OVERVIEW Chapter 1 sets the stage for the rest of the text. It explains what types of job positions and functional areas there are in a law practice office, including basic information about practicing paralegals. The chapter is full of current surveys and research regarding what paralegals do on the job, what types of firms they practice in, who typically supervises them, what the ratio of paralegals to attorneys is in different-size firms, compensation, and overtime. The chapter also gives students an understanding of what type of law practices exist, along with the different legal and management structures for law offices. LEARNING OBJECTIVES After reading this chapter, the student should be able to:  1.01 Explain the titles and duties of each member of the legal team.  1.02 Identify the different types of law practices.  1.03 Explain alternative law office organizational structures. [return to top] OUTLINE I. The Legal Team (PPT Slide 3) The legal team consists of attorneys, administrators, law clerks, librarians, paralegals, secretaries, clerks, and other parties (Exhibit 1-1). A. Attorneys (PPT Slide 4) Attorneys counsel clients regarding their legal rights, represent clients in litigation, and negotiate agreements between clients and others. 1. Partner/Shareholder—A partner or shareholder is an owner in a private law practice who shares in its profits and losses. a. Managing Partner—A managing partner is chosen by the partnership to run the firm, make administrative decisions, and set policies. 2. Associate Attorneys—An associate attorney does not have an ownership interest in the law firm and does not share in the profits. The associate is an employee of the firm who receives a salary and has no vote regarding management decisions. a. Lateral Hire—A lateral hire is an associate who is hired from another firm. b. Nonequity Partner—A nonequity partner does not share in the profits or losses of