Lexis Hub for New Attorneys: Legal Toolbox: Research Tips: New Associate Research Skills: Law Librarians’ Perspective:


LexisNexis Sites

Global | About This Site | Contact Us | Sign on to Lexis.com®

	Home >Legal Toolbox > Research Tips New Associate Research Skills: Law Librarians’ Perspective	* Required fields Recipient’s name:* Recipient’s email:* Your name:* Your email:* Message: Your email has been sent. Close

Sign On| Register Here Free

Research Tips

1/5/2009 9:52:44 AM EST

New Associate Research Skills: Law Librarians’ Perspective

By Lisa C. McManus

Posted by AME3bg

In this economy, you need more of a foundation than ever in cost-effective research techniques: when to use a book, how to select the right database for the search, and how to use tables of contents or Shepards® for research. Law Librarians have considerable expertise in the legal research arena and can provide valuable assistance in this regard.

Recently, a group of law librarians was surveyed concerning their opinions on the research skills that new associates lack. Based on the results, what follows is a list of tips that may assist you in knowing what skills to brush up on.

It's not always wise to jump directly online without first tapping print materials, such as treatises, digests, and so on.
Look to a relevant treatise, ALR, or law review article to save time and money rather than always starting your research with case law.
Be aware of the jurisdiction and what is persuasive v. controlling law
Put the issue into context before beginning research, e.g., is this a contracts question? a corporate law question? a UCC question?
Bone up on legislative history and regulatory research. Law librarians have found that many new associates do not understand how federal regulations are promulgated, how a bill becomes law, and the difference between a statute and a regulation.
Investigate secondary resources, such as CCH, RIA, BNA, SEC Net, etc.
Be aware of the costs of your research.
Understand the structure of the legal system in the jurisdiction you are researching.
Ask questions of the partners/senior associates when you get assignments to clarify the issue, rather than spinning your wheels.
Be prepared to explain to partners/senior associates why you ran the searches that you did and how that provides the best value for the client.
Ask your law librarian if he or she would consider providing a short training session or can recommend a video, such as Commando Legal Research, to help hone cost-effective research skills. Or, consult your LexisNexis Representative for cost-effective tips on using the LexisNexis services.
Read the entire case, not just the case law summary or the Headnote segment.
Understand the difference between hourly and transactional searching and when to choose each. Every firm's policies regarding use of premium resources vary greatly, so you should learn what your firm's policies are ASAP.
Use help tools such as the Zimmerman research website, pathfinders, etc.