how to
towwg
Prepare
a pleadings
index
by Jenny Tucker
O
There is no quick way to locate pleadings unless an under-standable filing system is utilized.
ne of the duties of a
paralegal is organizing client files. Once a lawsuit begins, incoming and outgoing pleadings are processed. Copies of pleadings should be managed in a quickly identifiable way.
One example is when an attorney attends a hearing. The attorney may need to refer to a pleading while arguing a point.
Another would be referring to information located in one pleading while drafting another. There is no quick way to locate pleadings unless an understand- able filing system is utilized.
The file copy of pleadings are hole-punched and added to either a folder with prongs or a three-ring binder. The copies are added in order by chronological date, starting with the earliest pleadings and the most recent being filed on top.
We now have some initial order developing for the documents, but we still need them to be located easily. At this point, paralegals will realize the importance of a pleadings index.
A pleadings index is a typed list of the pleadings in a table format.
Start your document with the style of the case as a heading at the top. Entitle it "Pleadings Index." Include page numbering in the document's format.
An index table usually has four columns that include these column headings:
1. Tab Numbers
2. Filing Party
3. Description
4. Date Filed/Received.
The first column is for the numbers assigned to each pleading. The number one pleading would be the first docu- ment filed in the case, and so on. The pleadings are placed in the folder, and numbered tab divider sheets separate the documents. The numbers of the tabs corres- pond with the numbered list on the index.
The second column designates which party filed the pleading: "Plaintiff" or "Defendant." If there are several plaintiffs or defendants, designate further – "Defendant Anderson." It is helpful to highlight your firm's client in bold on the index – "Defendant Anderson."
Managing and organizing documents is part of a paralegal's job. Do you know how to prepare an index to quickly locate your pleadings?
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