Learning Legal Research

All University at Buffalo School of Law students will participate in extensive legal research training during their LAWR courses during their first year, and during the "Advanced Legal Analysis, Writing & Research" course in either their second or third year. In addition, the law librarians frequently are invited to conduct specialized how-to-do-research presentations in upper class law courses requiring written work.

For law students and others interested in reviewing legal research tools and techniques, here are a few suggestions.

(UB School of Law students only)

The Center for Computer-Assisted Legal Instruction offers 950+ self-paced lessons on a wide array of legal topics. A complete list of CALI's legal research and writing lessons. For LAW STUDENTS ONLY. See reference librarian for access information.

Here is a short selection of legal research CALI lessons:

Some Basics

• Where Does Law Come From?
• Legal Research 101: The Tools of the Trade
• Decision Point: State or Federal?
• Legal Research Methodology
• Cost of Legal Research
• Hold 'em, Fold 'em, Walk Away or Run: When to Stop the Search

Statutory Research

• Introduction to State and Federal Statutes
• Forms of Federal Statutory Publication
• Codification
• Finding Statutes
• Researching Federal Legislative History

Case Research

• How To Find Case Law Using the Digests

New York Research

• New York Primary Legal Research

Secondary Sources

• Introduction to Secondary Sources
• American Law Reports
• Legal Encyclopedias
• Periodicals Indexes and Library Catalogs
• Using the Restatements of the Law

Study aids are available in print on the 5th floor or in electronic format:

• Lexis Nexis Digital Library – Full-text includes digital access in e-book format. Popular series included are Mastering Series, Q&A Series, Sills & Values Series, and the Understanding Series.
• West Study Aids – Full-text content includes formats like monographs, audio files, outlines and more published mainly by Foundation Press®, Gilbert® and West Academic Publishing number over 500 in total. Popular series included are Nutshells, Concise Hornbooks, Concepts & Insights, Sum & Substance Audio, Law School Legends Audio, Academic Success, Acing Series, Black Letter Series, Career Guides, E-Flash Cards, Exam Pro Series, Gilbert Law Summaries, High Court Case Summaries, Law Stories Series, Sum & Substance Quick Reviews, Short & Happy Guides, Turning Point Series, Legalines, and Bar Prep are currently part of the evolving content.

Wolters Kluwer Study Aids – Study aids such as the Crunchtime Series and Examples & Explanations are available in print on the 5th floor. Browse a list of WK Study Aids.

(UB School of Law students only)

The Law Library offers short research appointments to help our students prepare for summer internships and post-graduation employment. We can tailor your appointment to focus on the best sources and strategies in particular areas of the law or provide a broad overview of general best practices and key resources. These appointments are offered at the end of the Spring Semester every year. Law students will be notified via SIP about how to make an appointment.

Contact a Reference Librarian for more information.

The Reference Librarians are a great resource. Stop by the Reference Desk (Reference Desk Hours) and ask the librarian for assistance in person. You can also contact the reference librarians in the Law Library by phone 716-645-2047, via chat, or email.