Discovery: Interviewing and Investigation (3rd Edition) [Paperback]

Michael A. Pener (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0929563433 | ISBN-13: 978-0929563435 | Publication Date: January 11, 1998 | Edition: 3

This is one of the most thorough and comprehensive explorations of factual research—its gathering and preliminary processing in the legal setting. In addition to chapters on how to use critical sources of information, Pener includes unique concepts on communication techniques and their significant psychosocial aspects. Discovery in Today's Law Practice. The Nature of Evidence and Its Place in Discovery. Legal Theories and Fact Analysis. Identification of Parties, Entities, and Property Interests. Communication Techniques. Client Communications. Investigating the Case: Witnesses. Investigating the Case: Documentary and Physical Evidence. Investigating the Case: Public and Private Records. Sources of Information. Service of Summons and Complaint and Subpoenas. For Paralegals.

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

Factual research is important to all legal assistants and paralegals because it goes to the heart of what they do. This book is one of the most thorough and comprehensive treatments of this subject.

Legal assistants and paralegals are information gatherers and processors. Discovery: Interviewing and Investigation definitively examines and presents clearly everything this statement implies. It focuses on what paralegals and lawyers do most of the time – pull information together and do something with it.

Michael Pener's focus on the gathering and preliminary processing of information is impressive. He provides a thorough treatment of all considerations related to the discovery process. His book does not just start and end with the techniques of interviewing and investigation. He covers many essential areas we must know before beginning factual research. Pener defines the legal environment in which interviewing takes place and guides us through the legal process. He identifies the sources of information sought in factual research and he describes the ethical concerns involved. By the time he discusses specific interviewing and investigation techniques, Pener has given us a clear basis for understanding them.

As an attorney and educator, Mike Pener is notably experienced in factual research. He has recognized the pivotal role of this subject in the practice of law. In the 14 years I have known him, he has often discussed the interviewing and investigation course he teaches at Johnson County Community College. He has explored the intricacies of interviewing and investigation, and he has gained tremendous insight in the teaching of these subjects. Discovery: Interviewing and Investigation gives teachers, students, and practicing paralegals and lawyers a valuable text and resource to this essential area of law practice.

David A. Dye
Director of Education
Consortium for Advanced Legal Education

From the Back Cover

This is one of the most thorough and comprehensive explorations of factual research—its gathering and preliminary processing in the legal setting. In addition to chapters on how to use critical sources of information, Pener includes unique concepts on communication techniques and their significant psychosocial aspects. Discovery in Today's Law Practice. The Nature of Evidence and Its Place in Discovery. Legal Theories and Fact Analysis. Identification of Parties, Entities, and Property Interests. Communication Techniques. Client Communications. Investigating the Case: Witnesses. Investigating the Case: Documentary and Physical Evidence. Investigating the Case: Public and Private Records. Sources of Information. Service of Summons and Complaint and Subpoenas. For Paralegals.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 360 pages
• Publisher: Prentice Hall; 3 edition (January 11, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0929563433
• ISBN-13: 978-0929563435
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.8 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,377,776 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent practical resource, December 3, 2002

By 

L. Jepson (Mountlake Terrace, WA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Discovery: Interviewing and Investigation (3rd Edition) (Paperback)

Mr. Pener covers all the aspects of interviewing and investigation including legal research, questions to ask during an interview, forms you will frequently come across, and where to find factual information.

This book is an outstanding resource for lawyers as well as paralegals who work in the personal injury field!