In the legal world, paralegals play a pivotal role in supporting attorneys with various tasks, one of the most important being research. Legal research is the foundation of building a solid case, identifying precedents, and ensuring that attorneys are well-prepared for litigation or negotiation. For paralegals, developing top-notch research skills is not only a necessity but also a way to stand out and provide value in a competitive field.
This guide offers the Top 10 Research Tips for Paralegals to help you conduct effective, efficient, and thorough research. By following these steps, you can elevate your legal research skills to professional standards.
Check out SNATIKA's Online Certificate in Research Methods.
Top 10 Research Tips for Paralegals
1. Master the Basics of Legal Research
Before diving into more advanced strategies, it’s crucial to master the basics of legal research. Understanding the structure of the U.S. legal system and knowing the different types of legal authorities is fundamental.
- Primary sources: These include constitutions, statutes, regulations, and case law.
- Secondary sources: These are treatises, legal encyclopaedias, law reviews, and practice manuals that help interpret and explain the law.
Start by familiarising yourself with primary sources, as these are binding authorities. Secondary sources provide context, analysis, and can point you toward relevant primary law, but they are not binding in court. Knowing how to navigate these two types will be the backbone of your research success.
2. Use Reliable Legal Research Tools
There is an overwhelming number of legal databases available today, and knowing which ones to use can save you time and energy. For most professional paralegals, tools like Westlaw and LexisNexis are indispensable. Both databases offer access to a wealth of case law, statutes, regulations, and secondary sources.
- Westlaw: Known for its powerful search functionality and extensive legal analysis tools.
- LexisNexis: Provides access to a wide array of legal documents and offers a strong set of legal research and case-building tools.
Other helpful platforms include Fastcase, Bloomberg Law, and Casemaker, which can provide different functionalities and often come with lower price tags. Free resources like Google Scholar and government websites like Congress.gov or state legislative sites also provide valuable information.
3. Develop Advanced Search Techniques
Efficient researchers know how to manipulate search queries to get precise results. Understanding Boolean search techniques and advanced search operators will allow you to narrow down your results quickly.
- Boolean operators like AND, OR, and NOT help combine or exclude specific terms from your search.
- Use quotations for exact phrases. For example, searching "due process" will return documents where the phrase appears exactly as written.
- Wildcards and truncation: Use an asterisk () to find variations of a word, such as “liab” to return “liability,” “liable,” and “liabilities.”
Learning these techniques will help you save hours by avoiding irrelevant results and ensuring that you find the most pertinent legal materials.
4. Understand Jurisdictional Differences
The U.S. legal system operates across federal, state, and local jurisdictions. Different laws apply in different jurisdictions, and it’s important to know where the law you are researching is applicable.
- Federal law applies across the country and covers areas such as immigration, bankruptcy, and constitutional law.
- State law applies within specific state borders and often governs areas like family law, property law, and criminal law.
- Local ordinances cover city or municipal regulations, which might affect zoning, public health, or safety issues.
Make sure you understand which jurisdiction is relevant to the matter you are researching. For example, a state statute might differ significantly from a federal regulation on the same issue. Always double-check that the sources you’re using are applicable in the jurisdiction where the case or issue is being litigated.
5. Stay Current with Legal Developments
The law is constantly evolving, and staying on top of recent developments is critical for effective legal research. Subscribe to legal news outlets, law firm newsletters, or use features within legal research platforms that provide case alerts and statutory updates.
- Westlaw Alerts: Set up email notifications for changes to laws, regulations, or new case law related to your research.
- Lexis Advance: Offers similar tools to track specific areas of law and jurisdictions.
Keeping up with legal news and updates ensures that your research remains relevant and helps avoid reliance on outdated precedents or statutes.
6. Organise Your Research Effectively
Effective legal research is as much about organisation as it is about finding the right resources. Create a system for organising your research, whether it’s through physical files or digital databases.
- Bookmark important cases within your legal research tools for quick reference.
- Create folders or spreadsheets to track your research progress, ensuring that you don’t miss key sources or repeat searches unnecessarily.
- Annotate and highlight significant parts of cases, statutes, or secondary sources for quick access during case preparation.
Being organised will allow you to present information more coherently and make it easier for attorneys to understand and use the research in their work.
7. Learn How to Shepardize or KeyCite
Once you’ve found relevant case law, it’s essential to ensure that the case is still good law. This is where Shepardizing (in LexisNexis) or using KeyCite (in Westlaw) comes into play. These tools allow you to see how a case has been treated in subsequent rulings.
- : Provides a list of cases that have cited the case you’re researching and indicates whether the case has been overruled, affirmed, or otherwise affected by later decisions.
- KeyCite: Works similarly to Shepardizing, showing the treatment history of a case and whether it’s still considered good law.
Failing to check a case’s current status could lead to relying on overturned or outdated law, which could have serious repercussions in legal proceedings.
8. Consult Secondary Sources for Guidance
While primary sources like statutes and case law are the most authoritative, secondary sources can provide crucial guidance, especially when you’re new to a specific area of law. Treatises, legal encyclopaedias, and law review articles often explain complex legal doctrines in easier-to-understand language and can point you to relevant case law and statutes.
- American Jurisprudence (AmJur): A comprehensive legal encyclopaedia that explains a wide range of legal topics.
- Restatements of the Law: These summarise common law and are often persuasive in courts.
- Law review articles: Scholarly analyses of legal issues that can help frame your research and provide insights into emerging trends.
By starting with these secondary sources, you can gain a better understanding of the issue at hand and identify the most relevant primary sources to explore.
9. Pay Attention to Detail
Legal research is meticulous work, and attention to detail is critical. Always double-check the spelling of case names, statute numbers, and other legal citations. A small typo can lead you to the wrong case or statute and derail your entire research process.
- Verify citations: Always cross-check your citations to ensure they are accurate and up to date. Legal citation manuals, such as the Bluebook, are helpful in maintaining consistency and correctness in your citations.
- Check for updates: Laws and precedents change frequently, so it’s important to ensure that the statutes and case law you rely on are still in effect.
By maintaining a strong focus on accuracy, you can avoid costly errors and ensure that your research is dependable.
10. Collaborate with Attorneys and Other Paralegals
Effective research often requires collaboration. Don’t hesitate to seek feedback or clarification from the attorney you’re working with, or consult other paralegals for advice. Collaboration can lead to deeper insights and more thorough research.
- Ask questions: If you’re unclear on the scope of the research or the legal issue at hand, clarify it with the supervising attorney.
- Share insights: Paralegals working in the same office or practice area can offer valuable tips on where to find certain resources or how to approach a complex issue.
- Attend CLE courses: Continuing legal education (CLE) programs often offer specialised research courses that can further refine your skills and help you stay updated on new research techniques and legal databases.
Building a network of supportive colleagues and supervisors will make your research more effective and enhance your career growth as a paralegal.
Unlock the Power of Research: Sharpen Your Skills with SNATIKA's Online Certificate in Research Methods
Do you have a burning desire to delve into the world of research, but lack the time or resources for a full-fledged degree program?
SNATIKA's Online Certificate in Research Methods (Level 7) offers the perfect solution. This comprehensive program equips you with the essential knowledge and skills necessary to design, conduct, and analyse research effectively.
This program is ideal for a variety of individuals, including:
- Professionals seeking career advancement: Gain valuable research skills relevant to diverse fields, enhancing your ability to analyse data, solve problems, and inform decision-making.
- Recent graduates: Build a strong foundation in research methodology, preparing you for postgraduate studies or research-based careers.
- Aspiring researchers: Develop the skills necessary to investigate complex problems, communicate findings effectively, and contribute meaningfully to your field.
Syllabus: A Structured Approach to Research
SNATIKA's program goes beyond rote memorization. You'll engage with core concepts through:
- Foundations of Research Methodology: Grasp the key principles of research design, including research objectives, types of research, and ethical considerations.
- Research Design and Planning: Learn how to design effective research projects, formulate research questions, and select appropriate research methods.
- Data Collection Techniques: Master various data collection methods, including surveys, interviews, observation, and data analysis tools.
- Data Analysis and Interpretation: Develop skills to analyse qualitative and quantitative data, extract meaningful insights, and draw valid conclusions.
- Research Writing and Communication: Learn to communicate your research findings effectively through clear and concise writing, preparing presentations, and adhering to scholarly writing conventions.
Key Course Highlights
- Practical Learning: Case studies, group projects, and simulated research scenarios provide hands-on experience in applying research methods to real-world situations.
- Industry-Relevant Skills: Gain valuable skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication, highly sought after in various professional settings.
- Globally Recognized Qualification: Upon successful completion, you'll receive a Level 7 Certificate recognized by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Council (Ofqual) in the UK, adding value to your resume.
Benefits of Online Learning
- Flexibility: Study at your own pace and schedule, balancing your academic pursuits with work and personal commitments.
- Accessibility: Learn from anywhere in the world with an internet connection, eliminating geographical barriers to quality education.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Online learning often offers a more budget-friendly option compared to traditional campus programs.
Career Opportunities
This program opens doors to numerous career paths where research skills are in demand. Some possibilities include:
- Research Assistant: Assist researchers in universities, research institutions, or private companies with data collection, analysis, and project management.
- Market Researcher: Conduct research to understand consumer behaviour, market trends, and product development opportunities.
- Data Analyst: Analyse data from various sources to solve business problems, identify trends, and make informed decisions.
- Policy Analyst: Conduct research to inform policy development, assess program effectiveness, and advocate for evidence-based policy solutions.
- Academic Researcher: Pursue advanced degrees and conduct research within your chosen field, contributing to knowledge and advancing your academic career.
Beyond the Certificate
This program serves as a stepping stone for further education. Graduates can pursue a Bachelor's degree in a research-oriented discipline or specialise through Masters programs in research methodology or specific research areas.
Invest in Your Research Skills. Invest in Your Future.
SNATIKA's Online Certificate in Research Methods empowers you to navigate the world of research with confidence. With its flexible format, practical learning approach, and globally recognized qualification, this program unlocks your potential to become a skilled researcher and contribute meaningfully to your chosen field. Visit SNATIKA's website to learn more about the program, syllabus details, fees, eligibility criteria, and take the first step towards enriching your career with valuable research expertise.
Conclusion
For paralegals, mastering legal research is an indispensable skill that directly impacts the success of the attorneys and clients you support. By mastering basic research techniques, using the right tools, staying organised, and collaborating with others, you can conduct research like a pro. Always stay current with legal updates, use advanced search techniques, and ensure your case law is still valid by Shepardizing or KeyCiting your sources.
Following these top 10 research tips will not only improve your efficiency and accuracy but will also make you a more valuable asset to any legal team.
Check out SNATIKA's Online Certificate in Research Methods.
FAQs
1. What is the most important research tool for paralegals?
Both Westlaw and LexisNexis are considered essential research tools for paralegals, offering comprehensive databases of case law, statutes, and legal commentary.
2. How do I know if a case is still good law?
To verify if a case is still good law, use Shepard's in LexisNexis or KeyCite in Westlaw. These tools track how cases have been treated by subsequent courts.
3. What are primary and secondary sources in legal research?
Primary sources are binding legal authorities like constitutions, statutes, and case law. Secondary sources, such as treatises and legal encyclopaedias, offer interpretations and commentary on the law.
4. Why is jurisdiction important in legal research?
Jurisdiction determines which laws and legal precedents apply to a specific case. Researching the wrong jurisdiction can lead to incorrect or irrelevant legal information.
5. How can paralegals stay current with legal changes?
Paralegals can stay updated by setting alerts on platforms like Westlaw and LexisNexis, following legal news, and attending CLE programs.
6. What is Boolean searching, and why is it useful?
Boolean searching uses operators like AND, OR, and NOT to refine search results, allowing paralegals to retrieve more relevant and precise legal information.