Trainee Talks: Navigating Legal Research
When I first started my training contract, I quickly realised that legal research wasn’t something I had left behind at university, but something that would become part of my everyday life. During my LLB and postgraduate studies, research felt like an academic exercise: answering essay questions, analysing cases, and writing papers that often seemed detached from reality. In practice, though, research takes on a completely different meaning. It’s no longer about theory; it’s about solving real problems for real clients.
From academic theory to practical problem-solving
As a trainee, I’ve learned that research underpins almost everything we do. Whether clarifying the distinction between ordinary and special resolutions in Company Law, interpreting the implications of a "protected tenancy," or sourcing case law to strengthen a dispute resolution strategy, research becomes a tool for problem-solving rather than abstract analysis. Practical research isn’t about writing long essays, or detailed research notes, it’s about finding clear, actionable answers quickly and applying them to a client’s situation.
This means adapting your approach. At university, I was taught to cover every angle and critique every source. In practice, efficiency and relevance matter more. Trainees must learn to extract actionable insights from complex sources and tailor them to the specific needs of clients and supervisors.
Technology: A helpful tool, but not a replacement
One thing that surprised me was how much technology shapes modern legal research. Tools like Practical Law and Lexis are invaluable, they make finding reliable information so much easier. Mastery of these tools is indispensable for trainees seeking to navigate the profession effectively. However, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) introduces both opportunities and challenges.
Whilst AI is the “hot topic” at the moment, it is not infallible. Legal-specific AI systems, trained on authoritative sources, can significantly reduce time spent on routine tasks but we have all heard the horror stories of barristers being reprimanded in court (and by their professional regulators) for citing fake cases, or lawyers relying on information from a different jurisdiction.
There’s also the issue of confidentiality. Putting client details into open AI platforms isn’t just risky; it could breach GDPR and professional obligations. So, whilst AI is useful, it’s not a substitute for judgement and accountability. At the end of the day, the responsibility for accuracy lies with us.
Practical tips I’ve learned along the way
Research as a trainee isn’t just about finding the right answer, it’s about communicating it effectively. Here are a few things I’ve picked up:
- Start with the answer: Placing the conclusion at the top allows for a clear picture, then explain how you got there, safeguarding your position by evidencing due diligence.
- Expect drafting to take time: Turning technical research into clear advice often takes longer than the research itself. You’ll probably uncover new questions as you write and will need to factor in time to effectively answer those questions as well.
- Don’t rely on old precedents: Just because someone else has previously done something doesn’t mean it will be up to date. Law firms use tools like Practical Law and Lexis as they are regularly updated on changes in the law. Relying on research or precedents someone has previously made could lead to outdated and incorrect advice.
- Adapt your tone: The way you present advice depends on who you’re writing to, such as a partner, a commercial client, or someone with no legal background. Getting this right is key as the information is only as useful as it can be understood by those reading it.
What I wish I’d known as a student
If you’re studying law or preparing for the SQE, I would recommend avoiding looking at research as an academic hurdle. It’s a skill you’ll use every day in practice. Get comfortable with legal databases now, learn how to summarise complex information clearly, and understand the basics of legal tech. This will benefit you later down the line in your career.
Legal research isn’t always glamorous, but it’s essential. Done well, it’s not just about finding answers, it’s about building trust with your supervisors and clients- an important quality to have when taking on the role of a lawyer.