Key Steps in Doing Legal Research

Doing legal research is an important skill for law students and lawyers. But it can be tricky, and understanding how to do it can feel overwhelming. Here’s a simple guide to the main steps in legal research, including the challenges you might face and how to handle them.

1. Figure Out the Legal Question

   • Challenge: The first step is figuring out the specific legal issue. This can be tough because legal problems can be complicated. If you don’t identify the right issue, you might waste time and get the wrong answer.
   • Solution: Break down big issues into smaller parts to make them easier. Talk with friends or teachers to help clarify your question.

2. Collect Background Information

   • Challenge: Finding trustworthy background information can be hard with so much info out there. It can be tricky to tell which sources are reliable and which are not.
   • Solution: Use resources from law libraries, databases, and academic journals that are known for being accurate. Getting to know good legal databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis can help clear up some confusion.

3. Make a Research Plan

   • Challenge: Creating a research plan can be hard if you’re not familiar with different tools and methods. Without a clear plan, your research can get messy.
   • Solution: Write down an outline that lists the steps of your research. Include specific databases to check, keywords to use, and what kinds of materials you’ll look at (like case law and statutes).

4. Find Relevant Legal Sources

   • Challenge: There are so many legal materials—cases, laws, and articles—that finding the right ones can feel overwhelming.
   • Solution: Focus on the most relevant areas and prioritize your sources. Start with secondary sources that can help you understand things better, leading you to primary sources more easily.

5. Understand the Law

   • Challenge: Going through legal sources and figuring out what they mean can take time and be mentally tough. Misunderstanding the law can throw off your whole research.
   • Solution: Read cases and laws along with helpful commentary to get a clearer picture. Use tools like headnotes in Westlaw to ensure you cover all important points.

6. Organize Your Findings

   • Challenge: Keeping your research organized can be difficult. Notes and references can get jumbled, leading to mistakes.
   • Solution: Use citation management tools (like Zotero or EndNote) and keep a good filing system for both digital and paper documents to stay organized.

7. Create Your Legal Argument

   • Challenge: Writing a legal argument based on your research can be hard, especially if you struggle with clear writing.
   • Solution: Outline your argument using your research. Ask for feedback from peers or teachers to find any weak spots and to improve clarity.

8. Revise and Edit Your Final Work

   • Challenge: Revising can feel like an endless task, and you may start doubting yourself when trying to polish everything.
   • Solution: Set up a timeline for multiple rounds of revisions and make a checklist of common mistakes to look for. Join study groups or writing centers for extra help.

In summary, while legal research can be challenging, following a step-by-step approach and using the right resources can make it easier. With determination and careful planning, students can handle the ins and outs of legal research more effectively.