1L SA "What Am I Doing Here" Forum

[Anonymous User]

It is at least somewhat comforting to see I am not the only one who feels this way. We only did 2 memos the whole year, 1 each semester and we were spoon fed the research. I read several books on legal writing so I feel ok there, even with limited experience. But I am lost in regards to legal research. Library research really scares me. The firm I am with this summer has their own legal library and from what I understand we are to go there before we try Westlaw or Lexis. In addition, there will be SA's from 3 different law schools at the firm, kind of concerned they will be further along in their reseach skills. Going to spend an afternoon later this week with a librarian at our law school. Good luck to everyone this summer.

[TTRansfer]

It is at least somewhat comforting to see I am not the only one who feels this way. We only did 2 memos the whole year, 1 each semester and we were spoon fed the research. I read several books on legal writing so I feel ok there, even with limited experience. But I am lost in regards to legal research. Library research really scares me. The firm I am with this summer has their own legal library and from what I understand we are to go there before we try Westlaw or Lexis. In addition, there will be SA's from 3 different law schools at the firm, kind of concerned they will be further along in their reseach skills. Going to spend an afternoon later this week with a librarian at our law school. Good luck to everyone this summer.

One word of advice: Utilize your firm's librarian. They exist for a reason and get paid for a reason.

[Scotusnerd]

One word of advice: Utilize your firm's librarian. They exist for a reason and get paid for a reason.

This times a thousand. I spent a ton of time in the library during legal writing, probably more than necessary for the assignments, but I don't regret it. At first, I puttered around randomly, trying to figure it out until I had spun myself into a spiral, then I'd go ask the librarian for help. They'd always set me straight.

Don't be shy, librarians are awesome.

[TTRansfer]

One word of advice: Utilize your firm's librarian. They exist for a reason and get paid for a reason.

This times a thousand. I spent a ton of time in the library during legal writing, probably more than necessary for the assignments, but I don't regret it. At first, I puttered around randomly, trying to figure it out until I had spun myself into a spiral, then I'd go ask the librarian for help. They'd always set me straight.

Don't be shy, librarians are awesome.

Shit, my firm's librarian was in another office. So I just called and emailed her. She was awesome. Super helpful. Even if you can't see them they can still be amazingly helpful.