Efficient Online Legal Research for Paralegals and Associates

Legal research as a key component for legal profession involves identifying, finding, and cite checking information and applicable laws. Paralegals and Associates need to know the sources that would enable them to work more efficiently without being overwhelmed with information. The best way to do so is to employ important research skills and utilize available tools and resources. Under this topic, we will review which research skills do paralegals and associates have, understand the tools available to them, the legal research process and its basic elements, what types of legal sources are needed, and how to begin your legal research. We will also review what free resources are available for legal research and how to use them efficiently. In addition, we will review significant factors that may negatively affect your research, including bad law. We also will cover search terms, artificial intelligence, and the future of legal technology.

Key topics to be discussed:

• First Steps: Security, relevance and reliability
• Where Do You Start: Understanding the key details and questions, finding laws and information
• Achieve Your Research Goals: Key words and search terms, refining search terms, and how to use variety of sources
• Free Legal Research Tools
• Artificial Intelligence: Yay or nay?

Date / Time: December 15, 2023

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