Research Instruction

Please reach out to Julie Graves Krishnaswami with questions.

Spring Semester 2026 | Scheduled Courses

Advanced Legal Research Methods & Sources (ALR) (21027-01)

Units: 2 or 3, Credit or Fail
Instructor: Julie Krishnaswami and Lucie Olejnikova
Fridays 10:10 AM -12:00PM, SLB - 121

An advanced exploration of the specialized methods and sources of legal research in the following areas: secondary legal authority, case law, statutes, legislative history, court rules, practice materials, and administrative law. The course will also cover the legal research process and tracking research, as well as other strategies for efficient and effective legal research. Class sessions will integrate the use of online, print, and other sources to solve legal research problems. Laptop computer is strongly recommended for use during class time. Students are required to complete a series of assignments, addition to the other course requirements.

Note: L.LM. students who wish to qualify for a third unit will need to write a paper. The option of a third credit is only available to L.LM. students.

Essentials of Research and Writing (21026-01)

Units: 3, Graded
Instructors: Cecilia Silver, Olivia Hoffman, Joy Hovestadt, Chichi Lee, Shira Megerman, and Noah Messing
Mondays & Wednesdays 1:35 - 3:00PM, Baker - 116

Building on the foundational skills taught in Introduction to Legal Analysis and Writing (ILAW), this course helps students become proficient in the essential elements of legal writing, research, and analysis. The course exposes students to predictive, preventative, and persuasive writing, acquainting students with common types of work product that practicing lawyers often prepare. Students will compose effective emails; create a PowerPoint presentation; engage in public writing; negotiate with a counterparty; draft and redline contract provisions; write and revise a summary judgment brief; and offer clients advice orally. Students also will learn strategies and skills for how to research complex legal questions efficiently. After this course, students will feel confident to succeed in clinics, summer internships, and beyond. 

Note: Preference given to first-year students. The course will be divided into equal sections.

Late Drop Policy: All students, including interested students on the waiting list, should attend the first class. Waitlisted students who come to the first class will receive priority should any slots become available. Before the second meeting, students should decide whether they wish to remain in the course because the class will be divided into sections to begin working on simulations. No drops will be permitted after the second class.

History and Language Research in Legal Practice (21045-01)

Units: 2, Graded
Instructors: Steven Mitchell
Wednesdays 3:10 - 5:00PM

In recent decades, American courts have taken an increased interest in incorporating interdisciplinary research into their legal decision-making process. This course introduces students to interdisciplinary research sources and methodologies in legal practice through the lens of two areas which have recently gained legal valence: history and language. Through exercises, research projects, and discussions of readings, students will learn how to critically address the pragmatic and theoretical questions a practicing lawyer should consider in research and apply them to legal practice: namely how to practically identify, find, evaluate, apply, and ethically use information in the context of legal advocacy. 

Note: This class is particularly recommended for those enrolled in Constitutional History of the Framing.