" HOW TO EXCEL IN LEGAL RESEARCH"

Hola! Budding Lawyers, here is the simple and elegant method to excel in legal research.

(Go through last week's post on " How to write legal research paper/article." )

As I always insist, first thing to do is, READ!

1. READ:

Every legal research project/programme consists of a particular criteria to be fulfilled. Study that part of the report and break it into bullet points.

‌Ex: ''Interns are supposed to submit more than 5 case laws on behalf of the plaintiff and suppose to get in touch with the real life victims, conduct interviews and include the transcripts of their communication in the Module ''

Suppose the report looks something like this, you have to crucially read it few times. Try not to hurry up. Slow and steady wins the race isn't it !

Now break it down to bullet points,

* More than 5 case laws on behalf of plaintiff.

* Transcript of communication with Victims.

See, the previous para looked overwhelming. But it only wants you to include these two things ultimately in your module.

Hence, it is very important to classify the instructions and expected outcomes, to excel in the work given.

2. Truth and nothing but truth :

Don't slip a fake case law or fake interview transcript into the module. It will result in 'C' grades. Always look for a better way to present what you have got from the research.

Ex: Suppose you have 3 case laws to the point and are Supreme Court Judgements. And 5 caselaws are not exactly to the point as in it was a very helpful observation by the SC/HC. Then, classify the caselaws into following kinds.

1. SC Judgements on the point

2. HC Judgements on the point

3. SC Observations helpful to present case

4. HC / Other Courts Observations helpful to the present case.

Make infinite classifications if you require, it will only help the employer to study it easily and quickly. When you have made their job easy, it will give you 'A' grade.

3. Articulate, Classify and Simplify :

It's all in the sentences you frame, how you communicate with the reader. While explaining the facts of the case especially, use this super power of yours. And do not copy facts as it is from the Law Journals or Judgements. Simplify the facts. To do this, first understand the case. Then, narrate it like a story. If possible limit it to 10 sentences. More importantly make separate points for the stages of the case. It is quite confusing sometimes to understand which side has won in which stage.

Ex: In trial Court, the petitioner have won the case. Then in appeal, the judgement may be reversed. Again in SC the judgement may be reversed once again. Therefore, make sure you understand the stages and simplify it in your report.

The Legal research is the foundation of any case. Therefore, take it seriously and give your best.