Efficient and Exhaustive Legal Research Methodology: A Guide for Lawyers and Law Students
This course on legal research provides a comprehensive introduction to the methodologies and tools essential for effective legal research. Students will learn to navigate various legal databases, including Westlaw, Quicklaw, and Lexis Plus, while also gaining proficiency in utilizing legal encyclopedias and practice guides. The course emphasizes the importance of creating and maintaining a legal research log, which helps track research progress and ensures the efficiency and accuracy of legal findings.
Throughout the course, students will engage with practical exercises and case studies to develop their research skills. They will learn to integrate analysis, understanding, and application of legal principles while conducting research. By the end of the course, students will be well-equipped to handle complex legal problems, ensuring they are prepared for the demands of legal practice and capable of instructing others in the research process.
Toronto Lawyers Association
For more than 135 years, the Toronto Lawyers' Association, located within the Courthouse Library, has represented the interests of lawyers practising in the City of Toronto. The association was founded to support its members in three key areas: Knowledge, Advocacy, and Community. To uphold these pillars, the association offers a year-round mix of online and in-person education programs for lawyers, hosts both free and paid events to foster in-person networking, and submits advocacy pieces on behalf of its members to the Ontario bench and bar, all levels of government, and the broader public.
Library Manager at Toronto Lawyers Association
Megan Strain is the Reference & Outreach Librarian at the Toronto Lawyers Association. She helps patrons find answers to their legal research questions and works to promote the library through various outreach initiatives. Before joining TLA in 2020, Megan worked at the City of Toronto Archives and loves exploring the history of the city! She received her Master of Information from the University of Toronto and has a Master of Arts in History & Politics from the University of Edinburgh.
