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800-780-8388 LEGAL RESEARCHER
The Role of a Legal Researcher in Preparing Winning Cases
In the quest for a successful legal outcome, information is power. Law firms and corporate legal departments often rely
on these experts to dig deep into statutes, case law, and regulations.
Uncovering Relevant Laws and Precedents
A legal researcher’s primary task is to delve into legal databases and archives to find relevant laws, precedents, and regulations. This process can involve searching through federal and state statutes, court opinions, and secondary sources like legal journals. By pinpointing the most pertinent information, legal researchers provide attorneys with the groundwork to shape their case strategy.
Analyzing and Organizing Findings
It’s not enough to just locate the information; researchers must also analyze and organize their findings. This often involves summarizing court opinions, categorizing them based on relevance, and noting any conflicting precedents. The goal is to create a clear picture of how existing law could impact a case, offering attorneys valuable insights.
Collaborating with the Legal Team
Legal researchers frequently collaborate with attorneys, paralegals, and legal assistants. They may help draft memos, prepare research summaries, and even suggest potential legal arguments. By working closely with the broader legal team, they ensure everyone has the data needed to make informed decisions.
Staying Current with Legal Developments
Laws change, and new precedents emerge constantly. A legal researcher keeps an eye on legal updates, ensuring that the team’s strategies align with the latest regulations and case law. This vigilance can help law firms stay ahead of the curve, especially in rapidly evolving fields like technology law or healthcare regulations.
Outsourcing Legal Research Can Save Your Firm Time and Money
Research is the backbone of many legal cases, but it can also be one of the most time-consuming tasks. If
you’re curious about whether outsourcing is right for your practice, here’s what you need to know.
Access to Specialized Expertise
When you outsource legal research, you gain access to a broader pool of experts with different specializations. Instead of hiring a full-time researcher skilled in corporate law and another in family law, you can bring in experts on an as-needed basis. This flexibility ensures that you always have the right person for the job without incurring the costs of multiple permanent hires.
Lower Overhead Costs
Staff salaries, benefits, office space, and training expenses can add up quickly. By outsourcing, you skip much of these overhead costs, paying only for the specific services you need. This approach makes it easier to control your budget, especially if your caseload fluctuates throughout the year.
Faster Turnaround Times
Outsourcing firms often have a team of researchers who can divide and conquer large projects, speeding up the process. When deadlines loom, having multiple people collaborate on the research can make all the difference. Your in-house team remains free to focus on litigation strategy, client meetings, and other high-value tasks.
Advanced Tools and Databases Experience
Professional legal research providers have experience utilizing databases and advanced research tools efficiently. This means you benefit from the most up-to-date and comprehensive resources, while cutting down on search time.
Top Legal Research Tools for Law Firms
If you’re searching for the “best legal research tools,” you’re already on the right path to boosting your firm’s
capabilities. Here’s an overview of the tools professionals rely on to help deliver fast, accurate information.
Westlaw
One of the most widely recognized names in legal research, Westlaw offers a vast database of case law, statutes, and secondary sources. Its intuitive interface, advanced search features, and KeyCite system help users quickly verify the status of a case.
LexisNexis
LexisNexis is another heavyweight in the legal research world, known for its extensive collection of legal documents and news resources. Its Shepard’s Citation Service allows you to track the history of a case and determine whether it’s still considered good law.
Bloomberg Law
Offering in-depth legal and business information, Bloomberg Law is particularly useful for firms that tackle corporate, tax, or financial cases. The platform integrates news, analytics, and research, making it easier to stay current with market trends and legal developments.
Fastcase
Fastcase is a more budget-friendly option that still packs a punch. With an ever-expanding library of state and federal cases, statutes, and regulations, it’s a popular choice for small to mid-sized firms. It also features a data visualization tool to help you see the relationships between different cases.
HeinOnline
HeinOnline specializes in historical and government documents. It’s ideal for researchers who need old law reviews, archived legal journals, or specialized content like congressional records. While not a primary tool for everyday research, it’s indispensable for in-depth historical analysis.
Casetext
Casetext leverages artificial intelligence to help you find relevant case law more efficiently. Its CARA AI tool allows users to upload a brief or document, which it then analyzes to suggest on-point cases you might have missed.
Ready to Elevate Your Legal Practice?
Connect with us to learn how ViaHire can bring high-quality, customized, and cost-effective legal support staffing solutions to your firm. Schedule a call with our team today and take the first step towards elevating your practice.
