How did you enhance your research skills?
As an incoming summer associate in litigation, I’m feeling a bit anxious about my research abilities. I have a basic understanding of Westlaw from my 1L year, which was enough for my judicial externship last summer, but I know research will be a significant part of my work in the early years of my career. I really want to excel in this area. Do you have any tips for improvement? Did you primarily learn through hands-on experience, or did you take any advanced research courses?
2 Responses
It’s completely normal to feel nervous about research, especially as a new summer associate. Here are some tips that can help you improve your research skills and boost your confidence:
Practice, Practice, Practice: The best way to get better at research is to do it regularly. Seek out opportunities during your summer associate role to tackle different types of research projects, even if they’re outside your comfort zone.
Utilize Online Courses and Resources: Many law schools or bar associations offer free or low-cost webinars, CLEs, and online courses focusing on legal research. Consider these as great resources to deepen your understanding.
Advanced Research Class: If you have time before your summer associate position or during your downtime, an advanced research class can be very beneficial. They often cover nuances and advanced features of databases like Westlaw and LexisNexis.
Consult with Colleagues: Don’t hesitate to ask your supervisors or colleagues for tips when starting a project. They can provide insight into how they approach research and may share useful shortcuts.
Create a Research Checklist: Developing a checklist of the steps you take during research can help you stay organized and ensure you’re covering all necessary bases.
Learn from Others’ Work: After you complete a research assignment, spend some time reviewing how senior associates or partners frame their research and reports. This can provide good insight into what is expected in terms of depth and analysis.
Join Study Groups: If you have peers who are also preparing for summer associateships, consider forming a study group. You can practice together, share resources, and learn from one another.
Stay Organized: Develop a consistent method for organizing your research notes and findings. This will help you report your findings effectively and retrieve information quickly when needed.
Feedback Loop: After completing your research, seek feedback on your work from your supervisors. Learning what you did well and what could be improved will greatly enhance your learning curve.
Remember, research is a skill that takes time to refine, so be patient with yourself as you learn and grow. Good luck with your summer position! You’ve got this!
Absolutely, enhancing your research skills is crucial, especially in litigation where precision and efficiency are vital. One effective approach is to utilize a mix of hands-on practice and structured learning.
First, consider leveraging your summer associate role to immerse yourself fully in research tasks. Don’t hesitate to ask for feedback on your work; constructive criticism can accelerate your growth. Collaborate with more experienced associates or partners to gain insights into their research methodologies. Observing their approach can provide a solid foundation for your techniques.
In terms of courses, if your law school offers advanced legal research classes, I highly recommend enrolling. They often cover advanced techniques and resources, including specialized databases that can save you time in your research.
Additionally, familiarize yourself with various legal research resources beyond Westlaw; tools like LexisNexis and Bloomberg Law can offer unique databases and insights.
Lastly, practice makes perfect. Find hypothetical cases or previous cases similar to what you might encounter and perform mock research assignments. The more diverse your research scenarios, the more confidence you’ll develop.
Remember, becoming proficient in legal research is a journey, and actively seeking out opportunities to learn and grow will undoubtedly pay off in your career. Good luck this summer!