During your summer placements, you may be assigned research tasks that go beyond what was covered in your foundational Legal Research class. Don’t worry—the Library has got you covered. Starting Monday, March 24th, when all 1Ls and 2Ls log in to Blackboard, you’ll see a new Board titled Prepare to Practice 2025. This series of ten video lectures is designed to give you a comprehensive understanding of the types of legal research you may encounter during your summer work.
Are you headed to an NGO or a non-profit organization? Check out Sylvia Yanes’ lecture on Public Policy & Non-Profit Research.
Working in Virginia? Let Joyce Manna Janto guide you through the nuances of Virginia legal research in her session, Virginia is for Lawyers.
Worried about a summer assignment that starts with a blank document and minimal instructions? Sylvia Yanes has you covered with her overview of Practical Law, Practical Guidance, and Forms—tools she found invaluable during her time as in-house counsel for a major construction company.
If you’re looking to master the art of updating legal documents, Joyce Manna Janto’s lecture on How to Update the Law is a must-watch.
Concerned about Westlaw Precision or feeling a bit rusty with your Lexis search skills? Watch our Research Refresher videos to sharpen your abilities on these platforms.
Landing a judicial placement? Hear from former clerks Molly Lentz-Meyer and Joleen Traynor as they share insider knowledge on Working for a Judge.
If you’re navigating the administrative state, Mads Ball’s lecture on Administrative Research will guide you through this complex area.
Wondering what a “typical” summer assignment might entail? Joyce Manna Janto breaks down six common assignments and shows you where to find the information you’ll need.
Finally, if you’re curious about exploring AI in your research, Roger Skalbeck will walk you through the various platforms in his session on AI in Legal Practice.
With these resources at your fingertips, you’ll be more than ready to tackle your summer placement with confidence! These videos will be available all summer long so feel free to come back to them as your summer placement unfolds.
Another thing to consider is that viewing at two of these videos is a requirement for the Summer Public Service Stipend.