Real-Life Communication
Legal secretaries aren't expected to have the full knowledge of
the law that lawyers possess. However, they must be comfortable with legal
concepts and be able to translate legal jargon into plain language.
Using
the key below, draft a memo being sent to a corporate client about the status
of the lawsuit filed against it by some disgruntled customers.
First,
the legal version:
At pre-trial conferences, Judge Bernard
Hillock ruled against the plaintiff's motion for separation. The single suit
involving all seven plaintiffs will be heard before a jury of 12.
The
judge also ruled that the defendant must cooperate fully with discovery efforts
of the plaintiffs or face contempt charges. Confidentiality concerns were
not pressing enough to limit discovery. Finally, the judge closed the docket
on the case.
Definitions
Separation:
A move to hear the case of each plaintiff separately rather than in a single
trial.
Discovery: The process by which the opposing side learns
all it can about the other side's evidence.
Contempt: Being
in violation of court rules. Could result in fines or jail time.
Closed
the docket: No further plaintiffs can join the case -- it must go forward
as is.
Now, what will you write to the client?