Designed specifically for those without prior background in the law or legal assisting, this text offers a comprehensive—but extremely concise and to the point—overview of legal principles. It covers a variety of areas—such as contracts, civil and criminal law, procedure and discovery, legal research, real estate, and decedents' estates—while focusing on the ethical responsibilities of legal assistants. Introducing students to specific skills—including the writing of briefs and analysis of statutory materials—this book will be a valuable reference to them in the workplace.