The Department of Legal Studies

Law Office Management and Technology

LSLW550/LSPR450 (Sections 01 and 02)

Fall 1999

Professor

Jack Baldwin-LeClair, M.A., Ed.S., J.D.


Time/Location

Thursday, 6:30 - 9:10 PM / Dickson Hall, Room 282


Office Hours

by appointment


Contact Information

Telephone

School: (973) 655-7953 - voice mail

Law Office: (973) 538-2204

Fax: (973) 655-7951

E-Mail

leclairj@chss.montclair.edu

World Wide Web

http://www.chss.montclair.edu/leclair/msu2.html


Materials

R=Roper, Brent D., Practical Law Office Management, (St. Paul: West Publishing Company, 1998).


Grading

Midterm Examination 40%
Final Examination 40%
Classroom Participation 10%
Paper, Homework, and Lab Assignments 10%


PURPOSE OF THIS COURSE

This course is a survey course. No prior computer knowledge is necessary or expected. The purpose of the course is as follows:

  1. To explore the importance of management and technology in the practice of law, and in the management of the law office.
  2. To acquaint the legal assistant with the use of a variety of computer tools available to assist the legal professionals in the performance of daily tasks.
  3. To understand the principles in law office management and how computers can help perform specific tasks useful in a law office.
  4. To teach a basic level of computer and administrative literacy; an understanding of the terminology used by computer professionals and managers in the legal field.
  5. To teach the preparation of manuals, policies, and procedures in the management of the modern law office.


NOTES

  1. Reading assignments must be prepared in advance of the class meeting date.
  2. Not all course material is covered in the text. Examinations may include material covered by lecture, class discussion, handouts, demonstrations or lab sessions in addition to assigned readings.
  3. There will be no makeup examinations.(1)
  4. Class attendance is mandatory and class participation will be rewarded.
  5. Recommended reference books and supplemental reading materials will be assigned.
  6. Students are encouraged to work cooperatively.
  7. DO NOT FAX ASSIGNMENTS UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.


TOPICS AND ASSIGNMENTS

All assigned chapters refer to the Course Manual. Specific assignments within the pages assigned may be announced in class. All topics will be covered on a flexible schedule depending on the needs of the class, scheduling of computer facilities and other factors. Preliminary dates are provided.


CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE ONLINE HANDOUT INDEX

WEEK / TOPIC / ASSIGNMENT

 

PART I - Introduction to Law Office Management
 09.02.99   Introduction to Law Office Management and Technology: Organizational Culture in the Legal Environment.  HANDOUTS: Law Firm Culture; High Tech Practice; and Computer Notebooks in the Courtroom
 09.09.99   The Legal Team, the Traditional Structure, and Law Office Management Policies and Prodedures.  R: Chapter 1,
 09.16.99  The Staff Manual Approach to Managment and Avoiding the Pitfalls of Employment Law.  R: Chapter 3,
 09.23.99  Human Resource Management, Performance Evaluations, and Current Personnel Issues.  R: Chapter 8, HANDOUT: Internet Protocol and Rules - Marketing on the Internet
 09.30.99   Marketing, Planning, and the Various Office Structures.  R: Chapter 3 HANDOUTS: Pre-planning in the Law Firm
 10.07.99  Communicating with Clients and Maintaining Control of the Case and Client Process.  R: Chapter 4, HANDOUTS: Internet Protocol and Rules and Strategic Planning in the Law Office
 10.14.99  MIDTERM EXAMINATION  Midterm Handout Study Guide - Available prior week
 

PART II - General Planning in the Legal Environment
 10.21.99  Managing the Financial Environment: Timekeeping and Billing  R: Chapter 5, . Law Office News Letters and Timebilling Principles
 10.28.99  Law Office Accounting: Managing Trust Funds and Business Accounts, and standards of the RPC  R: Chapter 6, Maintaining Electronic Records and ,. New Jersey Accounting procedures. ,Timebilling and Accounting Test., Law Office Accounting Test
 11.04.99  Managing the Docket, Calendar, and In-house Deadlines  R: Chapter 7, . HANDOUT
 11.11.99  Law Office Information Systems and People  R: Chapter 9, HANDOUTS: Internet Protocol and Rules; Law Firm Information Systems; Office Administrators in the Small Firm; and Partner Compensation Plans
 11.18.99  Being Ethical  R: Chapter 2, New Jersey Attorney Ethics) and Avoiding Malpractice. Protecting the Firm and Yourself. Assignment: Six Million Dollar Paralegal
 12.02.99  Hardware Systems and Software  
 12.09.99  NO CLASS  
 12.16.99  File and Library Management
The Last Class Roundup - 		 FINAL EXAMINATION Due on this Date.
R: Chapter 10,
     


(1) Make up exams will only be considered in the event of kidnapping, terrorist acts, national emergency, or death (yours).

(2) October 26 is the last day for student withdrawal with a WD grade and 0% refund.