Integrating legal theory with practice in a most unusual way, this user-friendly text uses an intriguing story line to engage students. Workshops take users through the steps of preparing a case for trial - from drawing up pleadings and motions to computing time. ''Putting It Into Practice'' questions appear throughout each chapter, challenging students to apply each concept as they read along. Significant emphasis is placed on local and state rules and the text provides space for students to write in the rules and procedures that apply to them. Users are encouraged to create a ''forms file'' so they have a notebook of forms they can take with them to their first job. Other pedagogical tools include ''Procedural Ponderables'' that challenge students to think beyond the rules, ''Litigation Lingo and Logistics'' that provides hypotheticals and interesting exercises, and ''Techno Tips'' that introduce readers to helpful computer programs, formatting, and other technical issues. Key words: Traditional approach