Spring 2008 Continuing Legal Education Event Information
The University of San Diego Paralegal Program is a State Bar of California Approved MCLE Provider and certifies that these activities have been approved for MCLE credit
Check-in begins 30 minutes prior to class time.
The Saturday session includes continental breakfast beginning at 8:00 am
ETHICS ESSENTIALS
2 MCLE Credits—Patrick O’Laughlin
MON., MAY 12, 2008, 6:30-8:30 PM Barcelona 217
This course will cover ethical issues including the attorney-client relationship; conflicts of interest; business transactions and gifts from clients; advertising and solicitation, competency; fees and client funds; and special issues in advocacy. We will also discuss decisions belonging to the client vs. decisions belonging to the attorney. The course will include real-life case studies and learning hypotheticals designed to reinforce a practical application of the material.
CITE-CHECKING TIPS AND GUIDELINES
3 MCLE Credits—Deborah Bouchoux
SATURDAY, MAY 17, 2008, 9 AM - 12 PM KIPJ Auditorium
This course provides critical information to both beginning and experienced cite-checkers. The course will include an overview of The Bluebook and a thorough review of case citation including publication and citation of State Court Cases, case names, abbreviations, the Federal Court System and citation of Federal Court Cases. Further attention will be paid to Citation of Statues and Constitutions, and Citation Form for Secondary Sources (books, law reviews, and so forth). Special issues such as punctuation, quotations and Short Form Citations will also be addressed.
CIVIL LITIGATION LIFE CYCLE
3 MCLE Credits—Deborah Bouchoux
MON., May 19, 2008, 6:30-9:30 PM Barcelona 217
The National Association of Legal Assistants has reported that nearly half of all paralegals employed by law firms work in the litigation field. This seminar provides an overview of the entire life cycle of a lawsuit, from preliminary requirements to satisfy jurisdiction, to initiating the lawsuit with the complaint, to the defendant’s responses, through discovery, trial, and appeal. A significant amount of time is devoted to the discovery process because this stage of litigation relies upon paralegal skills probably more than any other stage. Each of the five discovery devices is discussed, as well as consequences for noncompliance with discovery, and the scope of discovery and privileged information. Pre-trial motions, settlements, and dismissals are addressed. Trials and appeals are covered, as well as alternatives to litigation, specifically, mediation and arbitration.
INTERNET RESEARCH SECRETS
2 CLE Credits-Josh Jones/Emily Morrissette
WED., MAY 28, 2008, 6:30-8:30 PM Barcelona 217
Shortcuts to Legal Research and finding free sites for case law will be invaluable tools obtained in this informative seminar. The course will also cover “invisible documents” such as old web pages and how to find them. Special attention will be paid to resources at the federal, state and local levels to provide assistance in finding court opinions, forms, rules and dockets.
LAW OFFICE STRATEGIES
2 CLE Credits—Patrick O’Laughlin
WED., JUNE 4, 2008, 6:30-8:30 PM, Barcelona 217
This class is designed to provide a revealing look at law office procedures from the insider’s perspective. The attorney will address law office culture, operating environment and expectations for the well-defined roles of each member of the legal team. Participants will acquire skills in client relations and communication, including dealing with difficult clients; conflict resolution and negotiation within an office; work organization such as timekeeping and billing; and fundamental protocol when working in the legal field.
CALIFORNIA CRIME: A COMMON CASE
2 CLE Credits—John Philpott
MON., JUNE 9, 2008, 6:30-8:30 PM Barcelona 217
This class will use a fictional, but common criminal fact pattern to discuss the prosecution of a typical felony in San Diego Superior Court. Particular emphasis will be paid to the roles of attorneys and paralegals who work on the prosecution team. Beginning with the investigation of the crime by police, police reports, and 911 calls, we will then discuss the charging process. We will cover "discovery" and how the rules for criminal cases differ greatly from those for civil litigation. We will discuss settlement conferences, preliminary hearings, and grand juries. On-line legal research tools, as well as use of the internet to find public information and the types of information available only to law enforcement will be covered. We will also cover the use of subpoenas for witnesses and records, and the key role of the paralegal in witness management.
THE FACULTY…
Deborah Bouchoux
Deborah E. Bouchoux is a nationally known speaker and a practicing attorney. With more than twenty-five years of experience in legal education, she has taught at various universities, including the University of San Diego, and Georgetown University, located in Washington, D.C. Ms. Bouchoux has authored many works including Legal Research and Writing for Paralegals, Cite-Checker: A Hands-On Guide to Citation Form, and texts on corporate law and intellectual property. She has spoken on a variety of legal topics at private law firms, Fortune 500 companies, and various government agencies, including the Department of Justice, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and the U.S. Tax Court.
Josh Jones
Mr. Jones is a reference librarian at Cooley Godward Kronish LLP and a former corporate paralegal. He is a graduate of the University of San Diego Paralegal Program and earned his MLS degree from San Jose State University. He is a member of the American Association of Law Libraries and the Special Libraries Association.
Emily Morrissette
Ms. Morrissette is currently a sole proprietor in General Litigation and a faculty member of the USD Paralegal Program. In addition to her expertise in the fields of Computers and Legal Research, Ms. Morrissette is well-skilled in the practice of corporate and general litigation. She is a graduate of California Western School of Law, a member of the Lawyers Club of San Diego and provided pro-bono assistance to victims of the California wildfires.
Patrick O’Laughlin
Patrick O'Laughlin is a Managing Partner for the law firm of Kimball, Tirey & St. John, LLP. He has expertise in all aspects of collection law and represents clients before the court in collection matters. He is also the Risk Liability Manager for Kimball, Tirey & St. John. He is an expert in the field of Creditor's Rights Law representing banks, asset management companies, retailers and members of the rental industry. Mr. O’Laughlin is also a current instructor for the USD Paralegal Program and teaches Business Entities, Corporations and Contracts.
John Philpott
As Deputy District Attorney for the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, John Philpott is currently assigned to the Felony Trial Team at the East County Branch. His background includes prosecution of felony criminal cases including murder, arson, vehicular homicide, robbery, assault, and narcotics. Mr. Philpott has been a guest lecturer at San Diego State University, and teaches MCLE courses for Deputy District Attorneys. Mr. Philpott has been recognized with the Outstanding Prosecutor Award by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (M.A.D.D.)
