Internet Research for Legal Professionals

Training Provided by Lorman Education Services nThe Internet is a resource for a vast array of legal materials. However, not all legal resources available on the Internet represent authoritative or relevant information to the legal researcher. Legal websites organize information in different ways; documents appear in a variety of file formats; and search engines may or may not index legal materials in concert with the legal researcher's expectations. This teleconference will help you develop an understanding of how to search for and find legal information on the Internet. The teleconference also explains the context for efficient searching by comparing electronic searching with print research methods. Our expert speaker will compare editorial practices of legal website managers to those of print publishers to illustrate how Internet-based legal research fits into the larger research picture. You'll learn about research principles and methodology by examining specific websites for their problem solving utility. This teleconference will provide you with strategies for better and more efficient searching. You will benefit from the practical, detailed knowledge of how legal information on the Internet is organized and located.

Internet Research for Legal Professionals Agenda

1. Internet Context
1. History of Legal Materials on the Internet
2. Organization and Availability of Legal Materials on the Internet
3. Advantages and Disadvantages of Internet-Based Research
2. Search Engines
1. General Search Engines Such as Google and Yahoo®
2. Legal-Specific Search Sites Such as FindLaw® and Jurist®
3. Strategies for Search
1. Searching vs. Researching
2. Identifying the Best Authorities on the Web
3. Internet Search Techniques
4. Searching Individual Topics
5. Combining Internet Research With Print Materials
4. Finding the Law on the Internet
1. Federal and State Materials on the Internet
2. Case Collections, Dockets, Court Rules and Court Websites
3. Statutes, Municipal Ordinances
4. Agency Regulations and Decisions
5. Executive Documents From State and Federal Sources
5. Finding Legal Analysis and Commentary on the Internet
1. Law Reviews, Treatises, Encyclopedias and Wikis
2. Commentary From Law Firm Sites and Blogs
3. Miscellaneous Document Retrieval
6. Publicly Accessible Databases
1. Government Documents and Federal Depository Library Program Items
2. Public and Private Free Database Collections
7. Specific Websites, Online Indexes and Tools
1. GPO Access - Thomas, National Archives and Records Service Databases
2. Websites for Foreign Law, International Law and Treaties
3. WorldCat
8. Technical Issues
1. Standard File Formats and Readers
2. Multimedia: PowerPoint, Podcasts and Video Presentations
9. Questions and Answers

About The Training Provider: Lorman Education Services

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