Real World Research is a program of 45-minute classes on specialized topics of research presented by the Law Library throughout the academic year. The program focuses on areas of research inquiry that often come up in the "real world" outside of the classroom that might not be covered in your regular coursework.

Spring 2011 Schedule

February 23 — Free Stuff!

You won't always have free access to Lexis and Westlaw, and you won't be able to pass on unreasonable research costs to your clients. Come learn how to do legal research on the web for free. You can't beat that price!

Resources: powerpoint slides, link bundle

Location: 240 Boalt
Time: 12:45pm - 1:30pm

March 9 — Business Research

You'll never become a rich and successful player in the field of finance without top-notch research skills. Gary Peete, former head reference librarian at the Haas business school library, will explain how to research company and industry information. He will explore SEC filings, industry profiles and business news as well as the efficient use of the many powerful databases at your disposal as a UCB student.

Resources: handout

Location: 244 Boalt
Time: 12:45pm - 1:30pm

April 6 — The Practising Attorney: Approaches to California Legal Research

Be sure to bring your laptop for this interactive session. Linda Spath, Nixon Peabody Head Librarian, will work through two typical research questions to demonstrate the use of secondary materials and case law research in a California-specific context.

Resources: slides (.ppt), library tour (.doc), secondary resources (.doc)

Location: 215C Boalt (Dean's Conference Room)
Time: 12:45pm - 1:30pm

April 12 — Summer associate research strategies

Kathy Skinner, Firmwide Information Resources Manager at MoFo, San Francisco, will field your questions and will talk about how to make the most of your summer associate experience. Come learn:

  • How to work effectively on research projects with law firm librarians and vendor trainers
  • Tips for getting the assignment from the assigning attorney and ongoing communication regarding the research request
  • Effective time management
  • Cost considerations when using online databases that are billed to clients

Location: 244 Boalt
Time: 12:45pm - 1:30pm