Five Tips for the Persuasive Researcher
Pretrial Practice & Discovery Committee, Section of Litigation, American Bar Association, Vol. 17, No. 4, p. 9, Summer 2009
Republished in the Business Torts Journal, Section of Litigation, American Bar Association, Vol. 17, No. 4, p. 14, Summer 2010
1 Pages Posted: 17 Feb 2011 Last revised: 5 Feb 2012
Date Written: June 1, 2010
Abstract
This short article discusses five research tips to transform a mediocre work product into a persuasive one. The tips are (1) do not cite cases unless you have read them entirely; (2) know the holding of a case (did the court reverse a jury verdict?); (3) research opinions drafted by your judge; (4) use the West Digest System (such as for discovery motions); and (5) use the ABA website for research materials. These research techniques are relevant to motions to dismiss, motions for summary judgment, appellate briefs, and other persuasive works.
Whether you are a seasoned or rookie attorney, I hope that you will learn from these tips.
Keywords: writing tips, Research, Persuasive, Writing, Tips, motions, Appellate Brief, legal writing, researching, west digest, digest
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