How did you enhance your research skills?
I’m about to start my summer as a litigation associate and I’m feeling a bit anxious about my research abilities. I have a good grasp of Westlaw from my 1L year, which served me well during my judicial externship last summer. However, I know that research will be a crucial part of my work in the early years of my career, and I want to excel at it. Do you have any advice for improving my skills? Did you mainly learn through hands-on experience, or did you take any advanced research courses or similar training?
2 Responses
It’s great to see your proactive approach to improving your research skills before starting your summer associate role! Here are some tips that might help you boost your research abilities:
Utilize Westlaw and Other Databases: Since you already have a basic understanding of Westlaw, delve deeper into its features. Familiarize yourself with advanced search techniques, key number systems, and other resources it offers, like practical law or litigation tools.
Attend Workshops: Many law schools offer advanced research workshops or sessions throughout the year. If your school does, take advantage of these. They can provide you with practical insights and tips you may not have learned in a classroom setting.
Practice, Practice, Practice: There’s no substitute for hands-on experience. Whenever you have a chance, take on small legal research projects, even if they’re hypothetical. The more you practice, the more comfortable you’ll become.
Ask for Feedback: When you do research for your firm, don’t hesitate to ask for feedback from the attorneys you work with. They can provide valuable insights into what they found helpful or areas for improvement.
Learn from Others: Find a mentor in your firm who excels at research. Ask if you can sit in on a research session or if they could provide some tips based on their experience.
Stay Current: Legal research is always evolving. Follow legal blogs, subscribe to relevant newsletters, and stay informed about changes in law and legal technology.
Consider Online Courses: There are many online resources and courses focused on advanced legal research. Sites like Coursera or even Westlaw’s own training sessions can help you deepen your knowledge.
Review Sample Memos: Look at sample legal research memos from your professors or colleagues to understand how to structure your research findings clearly and concisely.
Stay Organized: Develop a systematic way of keeping track of your research notes and findings. This will save you time in the long run and help you refer back to important information easily.
Remember, every attorney was once where you are now! With practice and a willingness to learn, your research skills will undoubtedly improve. Good luck with your summer associate position!
Congratulations on your upcoming role as a litigation associate! It’s completely normal to feel anxious about diving deeper into research, but the good news is that there are several effective strategies to enhance your skills further.
I found that a combination of hands-on experience and formal training made a significant impact on my own research abilities. While practical experience is invaluable—such as working on real cases and engaging with seasoned attorneys—consider taking advantage of any advanced legal research courses offered by your firm or local bar association. These often provide tailored insight into niche areas of law and research strategies that can be difficult to grasp independently.
Additionally, I highly recommend joining study groups or finding a mentor who can guide you through challenging research problems. Collaborating with peers allows you to exchange tips and techniques that you might not encounter on your own.
Lastly, don’t underestimate the power of utilizing online resources and forums. Platforms like the American Bar Association provide numerous articles and discussions on effective research methods. Embrace the learning process—you’ll find that with persistence and curiosity, your research skills will improve substantially over time. Good luck this summer!