Legal research is a crucial part of any lawyer’s job. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, it’s essential to have the skills and resources to find the information you need quickly and accurately. Fortunately, there are a number of tips and tricks that can help you maximize your legal research and improve your efficiency and effectiveness.
To learn more, we spoke to several experienced law librarians and asked them to share their insights. Here are some of the top tips they offered:
- Start with secondary sources.
One common mistake that new legal researchers make is jumping straight into primary sources, such as statutes and case law. While these sources are certainly important, they can be overwhelming if you’re not familiar with the legal landscape. Instead, start with secondary sources like treatises, practice guides, and legal encyclopedias. These resources provide an overview of the law and can help you get oriented before diving into the more complex primary sources.
- Know your research tools.
There are many different research tools available to legal researchers, from online databases to print resources. Make sure you’re familiar with the ones that are most relevant to your practice area. For example, if you’re a litigator, you’ll likely need to be well-versed in case law databases like Lexis and Westlaw. If you’re a transactional lawyer, you may rely more on practice guides like the American Bar Association’s Business Law Section.
- Use search operators and advanced search features.
Most online databases have advanced search features that allow you to refine your search results. For example, you can use search operators like “AND,” “OR,” and “NOT” to narrow or broaden your search. You can also use quotation marks to search for exact phrases or use wildcard characters to search for variations on a word. Take the time to learn these features and use them to your advantage.
- Don’t forget about print resources.
While online databases have revolutionized legal research, there are still many valuable print resources that shouldn’t be overlooked. For example, many law libraries have specialized collections of rare or hard-to-find materials that can be incredibly helpful for certain types of research. Don’t be afraid to ask your law librarian for recommendations on print resources that might be relevant to your research.
- Ask for help.
Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Law librarians are experts in legal research and can often provide valuable guidance and advice. If you’re stuck on a particular research question or can’t seem to find the information you need, don’t hesitate to reach out to a librarian for assistance.
In conclusion, legal research can be a daunting task, but by following these tips and tricks from experienced law librarians, you can improve your efficiency and accuracy. Remember to start with secondary sources, know your research tools, use search operators and advanced search features, don’t forget about print resources, and ask for help when you need it. With these strategies in your toolkit, you’ll be well on your way to mastering legal research.
