Training Course Syllabus:

Do you do enough legal research to ensure you are up-to-speed with the latest methods?

Legal research methods are constantly changing. As increasingly greater numbers of resources are added, it is critical to know which tools and skills will help you to get your job done most effectively and efficiently. Our experienced faculty will help to make the research process less intimidating by providing you with practical tips they have used successfully. Whether you are just starting to conduct legal research or are looking to brush up on your skills, this is the seminar for you!

Hone your research skills by:

• Identifying the key issues of the case to ensure your research will be on point.
• Creating a research plan that will save time and improve your results.
• Selecting the appropriate authorities that will help to support the case theory.
• Examining how and when to use various databases and internet sources.
• Understanding when your research is complete to avoid endless ineffective searches.

1. STARTING YOUR RESEARCH - ISSUE IDENTIFICATION
   9:00 - 9:45, Charles D. Onofry
   1. Background From Attorney
   2. Review File for Details
   3. Jurisdiction and Deadlines
2. NARROWING THE ISSUES
   9:45 - 10:30, Victoria Tandy
   1. Search Term and Keyword Determination
   2. Scope of the Research – Length and Detail as Determined by Attorney
3. CREATING YOUR RESEARCH PLAN
   10:45 - 11:30, Matthew A. Goldstein
4. USING I.R.A.C. TO STRUCTURE YOUR APPROACH
   11:30 - 12:15, Kendra Ann Diegan
   1. Fastcase
   2. Ways to Stay Current on New Caselaw
5. SELECTING APPROPRIATE AUTHORITIES
   1:15 - 2:00, John Paul Parks
   1. Primary/Mandatory Authorities
   2. Secondary/Persuasive Authorities
   3. Non-Legal Sources for Investigative or Supporting Information
6. WHEN TO USE PRINT VS. ELECTRONIC RESEARCH
   2:00 - 2:45, John Paul Parks
   1. When to Use Print
   2. Computer-Assisted Legal Research
      1. LexisNexis
      2. Westlaw
      3. Internet Research
7. PROPER CITATION
   3:00 - 3:45, John Paul Parks
   1. Citation Manuals and Related Form of Each
   2. Shepardizing
8. HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOUR RESEARCH IS COMPLETE?
   3:45 - 4:30, Charles D. Onofry
   1. Agreement Among Authorities
   2. What to Do When You Find Too Much or Too Little Information

Seminar Summary:

Whether you are just starting to conduct legal research or are looking to brush up on your skills, this is the seminar for you! (see full course description)

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