Parting Thoughts Integrity is the Key

Drafting  Discovery questions and responses  Complaints and answers  Bankruptcy petitions  Articles of incorporation and minutes of meetings  Real estate documents for closings  Wills and codicils  Visa and citizenship papers  Documents for probating of wills

Interview & Locate  Clients  Witnesses  Experts  Witnesses  Assets

Organize and Analyze  Set up, summarize and attend depositions  Organize file materials  Prepare trial notebooks and oral argument notebooks  Summarize and analyze data received in response to discovery requests  Perform title examinations  Perform legal research  Explain to clients how legal process works

New Employee checklist  Five Cs of Client Relations Competence Commitment Communication Conflict of Interest (Avoid) Confidentiality

Performance Evaluation  Competence Skills rating Job performance  Quality of Work Leadership capabilities  Dependable Punctual Overtime Willingness  Work Habits and Attitude  Communications Courteous to clients  Judgment  Initiative Strengths Room for improvement

What is “Practice of Law”  Giving legal advice  Representing clients in court  Performing legal analysis and preparing legal documents  Evaluating a case and selecting an appropriate course of action  Accepting or rejecting a case  Setting a fee  Sharing a fee with an attorney

Competence and Diligence  Write clearly and effectively  Perform legal research and draft pleadings and briefs UNDER Supervision of Attorney  Interview client and witnesses  Investigate facts of case  Committed, timely representation  Attention to detail  Calendar, filing, serving

Justifiable Termination  Disciplinary/Violating policies Dishonesty Unethical behavior Falsifying records Fighting Intoxication or illegal drug use  Economic conditions Layoffs and cutbacks  Poor job performance Failure to perform work Poor attitude Uncooperative behavior Excessive absenteeism insubordination

As to the Management:  Unacceptable behavior should be written in the employee handbook  Wrongful termination issues  Employment-at-will Give Proper Notice!!

Integrity is the Key  Self Integrity  Preserve Integrity of the Office  Protect and Serve the Client