Chapter 1 - The Client


Where You Have Been


TIME MANAGEMENT ASSIST


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1.3

Maintaining Your Client's File

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    • Paralegal in File Room

    INTRODUCTION

    You should have received the official Essential Skills for Paralegals client file folder with your Bundle order, (or will shortly). This folder will be used by you to keep the documents, notes, drafts, and copies of research materials resulting from your assignments. Please note that this folder, when completed, is an excellent "portfolio" that can be taken to job interviews.

     

    Paralegal Perspective . . .

    FILE MAINTENANCE
    Throughout this class, it will be helpful if you keep copies of all your assignments in a file, organized in the manner discussed in the Manual. That way when you start working for a law firm, you will have a point of reference. You won't believe what a difference it will make!

     

    More . . .

    Maintenance of a Client File

    Every law firm will have its own system of file maintenance. The paralegal must be flexible and must not get flustered when something unfamiliar is presented. While the exact system may change, as mentioned in the Essential Skills Manual, the following elements will be present in almost all client files:

    Correspondence
    Letters, faxes, and other communicative documents

    Instruments
    Contracts, insurance policies, car titles, leases, real property titles, etc.

    Work Product
    Generally your notes from meetings with the attorney, client, or witnesses, as well as research notes, copies of cases and statutes from your research, phone messages, and so forth.

    Exhibits
    Documents to be presented at trial, if they will fit. Don't fold or otherwise alter exhibits.

    Pleadings
    Documents filed with the court. Keep a thorough index of the pleadings in the file.

    Discovery
    Both original discovery requests and the responses to discovery. Be sure to keep an accurate, up to date index of the discovery materials.

    Be sure to keep up your client file by placing all completed assignments in the proper panels, and keeping an up-to-date index for those panels that have indexes. This will eventually be a great portfolio for you to take to interviews after you complete the program and join the "real world."

     


    Lecture Notes . . .

    The client file folder is not used until later in the program when you are working on research and writing assignments. You will be reminded to keep your documents organized, and to index your file. You would be well advised to take this seriously and to start developing good filing habits. Those habits will be noticed by your supervising attorney.