What kind of research do paralegals do?

Asked by: Loyal Rice  |  Last update: August 20, 2022
Score: 4.6/5 (60 votes)

The legal research skills employed by paralegals in order to assist their lawyers is conducted primarily, but not limited to, through researching individual case facts, organizing case files, contacting and interviewing witnesses, gathering supporting evidence, and drafting the necessary legal documents for each case.

What does a paralegal need to start the research for a project?

Defining the Legal Issue

In order to determine the legal issues, you must examine the facts and circumstances of the case. A good paralegal will follow the steps of D.I.S.P.U.T.E. to define the legal issues of the case in order to prepare to begin her legal research.

What are three kinds of tasks a paralegal might perform?

What Do Paralegals Do?
  • Conduct client interviews and maintain general contact with the client.
  • Locate and interview witnesses.
  • Conduct investigations, statistical and documentary research.
  • Conduct legal research.
  • Draft legal documents, correspondence and pleadings.
  • Summarize depositions, interrogatories and testimony.

What databases do paralegals use?

Justia is another one of the intuitive, widely available free legal research databases. Paralegals can use Justia's legal research services to conduct research for their law firm or company. The site provides free case law, regulations, legal information and codes for students, businesses and lawyers around the world.

What are 3 skills that a paralegal should have?

An indispensable paralegal has an ability to multitask, a strong attention to detail, a willingness to learn, an expertise in organization, and psychic abilities.
  • Ability to multitask. ...
  • Strong attention to detail. ...
  • Willingness to learn. ...
  • Expertise in organization. ...
  • Psychic abilities.

Class 1 - Beginning Legal Research

42 related questions found

What type of writing does a paralegal do?

Paralegals spend much of their time writing: drafting emails, letters, briefs, memorandum, agreements, resolutions, motions, contracts and many other legal forms that are both simple and complex. Hence, good writing skills are a valuable asset and significant to a paralegal's success.

What technology do paralegals use?

Word Processing, Spreadsheets and Presentation Software

Microsoft Office, Open Office, and Google Docs are common software suites that are used in many law firms. Knowledge of one of these programs is a must for legal assistants and paralegals.

How do I research as a paralegal?

The following legal research tips for paralegals will help improve your efficiency and enhance the quality of the information you deliver to your team.
  1. Define Before You Dig. ...
  2. Dig Deeper Than Standard Search Engines. ...
  3. Get Social. ...
  4. Narrow Results Through Advanced Searches. ...
  5. Use Expert Sources. ...
  6. Take a Break to Take it in.

What is legal research database?

It provides laws and legal information from another country or international information for legal researchers, law students, and lawyers for their practice area. Westlaw International is a password based and IP address based online legal. research database.

Why is legal research important?

The importance and benefits of legal research are: It is an important tool for lawyers and law firms. It governs the pertinent issues involving the basic search for a case that can be used as a consulting case. A good legal research can dispose of or eradicate the possibilities of failure.

Can paralegals conduct legal research?

For example, paralegals can review and organize client files, conduct factual and legal research, prepare documents for legal transactions, draft pleadings and discovery notices, interview clients and witnesses, and assist at closings and trials. Paralegals must avoid the unauthorized practice of law.

What is legal research in law?

Legal research is "the process of identifying and retrieving information necessary to support legal decision-making.

What are the four basic tasks that most paralegals perform?

4 Important Tasks You'll Perform as a Paralegal
  • Conduct Legal Research.
  • Draft Various Legal Documents.
  • Help Attorneys Prepare for Trial.
  • Interview Witnesses.

What are the types of legal research?

Different Types of Legal Research
  • 1) Descriptive Legal Research. ...
  • 2) Quantitative research. ...
  • 3) Qualitative Legal Research. ...
  • 4) Analytical Legal Research. ...
  • 5) Applied Legal Research. ...
  • 6) Pure Legal Research. ...
  • 7) Conceptual Legal Research. ...
  • 8) Empirical Legal Research.

What is research methodology in law?

Legal research methodologies are techniques by which one acquires legally relevant information, analyzes, interprets, and applies them to resolve issues at hand and present the findings. Thus, legal research methodology is a scientific and systematic way to solve any legal question.

What are the 5 stages of legal research?

Five Steps of Legal Research
  • Formulate a Research Plan.
  • Consult Secondary Sources.
  • Consult Primary Sources.
  • ( a) Expand Primary Law, and (b) Update Primary Law.
  • Analyze & Organize Results.

What research tools do lawyers use?

Popular Legal Research Tools for Law Firms
  • Westlaw/Thomson Reuters. Westlaw has been another big name on the legal research scene for several decades. ...
  • PACER. ...
  • The Public Library of Law (PLoL). ...
  • Google Scholar. ...
  • FindLaw. ...
  • Justia.

What is legal research material?

Legal research is a process performed by advocates, law students, law researchers, law librarians and paralegals for various purposes. Sources of legal information range. from printed books, to free legal research websites and information portals to fee. database vendors such as LexisNexis, Westlaw, JSTOR, Manupatra.

What is the best legal research platform?

Top 7 Legal Research Software
  • Westlaw.
  • Lexis.
  • Casetext.
  • Westlaw Legal Calendaring.
  • PLC.
  • Law Insider Contract and Clause Search Database.
  • Lexis Practice Advisor®

How do you write a legal research?

  1. Selection of the Research Topic. Choosing your topic is the first and most important step in your research paper project. ...
  2. Preparing the Final draft. Try to set aside your draft for a day or two before revising. ...
  3. Acknowledgment. ...
  4. Research Questions/Hypothesis. ...
  5. Chapterization. ...
  6. Abstract: ...
  7. Introduction. ...
  8. Body.

What are the primary sources of legal research?

The four primary sources are constitutions, statutes, cases, and regulations. These laws and rules are issued by official bodies from the three branches of government.

Why do lawyers need research skills?

Developing your legal research skills can also yield the most relevant information—so you can make a stronger argument and ultimately, capture more successful outcomes for your clients.

What do paralegals use Excel for?

Many paralegals use Excel all the time. Here is a partial list of uses: Organizing invoices & financial statements. Generating timeline exhibits as trial evidence.

How can I use Excel as a paralegal?

Here are some of the most important skills paralegal students who want an excellent career should develop:
  1. Prioritizing. The ability to multitask is a skill paralegals must hone. ...
  2. Thinking Ahead. ...
  3. Communication. ...
  4. Writing. ...
  5. Researching. ...
  6. Technology. ...
  7. Organization/Flexibility. ...
  8. Teamwork.

Why do lawyers need computer skills?

For example, the Internet currently provides access to information resources that previously would not have been readily available, and this requires modern lawyers to possess a high level of electronic research skills to find, amass, manage, evaluate and use all readily available, relevant and authentic information to ...