The Law Society of Northern Ireland boasts a modern and well-equipped reference library. It holds a comprehensive collection of electronic and hard copy legal resources together with access to a vast network of external resources and specialised legal collections. The library also provides a range of services which many solicitors use on a regular basis including its very popular enquiry and research service, including access to precedents as well as, the expert witness service. The KnowAll database, which is accessed via the library section of the website is an important portal of legal information for practitioners in this jurisdiction providing access to NI cases, legislation, practice directions and the library catalogue of books.
The in-person Legal Research Skills course for solicitors is “hands on” with participants encouraged to use the resources and facilities available to develop their legal research strategies and techniques.
The course is very well received with previous delegates stating:
“Excellent course – will be invaluable back in the office.”
“I have discovered new information and new knowledge about the LSNI Library services – thank you!”
“Excellent session – KnowAll is a very useful tool.”
“This is an excellent course which should be undertaken by solicitors!”
Topics to be covered will include:
- the law-making and law-finding processes in Northern Ireland and the intricacies of conducting legal research in a small jurisdiction to ensure you are relying on good law;
- whether to use hard copy or electronic resources and the development of search strategies according to the best bibliographical resources available;
- use of free online authoritative resources for legal research
- commercial resources available through the Law Society Library;
- use of the KnowAll database and commercial databases, Lexis and Westlaw;
- an interactive tutorial on best practice, tips and techniques for using the internet for legal research, including some useful search techniques..
- introduction to AI in the law firm
At the end of the course, participants will receive useful documentation detailing authoritative legal websites as well as information on researching the law in Northern Ireland. As well as the documentation, participants on the “in person” course will have a short tour of the library to see first-hand the library collection.
The number of places for the in-person course will be strictly capped at 8 to ensure maximum benefit for each participant. Participants are asked to bring their laptop.
We will be unable to cater for anyone who turns up without booking in advance.
