Part 1. A snapshot of the exciting and lucrative paralegal profession. Discovering the paralegal profession -- Membership has its privileges : paralegal associations and their certification exams -- The hunt is on: securing a paralegal position -- Part 2. Important legal concepts every paralegal should know. "All rise" : the American judicial system -- The big three : categories of law -- Taking a case to trial : the litigation process -- How it's done : important rules of civil procedure and evidence -- Because I said so : the categories of legal authority -- The substantive law areas most commonly practiced by paralegals -- Part 3. Putting it into practice: the paralegal in the civil litigation process. The paper chase : preparing documents -- Elementary my dear Eatson : legal investigation -- Chewing the fat : legal interviewing -- Burning the midnight oil : legal research -- Where the rubber hits the road : trial performance -- The official word : ethical codes for legal professionals -- Identifying the skills paralegals need to soar. Presenting a clear, concise legal writing style -- Using technology in law -- Law office management 101 -- The part of tens. The ten most important rules of ethics -- Ten things every paralegal should know -- Ten survival tips to thrive in the legal environment -- Appendix A: Glossary of important legal terms : a mini legal dictionary -- Appendix B: What you'll find online.