Paralegal Today: The Essentials, fifth edition, makes the paralegal field come alive for the student. It uses real-world examples, offering practical application of each concept discussed, and further enhances this focus with hands-on activities throughout. This concise version focuses on the basic, key areas of paralegal studies, including careers, legal ethics, litigation procedures, criminal law, legal research and analysis, and legal writing. Technology features, including spotlights on how technology is changing litigation, legal research, and overall office management, convey the importance of developing strong skills in this area. "Featured Contributors" bring a personal touch to the material - as students learn how professionals truly work in each area of the law and how each skill directly translates on-the-job. Ethical dilemmas challenge the students to further understand their professional duties and critical thinking questions provide an opportunity to sharpen their proficiency.