If your firm counts on the expertise of paralegals, or you are a paralegal yourself, this is one book you cannot do without. This publication is designed not just for paralegals and firm staff, but for law students, summer associates, new lawyers, and anyone seeking a straight-forward explanation of basic legal principles, with the road maps of where to go if more information and/or research are needed.

The new sixth edition builds on the fifth edition's reputation as both a research tool and paralegal textbook, and extends its utility by acting as a portal to the Matthew Bender suite of California analytical publications. Practitioners and students can turn to this publication for the basics of California substantive law and procedure, then use the extensive cross referencing to more in-depth treatises for detailed research. Volume 1 covers the paralegal profession, professional responsibility, structure of California law, legal research and writing, and civil procedure in both state and federal courts. Volume 2 covers substantive law for the major practice areas: contracts, torts, criminal, business entities, family, real property, bankruptcy, etc.