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

See all articles by Eric Voigt

Eric Voigt

Faulkner University, Jones School of Law

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 The tips are (1) do not cite cases unless you have read them entirely; (2) know the holding of a case (did the court reverse a jury verdict?); (3) research opinions drafted by your judge;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

Suggested Citation

Voigt, Eric, Five Tips for the Persuasive Researcher (June 1, 2010). 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 , Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1762634

Eric Voigt (Contact Author)

Faulkner University, Jones School of Law ( email )

5245 Atlanta Highway
Montgomery, AL 36109
United States

HOME PAGE: http://www.faulkner.edu/law

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