Internet Research for Paralegals

• Overview
• Credits

Develop strategies and discover internet tools that will help you find the information you need.Legal research has always been a key component to working in the profession. As we move into the 21st century, technology has enabled us to work more efficiently yet has also overwhelmed us with a plethora of information that we must learn to manage to be more effective legal professionals. This topic will identify important research skills and the significance of refining how we utilize available tools and resources. We will review significant factors that will affect your research, including search terms, artificial intelligence and the future of legal technology, and the use of the internet. While we strive to find answers to legal questions using the most efficient methods, the legal consumer is also looking for insight. Strategic research will enhance your work and professional expertise.

Authors

Agenda

Getting Started: Before You Search

• Security

• Relevance

• Reliability

Begin Your Research

• Identify Goal(s) and Search Method(s)

• Primary Sources

• Legal and Court-Specific Websites

• Commercial Databases

• The World Wide Web - Generally and Legal Search Assistance

• Documentation and Citation

Search Engines

• Indexing

• Search Terms, Connectors, and Filters

• Research History, Folders

• Suggestions and Alerts

• Artificial Intelligence

• Consider Alternatives and Multiple Perspectives

Additional Resources

• Your Professional Network

• Law Librarians, Internal Colleagues, Co-Counsel

• Court Clerks and Government/Administrative Agencies