Customer Reviews

Using Computers in the Law Office (West Legal Studies Series)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I think this is a fabulous book. It comes with demonstration versions of 5 legal software programs including three litigation support programs, a time and billing program and a case management program. There were a number of in-depth, hands-on exercises for each program, so I really got to learn about each type of program by using it. Also, although I have used Access, Word, Excel and Powerpoint before, I liked the fact that there were in-depth exercises for learning legal applications for each of these programs. This is a very practical book.

This book is essential for anyone working in a law office. Computers are used in nearly every aspect of working in a law firm. The book is huge - nearly 700 pages - and it covers every main type of program used in a law office. It comes with software, and lots of exercises and I thought it was very easy to read and straight forward. It covers hard topics like litigation support and Access databases in a way that I could understand without totally going over my head. The book covers both entry level and advanced topics. For example in the word processing chapter the Word tutorial had 7 lessons that got progressively more difficult, starting with basic word processing and ending with mail merges and creating tables of authorities.

I don't know what the other reviewer was talking about! Maybe they didn't read the book! I found the book to be extremely helpful. I didn't see any typos, or instructional errors (whatever that means!). It was required for my paralegal class and I thought I got my money's worth. I got a CD with free software and I thought it was worth every penny. It covers a wide range of computer uses in law offices and it was easy to read and practical. My teacher said she has been using this book for years. The other people in my class didn't seem to have any problem with it. I highly recommend it. It wasn't written for secretarys - it's for paralegals - maybe that was the other reviewers problem. Anyway, don't hesitate to buy it, you won't be sorry.

I purchased this book for a class (legal technology) which turned out to be as remedial as this book. While I believe it could be very useful for someone who is not used to navigating a computer, it really insults the intelligence of those of us who have grown up with technology. This book does have a few useful tips that clarify certain aspects of Concordance and other legal programs, but I find it easier to explore an unfamiliar program on my own without the tedious step-by-step process Roper uses in his lessons.

I bought this book for a legal assistant class and I enjoyed it. I learned a lot. It's hard to learn computers from a book - but not this one. The book comes with software and has tutorials and exercises that accompany the software. My class also liked the fact that there are tons of practical applications for how computers are actually used by practicing paralegals and legal secretaries in the book. Also, when it comes to litigation support - one of the most difficult legal computer applications to master - it was fantastic. It comes with three different litigation support programs, including Summation. Summation is fairly involved to learn and the book, tutorials, exercises and software did a good job of teaching this to me. I am confident now in my ability to do basic litigation support. The chapter on using the Internet to do legal and factual research was also excellent.

I purchaed this book for a Paralegal class. I had two very bad experiences with the book. First, the first copy I received had no Appendix in it, so I had to send it back. It was unfortunate, as I needed the Appendix to do an assignment. Secondly, the software that was provided was expired when I tried to load it into my laptop to do homework. I called the publishing company and they promised to send me a new disk; two weeks later and I still have not received it.
I will keep it as a reference source, but I hope that another book will be written for future students. If you do not need it for a class, PLEASE look for another book.

As a student in a legal secretary program, I was required to buy this book, as it is part of the curriculum. Well let me be the first to say that it is a total waste of the [money] I paid for it! It is filled with typos and instructional errors. Before I can learn the software it is supposed to be teaching me, I have to first decypher the directions. I may as well just wing it, the book is no help. I recommend to anyone about to purchase this book, to think again. Look for a book you might actually learn from!

Lots of money to pay for a book that is probably less involved then most and babies you beginning with a Microsoft word document. The only reason I am buying it is for a Paralegal Class and the teacher is even confused by some of the things that pop up. Don't waste your money if you can avoid buying this book!

My legal secretary class was required to purchase this book at a costly price. I had problems with it from the start! Typo's, instructional errors, How are you supposed to learn? I regretfully have to recommend against it.