ETMD EP Paralegals study plan

Define unauthorized practice of law (UPL) and distinguish it from permissible paralegal tasks under the ETMD EP framework.

List at least five duties of confidentiality and conflicts of interest, and explain how each applies to a paralegal's daily work.

Identify the components of a properly formatted legal document (caption, title, body, signature block, certificate of service) by drafting a sample pleading.

Apply ethical rules to three hypothetical scenarios involving client communication, document preparation, and supervision.

Create a checklist for ethical document review before filing.

Explain the paralegal's role in client interviews, including how to gather facts without giving legal advice.

Demonstrate active listening and questioning techniques by conducting a mock client interview and documenting key facts.

Outline office administration procedures for file management, calendaring, and client communication logs.

Analyze a case study where a paralegal must balance client confidentiality with a supervisor's request for information.

Draft a client engagement letter and a follow-up email that avoid legal advice while providing status updates.

Map the civil litigation process from complaint to trial, identifying key deadlines and documents at each stage.

Draft a summons, complaint, and answer using proper court formatting and jurisdictional statements.

Differentiate between subject matter and personal jurisdiction, and apply the concepts to three fact patterns.

Explain the structure of federal and state courts, including the roles of trial and appellate courts.

Prepare a discovery plan for a hypothetical case, listing interrogatories and document requests.

Cite at least ten legal authorities correctly using Bluebook or local citation rules.

Draft a motion with a supporting brief that includes proper citations and a persuasive argument.

Use online legal research databases to locate statutes and case law on a given issue, and summarize findings.

Create a timeline of pre-trial motions and explain the purpose of each.

Proofread and edit a sample legal memorandum for clarity, citation accuracy, and formatting.

Outline the stages of criminal procedure from arrest to appeal, including constitutional rights at each stage.

Draft a sample indictment and a motion to suppress, identifying key legal standards.

Explain the elements of contract formation (offer, acceptance, consideration) and identify defenses to enforceability.

Compare business entities (sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, corporation) and their liability and tax implications.

Draft a simple contract and a demand letter for breach, incorporating appropriate legal language.

Identify the elements of negligence, intentional torts, and strict liability, and apply them to fact patterns.

Explain real property concepts such as easements, deeds, and landlord-tenant law, and draft a simple deed.

Summarize the intestacy rules and the components of a valid will, and draft a basic will.

Outline the grounds for divorce and the process of property division and child custody in family law.

Draft a parenting plan and a property settlement agreement outline.

Revise and finalize a legal memorandum incorporating feedback on citation, analysis, and structure.

Prepare a set of documents for filing, including a notice of filing and certificate of service, following court rules.

Use e-filing protocols and checklists to ensure compliance with local rules.

Draft a client letter explaining a legal document in plain language.

Create a document assembly checklist for common pleadings.

Complete a comprehensive practice exam covering all domains, scoring at least 80% overall.

Review incorrect answers and create flashcards for weak areas.

Simulate a timed essay or document drafting exercise under exam conditions.

Revisit ethics and client communication scenarios to reinforce best practices.

Develop a personal exam-day strategy, including time management and stress reduction techniques.