S. Advanced Legal Research Techniques

The purpose of the course is to enable you, now and later in your professional lives, to map out a coherent plan of action when asked to research a topic previously unfamiliar to you. You should come away from the course with a solid knowledge of research tools and with a frame of reference that enables you to function independently and competently in the world of legal information.

Subjects to be covered include the following: statutory and legislative materials; case law; regulations and regulatory decisions; research tools for litigation and transactional work; foreign, comparative, and international law materials; and open web research resources and strategies. The role of generative AI research tools will be discussed throughout where relevant. Generally, each class session will begin with a presentation and discussion led by that week's guest instructor, followed by hands-on research work by the students in small groups.