Legal researchers assist attorneys during the pre- trial process by reviewing, interpreting, and identifying relevant law and case precedent to help answer a specific question or to resolve an issue in dispute.Legal researchers draft correspondence and certain legal documents, interact with clients and witnesses, and maintain certain records.The training for becoming a legal researcher is the same as for a paralegal.
Step 1: You can earn an Associate's degree.
Obtaining an associate's degree is the most common path to employment as a legal researcher.The two-year programs are available online.Look for a program that is accredited by the American Bar Association.Legal writing and terminology, trial procedure, training with legal software applications, and legal research methodology are some of the courses you will take.You can get practical, hands-on experience by working in a legal setting for a short time to supplement your academic study if you participate in an internship program.This will help you improve your technical skills and make you more attractive to potential employers.
Step 2: It is possible to earn a Bachelor's Degree.
Larger law firms and government legal departments will want you to have at least a four-year Bachelor's degree to work as a legal researcher.A legal studies degree will prepare you for this type of work.To pursue this type of career, you don't have to major in pre-law discipline.Majoring in philosophy, economics, journalism, history, political science, or English will make you a good candidate.You should try to take courses that cover American law, constitutional law and civil/criminal law.
Step 3: A paralegal certification is required.
If your bachelor's degree is in a field other than legal studies, it will be helpful to obtain certification from a recognized professional organization, like the National Association of Legal Assistants or the American Alliance of Paralegals.This is not required for this type of employment, but it can help you stand out.There are multiple-choice, matching and true/false questions that measure your knowledge of communication, judgment and analytical ability, ethics, legal research, and substantive law.A Certified Paralegal or Certified Legal Assistant certification is required.This type of certification may be required by some employers.Regardless of whether the employer asks for this professional certification, you should draw attention to it on your resume.
Step 4: You can earn a J.D.
This three-year degree is required to become a lawyer, and some employers require this degree for you to be employed as a legal researcher.The degree will teach you more in-depth legal skills, such as case analysis, statutory interpretation, and the broader concepts that underlie American law.This degree is not necessary if you want to work as a legal researcher.It is a great option for career advancement down the road.
Step 5: You should get a Master's degree.
You can get a Master's degree in legal studies if you want to be a more attractive candidate.This type of degree will allow you to gain specialized experience in one or more areas of the law, which can set you apart from other candidates with more generalized educations.If you know what kind of law you want to practice, or are passionate about working in a specific area of the legal field, this is a good idea.This degree will allow you to teach others how to become paralegals or legal assistants.
Step 6: You should develop your research skills.
According to the job title, the most important skill you must develop in order to be a successful legal researcher is your ability to conduct research effectively and efficiently.You will have to understand and analyze diverse sources of law.You need to know the way in which they interact with each other in order to answer research questions.Interviews and investigations are likely to be a part of your research tasks.Legal research is not the same as typing a few words into a search engine.Because the legal- research databases most commonly used by firms and legal departments (Westlaw and LexisNexis) charge per search, you will want to know how to search effectively by taking some time to think about what you need to look for, identifying helpful terms, and targeting your search
Step 7: You need to develop your writing skills.
You need to present your research in a clear, organized, and concise manner to the person who assigned you the task.Your ability to conduct research is the most important thing you can do to develop your writing skills.
Step 8: You should develop your attention to detail.
It's an important skill for anyone in the legal field.Specific facts about case precedent, such as date, jurisdiction, and ultimate disposition of the case, will have to be paid attention to.To indicate where you found a particular piece of information, you will need to use complicated forms of citation.Making sure the facts of a particular case are presented accurately in a motion or brief is something you will need to be precise with.
Step 9: You should develop your communication skills.
Many people will be working with you in the course of your employment, such as lawyers, clients, witnesses, and court personnel.Good relationships with people in your workplace, repeat clients, and court personnel are required.You will need to be able to make clients share sensitive information with you so you can do your job well.If you plan to work in a larger firm or office where different tasks are delegated to various individuals, you must be able to effectively work as part of a team.
Step 10: You should develop your organizational skills.
You will probably have many different cases and research tasks assigned to you at any given time.You will need to be able to prioritize certain tasks, determine the best order in which to complete your work, and maintain all of you work in a way that you can present the product of it.
Step 11: You should develop your computer skills.
Most of your work will be done on a computer in this digital age.You will need to know how to use Westlaw or LexisNexis, navigate common operating systems, use word-processing and e-mail software, and organize and maintain legal.To make yourself an attractive candidate for employers, you need to be well-versed in these tasks.When you start working, most employers will show you how to use their software.The less resources the employer will need to devote to training you, the more attractive you will be.
Step 12: A quality resume should be drafted.
You are ready to begin looking for work as a legal researcher once you have obtained the necessary education/certifications.Making sure your resume is written in a way that maximizes your chances of employment is the first thing you should do.Mention skills that will be of interest to a legal employer, highlight any relevant degrees and certifications you hold, and draw attention to any internship or related employment you have.
Step 13: Find out who hires legal researchers.
Legal researchers can be hired by anyone conducting legal work.A qualified legal researcher is needed by many government agencies, law firms, and corporations.You will usually be used to help attorneys with their cases.Legal research into statutory, regulatory, and judicially created laws will often be conducted so the attorney can make legal arguments based on what you find.If you can't find a job as a legal researcher, try broadening your search.If you are willing to work anywhere, you will often find a job.
Step 14: You can use the career-placement service at your school.
Once you have your resume up to date, it is a great place to begin looking for a job as a legal researcher.You can visit the career center at your school.They should be able to point you in the right direction if you tell them what you're looking for.They might be able to get you an interview or informational interview that can lead to a job.
Step 15: You can apply to a lot of positions.
When applying for employment as a legal researcher, you should try to apply to as many employers as possible.The majority of legal assistants are employed by law firms, corporate legal departments, or government agencies.You are more likely to find an employer that appreciates and can use your skills, education, and experience if you cast a wide net.
Step 16: Informational interviews can be conducted.
Informal conversations with people in your field of work are called informational interviews.They are not job interviews and should be treated as such.You can find paralegals, research specialists, and attorneys if you are a legal researcher.To conduct a successful interview, find people to interview.Look for people who are willing and able to speak with you about the career of a legal researcher, including how to get a job, who to talk to, and common career paths people take.Look for paralegals, research specialists, and even attorneys.Ask your friends and family if they know any people you could reach.You can ask if there is a legal researcher on staff.If any articles mention legal research, you should contact the subject of the article.Ask your alumni association about people working in legal research.Prepare.You should give a short introduction to the people you are talking to.If the person insists, you should conduct the informational interview.Make contact.You should make contact when you are ready by either calling or sending an email.Tell them how they got their name and why you are calling.Don't tell them you're not looking for a job but you want to discuss the field.Set an appointment if you want to meet in-person.The interviewer should conduct the interview.If you are going for an interview, dress like a job interview and be prepared to speak.The person has a job, how they got it, and what path they took to get there.When talking to an attorney, ask about their hiring criteria and what they look for in a legal researcher.If you need to take notes, be sure to listen carefully.If they have other contacts, ask if they would be willing to introduce you to them.Follow-up.The person should be thanked for their time a day or two after the interview.Let them know how much you appreciate their willingness to talk.Let the person know how you are using the information they gave you.