ivory Tower reminds students that clients use law firms to solve problems. This feature encourages creative thinking and a focus on the "big picture." Without a doubt, California Property Law for Paralegals is your best alternative for an easy to teach, focused, California-specific property text aimed specifically at paralegals.